Jump to content

AKB48

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the Japanese idol group. For a group of idol groups this belongs to, see AKB48 Group.

AKB48
AKB48 performing at the Nokia Theater (now Peacock Theater) in Los Angeles, California, in July 2010
AKB48 performing at the Nokia Theater (now Peacock Theater) in Los Angeles, California, in July 2010
Background information
OriginAkihabara, Tokyo, Japan
GenresJ-pop
Years active2005–present
Labels
Member ofAKB48 Group
MembersSee List of AKB48 members
Past membersSee List of former members of AKB48
Websiteakb48.co.jp

AKB48 (pronounced A.K.B. Forty-Eight) is a Japanese idol musical girl group named after the Akihabara area in Tokyo, where the group's theater is located. AKB48 has sold more records than any other female musical act in Japanese history.[2] AKB48's producer, Yasushi Akimoto, wanted to form a girl group with its own theater and performing daily so fans could always see them live (which is not the case with usual pop groups giving occasional concerts and seen on television).[3] This "Idols You Can Meet" concept includes teams[4] which can rotate performances and perform simultaneously at several events[5] and "handshake" events, where fans can meet group members.[3] Akimoto has expanded the AKB48 concept to several girl groups within Japan, and internationally in Mainland China, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Philippines and Malaysia.

AKB48 have been characterized as a social phenomenon.[6] They are among the highest-earning musical acts in Japan, and are the fifth-best-selling girl group worldwide. For example, their 2012 sales from record and DVD/Blu-ray releases reached $226 million, earning the group the top spot in the 2012 artist ranking.[7][8] As of April 2019, the group has sold over 60 million records,[9] including over 6 million albums.[10] At least 35 of AKB48's singles have topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, with at least 30 singles selling over a million copies each,[11] making the group the highest selling musical act in Japan in terms of singles sold.[12][13] Their highest selling single, "Teacher Teacher", sold over 3 million in 2018 according to Billboard / Soundscan.[14] Between 2010 and 2020, AKB48's singles have occupied at least the top two spots of the Oricon Yearly Singles Chart.[15]

Concept

[edit]
Theater marquee at night
AKB48 Theater in Akihabara, Tokyo

AKB48 was founded as "idols you can meet".[4] Japanese idols are entertainers/performers who appeal directly to fans for support. Close interactions between fans and idols allow idols to cultivate and maintain loyal fan followings.[16] The group's chief producer, Yasushi Akimoto, said that his goal was to create a unique idol group which, unlike other idol groups which perform occasional concerts and appear primarily on television, would perform regularly in its own theater.[4][17][note 1] The AKB48 Theater is in the Don Quijote store in Akihabara, Tokyo.[3]

The group is split into several teams, reducing its members' workload (since the theater's near-daily performance is by only one team at a time) and enabling AKB48 to perform simultaneously in several places.[5] According to former member Misaki Iwasa, each team has its own theme. Team A represents freedom; Team B is idol-like, with cute costumes, and Team K has a strong, powerful image.[18] According to an early press release, the group was intended to have 16 members on each of three teams, for a total membership of 48;[4][19][20][21] but its membership has varied over time,[8] and has exceeded 120 people.[22] New members are called trainees (研究生, kenkyūsei) who are understudies for the group,[note 2] performing occasionally in the theater as a team.

The group members' ages range from their early teens to over 30,[23][24] and they are selected from regular auditions.[3][8] Members are not allowed to date, and must be well-behaved;[25] any violation of these restrictions is to be punished,[26] possibly by expulsion from the group.[27] AKB48 has a system that allows members to "graduate" from the group when they are older and are replaced by trainees who are promoted. Monica Hesse of The Washington Post described the AKB48 audition process as "rolling American Idol-esque".[8]

History

[edit]

2005–2006: Creation and independent releases

[edit]

In July 2005, Yasushi Akimoto held an audition for a new theater-based idol girl group.[28] Of the 7,924 who auditioned, 24 were chosen as first-generation group members.[28] On December 8, 20 members debuted as Team A in the AKB48 Theater[29] performing "Party ga Hajimaru yo" (PARTYが始まるよ)[30] to an audience of seven; attendance quickly increased.[31][32] In January 2006, AKB48 cafe waitress Mariko Shinoda joined Team A as a "1.5 generation" member when her popularity with patrons prompted Akimoto to give her a special audition.[33][34]

The group's second audition was held in cooperation with telecommunications company NTT DoCoMo in February 2006, with applicants submitting audition videos on mobile phones.[35][36]

Overhead photo of group of girls onstage
AKB48 preparing for its debut on March 26, 2006

Of 11,892 applicants, 19 were selected, and 18 joined AKB48 as Team K in April.[37] Team K performed Party ga Hajimaru yo and Team A moved to a new stage program, Aitakatta.[38]

AKB48 released its first independent-label single, "Sakura no Hanabiratachi", in February 2006. It entered Oricon's weekly Top 10 chart, with first-week sales of 22,011 (a rarity for an indie-label group).[39] On March 31, Yuki Usami became the first member to "graduate" from the group.[40] On June 7 AKB48 released its second independent single, "Skirt, Hirari",[41] which sold 13,349 copies on its first day.[42] The group made its first television appearance two days later,[37] and signed a contract with DefStar Records (a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment) in August.[43]

2006–2007: Set List: Greatest Songs 2006–2007

[edit]
AKB48's logo

In October 2006 AKB48 announced auditions for Team B,[44] and 13 girls were chosen out of 12,828 applicants in December.[45] The group's first DefStar Records single, "Aitakatta", was recorded by 20 members of Teams A and K and released on October 25.[46] It debuted at number 12 on the Oricon weekly singles chart, selling 25,544 copies in its first six weeks,[47] and remained on the chart for a total of 65 weeks.[48] On November 3–4 AKB48 performed its first concert, "AKB48 First Concert: Aitakatta ~Hashira wa Nai ze!~" at Nippon Seinenkan in Shinjuku.[37] The group performed "Aitakatta" on the New Year's Eve TV program 58th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen as a part of the "Nihon ga Hokoru Saisentan! Special Medley".[37] At 43 members, the group set a program record for the most people in one group onstage simultaneously.[37] AKB48 made its first lineup change in December, transferring Kazumi Urano, Shiho Watanabe and Natsumi Hirajima from Team A to Team B as supporting members.[37]

AKB48's second major-label single, "Seifuku ga Jama o Suru", was released on January 31, 2007[49] and debuted at number seven on the Oricon Top 10 chart.[50] Its music video and lyrics hinted at the subject of enjo kōsai (compensated dating, remotely related to escort services outside Japan), triggering controversy and negative reviews.[51] On March 18 AKB48 released "Keibetsu Shiteita Aijō"; debuting at number eight on the Oricon chart, it dropped to number 98 in its second week.[49] The group's second concert, "AKB48 Haru no Chotto dake Zenkoku Tour ~Madamada daze AKB48!~" on March 10,[52] had poor ticket sales.[53]

In April 2007 AKB48 posted its Team B roster on its website, with five fewer members than originally announced;[37] for the first time, its membership numbered 48. The group's fourth single, "Bingo!", was released on July 18.[54] AKB48's sixth single, "Yūhi o Miteiru ka?", was released on Halloween 2007 and sold 18,429 copies[55] (the least of all the group's singles).[53]

2008–2010: Kamikyokutachi

[edit]
AKB48 live at Japan Expo 2009 (Paris)

On New Year's Day 2008, AKB48 released its first album, Set List: Greatest Songs 2006–2007, a collection of the group's singles and live song lists. The group's seventh major-label single (its ninth overall), "Romance, Irane", was released on January 23[56] and reached number six on the Oricon Top 10 chart in its first week.[57]

On February 27, the group released its eighth major-label single, "Sakura no Hanabiratachi 2008", a reprise of its Team A debut single. This version featured ten members from Team A, six from Team K and five from Team B.[58] The single's CD included a poster, and a promotion was planned in which fans who collected all 44 posters would be invited to a special event. The promotion was later canceled by DefStar Records amid concerns about possible violations of antitrust laws.[59]

In June 2008, AKB48 announced plans to launch a sister group, SKE48, in Sakae, Nagoya.[60] In August, the group moved from DefStar Records to King Records.[citation needed] That month Ayaka Kikuchi was the first member to be fired from the group, for "immature behavior" involving a leaked purikura photo of her with a boyfriend.[61][62] Kikuchi returned to the group after a 2010 audition.[63]

On October 22, AKB48's tenth single, "Ōgoe Diamond", was released on King Records' You Be Cool label.[64] With 11-year-old SKE48 member Jurina Matsui as the single's center and cover girl, it was the first single featuring a member of AKB48's sister group[65] and debuted at number three on the Oricon Top 10 weekly chart.[66]

The group released its 11th major-label single, "10nen Sakura", on March 4, 2009. Also reaching number three on the Oricon charts in its first week, it was the group's first single to sell over 100,000 copies.[67] The group's 12th major-label single, "Namida Surprise!", was released on June 24. Promotions included a handshaking-event ticket and a ballot for a member to headline its next single.[68] "Namida Surprise!" sold 104,180 copies in its first week on the Oricon charts.[69] AKB48's 13th single, "Iiwake Maybe", was released on August 26.[70] Outselling rival SMAP's single, it reached number one on the Oricon Daily Singles Chart[71] and number two on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.[72]

Girls in short skirts singing onstage
AKB48 at Japan Expo in Paris, 2009

AKB48's Team A was a guest of honor at the Japan Expo in Paris from July 2–5, 2009, performing an English version of "Ōgoe Diamond".[73] The group made its U.S. debut with a show at Webster Hall in New York City on September 27.[74]

In October, three AKB48 singles ("10nen Sakura", "Namida Surprise!" and "Iiwake Maybe") were certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.[75] Its 14th single, "River" released on October 21,[76] debuted atop the Oricon Top 10 weekly chart and was the group's first number one.[76]

AKB48 released its 15th major-label single, "Sakura no Shiori", on February 17, 2010. In its first week, the single topped the Oricon chart with over 300,000 copies sold, the most by a Japanese female artist in seven years.[77] This was the group's last single until the release of their first King Records album, Kamikyokutachi, which would top the Oricon album chart[78][79] and be certified double platinum by the RIAJ for sales of over 500,000 copies.[80]

2010–2011: Koko ni Ita Koto

[edit]
AKB48 at the 2010 Asia Song Festival

AKB48's 16th single, "Ponytail to Chouchou", was released on May 26, 2010. Its sales exceeded those of the previous single, with over 400,000 copies sold on its first day and over 513,000 in its first week.[81] On April 27, Anime Expo, the largest anime convention in the United States, announced that AKB48 would be a guest of honor, and the group performed on July 1 at the Nokia Theatre.[82]

On October 23, AKB48 represented Japan at the seventh Asia Song Festival, organized by the Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange, at Seoul Olympic Stadium.[83][84] Four days later the group released its 18th single, "Beginner". It sold 826,989 copies in its first week, the highest first-week sales for a female idol group single.[85] AKB48 member Mayu Watanabe appeared on the cover of the December issue of the idol magazine UP to boy with Airi Suzuki from the Japanese girl group Cute, the first gravure collaboration between Hello! Project and AKB48.[86]

Smiling girls gesturing onstage
AKB48 on Cool Japan Night, as part of the November 2010 Anime Festival Asia X in Singapore

In November 2010, AKB48 participated in several events outside Japan. On November 20, 12 members of the group performed at the Japanese Pop Culture Festival in Moscow.[87] AKB48 performed at the Cool Japan forum in Singapore as part of Anime Festival Asia X, and at the Singapore Toy, Games and Comics Convention.[88][89] Group graduates in 2010 included second-generation member Erena Ono, who left on September 27 to pursue an acting career overseas.[90][91]

The group's first 2011 single, "Sakura no Ki ni Narō", was released on February 16. It sold 655,000 copies on its first day, surpassing "Beginner's" first-day sales of 568,000.[92] By the end of its first week the single sold 942,479 copies, the group's best and the fastest sales in Japan since 2000.[93]

On February 21, AKB48 announced its first studio album, Koko ni Ita Koto (ここにいたこと), which would include 11 new tracks and was scheduled for an April 6 release.[94][95][96] Due to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, the group stopped its AKB48 Theater performances and canceled some of its public events.[note 3] AKB48 began the "Dareka no Tame ni" (誰かのために, lit. "For someone's sake") project, collecting donations for earthquake and tsunami relief. One of its concert venues, the Yokohama Arena, was used for a two-day charity event beginning on March 26 and 12 AKB48 members attended the Okinawa International Movie Festival that day for the same purpose. On March 15, AKB48 announced that ¥500 million would be donated by the group, its sister groups SKE48, SDN48 and NMB48 and associates of AKS, its management company.[97] Koko ni Ita Koto's release was postponed until June 8, with part of the album's proceeds donated to disaster victims.[98] On April 1 the group released the charity single "Dareka no Tame ni (What can I do for someone?)" (誰かのために -What can I do for someone?-) on the Recochoku website as a digital download, with all proceeds earmarked for earthquake and tsunami relief.[99]

2011–2012: 1830 m

[edit]
Store in a shopping mall, with two customers inside
AKB48 shop in Singapore, 2011

On May 1, AKB48 announced a new sister group: HKT48, based in Fukuoka, Kyushu, with its theater in the Hawks Town Mall of Fukuoka's Chuo ward.[100] On May 3, The Straits Times reported the opening of AKB48's first overseas theater in Singapore.[101] The theater, in *scape Youth Park, would host 16 members from AKB48 and its sister groups for two shows a day two days a month.[101] It had an adjacent AKB48 shop for merchandise and an AKB48 Cafe, serving Japanese fusion cuisine and desserts.[101] In June, AKB48 was invited as a perform guest in 22nd Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan.[102]

AKB48 released its 21st major-label single, "Everyday, Kachūsha", on May 25. An "election single", it contained ballots for determining who would headline the group's next single[98][103] and set Japanese records for first-day (942,475 copies)[103] and first-week sales (1,333,969 copies).[104] On June 22, Oricon reported that for the first half of 2011 AKB48 topped the album sales charts and had the best- and second-best-selling singles ("Everyday, Kachūsha" and "Sakura no Ki ni Narō"). The group amassed ¥6.66 billion in merchandise sales.[105]

On June 7, before its nationwide concert tour, AKB48 announced the creation of Team 4.[106] The 16-member team[106] would be captained by Mina Ōba,[107] and the word "team" was dropped from "Team Kenkyūsei" for the group's alternates. Four days later the group announced at a handshake event that Aimi Eguchi, who supposedly auditioned for NMB48, would join AKB48 as a trainee. It later became known that Eguchi was not a real person, but a composite of AKB48 members' facial features created to promote Glico's Ice no Mi.[108] On June 28, AKB48 producer Yasushi Akimoto announced plans to create another group as AKB48's "official rival". Nogizaka46 (乃木坂46) would debut with about 20 members, and Akimoto would join Sony Music Japan to produce the new group.[109]

AKB48 released its 22nd single, "Flying Get" (フライングゲット, Furaingugetto), on August 24.[110] It sold 1,025,952 copies on its first day,[111] and became the group's fourth single to sell over a million copies (1.354 million) in its first week.[110] On September 20, AKB48 held its second rock-paper-scissors tournament to determine the lineup for the group's 24th single.[112][113] The group's 23rd single, "Kaze wa Fuiteiru", was released on October 26 and sold 1,045,937 copies on its first day.[114] The next single, "Ue kara Mariko" (released on December 7), sold 1.199 million copies in its first week.[115]

At the end of 2011, AKB48 topped seven of 16 Oricon rankings:[116] total sales by an artist, copies sold for a single, total sales for a single, total sales by an artist (for singles), copies sold for a music Blu-ray disc, total sales for a music Blu-ray disc and total Blu-ray sales by an artist.[116] The group set records for the most million-selling singles in a year, best-selling single by a female group and highest-earning female group.[116] AKB48 won the Grand Prix in the 53rd Japan Record Awards for "Flying Get".[117]

Store with customers
AKB48 Shop in Akihabara selling "Everyday, Kachūsha" and "Give Me Five!" merchandise in March 2012

Oricon announced on January 6, 2012, that AKB48 had sold 11,787,000 copies of its CD singles, surpassing girl group Morning Musume's Japanese record for a female group of 11,774,000.[13] On January 22 (the final day of its "AKB48 Request Hour Set List Best 100 2012" concert series at Tokyo Dome City Hall) AKB48 members performed the new "Give Me Five!" as Baby Blossom, playing guitars, keyboards, percussion and horns.[116][118] The Baby Blossom members had spent five months learning to play musical instruments, and some had little (or no) previous experience.[116][118] "Give Me Five!" was released on February 15.[116]

AKB48's second documentary film, Documentary of AKB48: Show Must Go On Shōjo-tachi wa Kizutsuki Nagara, Yume wo Miru, opened on January 27[119] in seventh place[120] at the box office and grossed nearly $4 million by February 19.[121] An anime series, AKB0048, was developed by Satelight[122] and aired from April 29 to July 22. It was directed by Yoshimasa Hiraike, with group producer Akimoto aiding with planning and supervision.[122] Nine members of AKB48 and its sister groups voiced the main characters, singing its opening and closing themes[123][124] as No Name.[125]

After photographs with their boyfriends surfaced, Natsumi Hirajima and Rumi Yonezawa resigned from the group[27] and were replaced by Jurina Matsui of SKE48 and Miyuki Watanabe of NMB48.[27][126] On March 24 AKB48 announced that five trainees would be promoted to Team 4, expanding its roster to 16.[126] It was also announced that the group would perform at the Tokyo Dome stadium, one of AKB48's main goals since it was founded.[127][128]

On March 25, longtime headliner Atsuko Maeda announced her graduation from the group.[129] AKB48 announced that Maeda would graduate after the Tokyo Dome concerts;[130] her final performance (and graduation ceremony) took place in the AKB48 theater on August 27,[131] and was streamed live on YouTube.[132]

On March 26 AKB48 announced an election for the lineup for the group's 27th major-label single, "Gingham Check". The candidates were 243 members of AKB48, SKE48, NMB48 and HKT48,[133] and ballots were included with the group's 26th single ("Manatsu no Sounds Good!").[134] The election was held June 6 at Nippon Budokan, with the results telecast live.[135] Yuko Oshima finished first, followed by Mayu Watanabe and Yuki Kashiwagi.[134]

On April 23 AKB48 announced the creation of its third overseas sister group, SNH48, based in Shanghai.[136] It was announced on June 17 that Rino Sashihara would be transferred to HKT48 in July as a "restart" because of an alleged scandal involving her ex-boyfriend.[137] On June 24 AKB48 announced the promotion of six trainees from the 10th and 11th generations[138] and its third rock-paper-scissors tournament (scheduled for September 18) to determine the lineup for the group's 29th single, "Eien Pressure".[138]

On August 15 the group released its second studio album, 1830m, and on August 24 (the first day of its Tokyo Dome concert series) AKB48 announced a reorganization of its teams. Team 4 was dissolved, with its members transferred to the other three teams. Aika Ōta was transferred to HKT48, Aki Takajō and Haruka Nakagawa to Jakarta-based JKT48 and Sae Miyazawa and Mariya Suzuki to SNH48.[139] Minami Takahashi became general manager of AKB48, with Mariko Shinoda replacing her as Team A captain. Yuko Oshima became Team K captain, and Ayaka Umeda captain of Team B.[140][141]

2012–2014: Tsugi no Ashiato

[edit]
AKB48 in Tokyo in 2013

AKB48 recorded "Sugar Rush" for the 2012 Disney animated film, Wreck-It Ralph,[142] and the group set a Guinness World Record for the most pop singers in a video game (its dating simulation game, AKB1/149 Ren'ai Sōsenkyo).[143] It won a second consecutive Japan Record Award, for "Manatsu no Sounds Good!". The group was the number one artist by total sales revenue in Japan in 2012, with ¥19.098 billion.[144] The AKB0048 anime series was renewed for a second season, AKB0048 Next Stage, and aired from January 5 to March 30, 2013. In January 2013 AKB48 played its Request Hour Set List Best 100 concert at Tokyo Dome City Hall, announcing future shows at Nippon Budokan[145] and Nissan Stadium (the first show by a female artist at the latter).[146] On February 1, the film Documentary of AKB48: No Flower Without Rain: Shōjo Tachi wa Namida no Ato ni Nani o Miru?.[147] opened in tenth place at the box office,[148] and grossed $2.2 million by February 17.[149] During a meet-and-greet event for the film, first-generation member Tomomi Itano announced that she was leaving the group.[150] On April 28, after a Nippon Budokan concert, AKB48's general manager announced another reorganization of the teams (including the girls who were also members of its sister groups).[151] Nito Moeno and Tomomi Kasai also made their final appearances with the group.[failed verification]

AKB48 released its 31st single, "Sayonara Crawl" (an election single), on May 22.[152] It sold more than 1.9 million copies in its first month,[153] breaking Speed's White Love 1997 record for the highest single sales by a female group.[154] The election candidates were 246 girls from AKB48, its sister groups and former members.[155] On June 8 the results were broadcast on Fuji TV and streamed live on YouTube, the latter with Japanese and English commentary.[156][157] The winner was HKT48 member Rino Sashihara, a former member of AKB48.[155][158] During the event, Team A captain Mariko Shinoda (who placed fifth) announced that she would leave the group in July.[159] On July 31, during AKB48's summer concert series at the Sapporo Dome, guest and former group headliner Atsuko Maeda sang her new solo single ("Time Machine Nante Iranai").[160]

On August 21 the group released its 32nd single, "Koisuru Fortune Cookie". Its music video had 3,800 extras,[161] the most for any AKB48- and sister group-related video.[162] On August 24 the group announced the restoration of Team 4, with Minami Minegishi as captain and members promoted from the 13th and 14th generation of trainees.[163]

On September 18, AKB48 held its annual rock-paper-scissors tournament at Nippon Budokan to determine the lineup for its 34th single,[164] with Jurina Matsui the winner.[165] After the event the group announced the lineup and performed its 33rd single, "Heart Electric", which was released in October.[166] Its music video was directed by Shusuke Kaneko, known for the Heisei Gamera trilogy Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack and the live-action film version of Death Note.[167] On December 11 the group released its 34th single, "Suzukake no Ki no Michi de 'Kimi no Hohoemi o Yume ni Miru' to Itte Shimattara Bokutachi no Kankei wa Dō Kawatte Shimau no ka, Bokunari ni Nan-nichi ka Kangaeta Ue de no Yaya Kihazukashii Ketsuron no Yō na Mono",[168] and on December 31 longtime member Yuko Oshima announced on Kōhaku Uta Gassen that she was leaving the group.[169] The group was the 2nd artist by total sales revenue in Japan in 2013, with ¥13.254 billion.[170]

On January 22, 2014, AKB48 released the third studio album Tsugi no Ashiato. It reached number one on the weekly Oricon Albums Chart, selling 962,000 copies.[171] The group's 35th single, "Mae shika Mukanee", was released on February 26 and sold 970,413 copies on its first day.[172][173]

AKB48 announced plans for a fifth team, Team 8, with one member from each of Japan's 47 prefectures.[174] On February 24, during the group's Grand Reformation Festival event at Zepp DiverCity Tokyo, the group announced a team reorganization. This included a captain and co-captain of each team, promotion of AKB48 trainees to regular membership (with assignment to the four teams) and the transfer of members between AKB48 and its sister groups.[175] On April 3 AKB48 introduced its 47-member Team 8[176] as "the idols who come to you".[176][note 4] Akimoto announced auditions for an Otona adult member over 30 years old, to participate in events and be the centerpiece of a Glico Papico commercial. On April 16, AKB48 announced the Otona member: Mariko Tsukamoto, a 37-year-old housewife and mother of two.[177]

On May 21 the group released its 36th single, "Labrador Retriever", which sold over 1,462,000 copies on its first day.[178]

On June 7, AKB48 and its related groups announced the results of the annual election to determine the lineup for its 37th single. The winner was Mayu Watanabe with 159,854 votes, and Rino Sashihara was runner-up with 141,954 votes. The top eighty candidates were ranked in five groups of sixteen.[179]

In August, AKB48 announced the Baito AKB project, which allows girls to join AKB48 part-time using the job search site Baitoru.[180] 13,246 girls applied for Baito AKB, and after several screening rounds, 53 girls were selected to sign a five-month contract with a possible three-month extension in February.[181][182][183] After the end of the project, 11 of the former Baito AKB members entered the yearly Draft Kaigi event aiming to become full members,[184] while others expressed their desire to take part in the auditions for the newly planned NGT48 group.[185]

On December 8, long-time member and general manager Minami Takahashi announced she will leave the group in December 2015 for the group's tenth anniversary.[186][187] She recommended that Team K captain Yui Yokoyama be her successor.[188][189]

The group ranked second overall in Oricon's Artist Total Sales Revenue for the 2014 year, with ¥13.075 billion.[190][191]

Assault at handshake event

[edit]
Main article: 2014 AKB48 handsaw assault

At a May 25, 2014 handshake event at the Iwate Industry Culture and Convention Center in Takizawa, Iwate, group members Rina Kawaei, Anna Iriyama and a staff member were attacked by a 24-year-old man with a handsaw. The suspect was arrested for attempted murder,[note 5] and the three were treated at a hospital for fractures and cuts.[192] AKB48 canceled its theater performances through the end of May,[193] and handshake and photo-shoot fan events in May and June were postponed.[194] In response to security concerns,[195] the Manseibashi Police Station of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department asked AKS to conduct security checks of audience members at the theater entrance.[193] The man eventually pleaded guilty to charges of bodily injury.[196] Although sister groups SKE48, NMB48 and HKT48 did not suspend their theater performances, they introduced security measures: metal detectors, not using the theaters' front rows, suspending post-performance "high-five" events and increasing the number of security guards.[197] On May 30, AKB48 resumed its television appearances,[198] and on June 2, the group resumed theater performances with security measures similar to those of its sister groups.[199] Security and bag checks were added at the general-election-results event and Yuko Oshima's graduation concert.[200][201]

2015: Koko ga Rhodes da, Koko de Tobe! and 0 to 1 no Aida

[edit]

On January 21, 2015, the group released its fourth studio album, Koko ga Rhodes da, Koko de Tobe!.[202] On March 4, the group released the single "Green Flash".[203][204] The group became the first group who sold their 20 consecutive singles in 1 million on the first week. On March 26, member Rina Kawaei announced her graduation from the group in order to continue her acting career on her own,[205] stating that the previous incident and long period of rest brought her to reflect on her future without depending on the group.[206]

On May 10, AKB48 was invited to the annual Japan Day festival in New York, their second performance in the city since 2009.[207] A small away team consisting of members Rina Hirata, Ryoka Oshima, Haruna Kojima, Tomu Mutou, Saho Iwatate and Rina Nozawa performed a total of five songs cheered by a crowd of 5000 attendants.[208][209][210]

On May 20, the group released the single "Bokutachi wa Tatakawanai".[211]

June 6 saw the announcement of the seventh general election results. The event was broadcast live from Fukuoka Dome on Fuji TV, which reported an average viewer rating of 18.8% with a peak of 23.4%.[212] A record 3.2 million votes were cast,[213] with Rino Sashihara winning the poll for the second time with a record 194,049 votes.[214][215]

On August 26, the group released the single "Halloween Night".[216]

On October 25, 2015, during the handshake and autograph event at Pacific Yokohama had announced the details of AKB48's 42nd Single and Request Hour 2016. The 42nd single was released on December 9, 2015. Minami Takahashi was the Center in what will be her final appearance on an AKB48 single.[217]

On November 18, the group released its third compilation album, 0 to 1 no Aida. This album marks the 10th anniversary of Japanese group, founded in 2005.

The group's 42nd single "Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby" sold 813,044 copies on its first day of release. This brought their combined single sales to over 36,158,000 single albums sold, making them the artist with the highest number of single album sales in Japan, surpassing rock group B'z.[218]

2016–2017: Thumbnail

[edit]

On January 24, 2016, during the final day of the Request Hour 2016 at Tokyo Dome City, AKB48 performed their 43rd single "Kimi wa Melody" which released on March 9, 2016.[219] Kimi Wa Melody is the second single to bring back graduates Atsuko Maeda, Yuko Oshima, Mariko Shinoda and Tomomi Itano being featured on the main track. The single was centred by Sakura Miyawaki being her first time to have a solo centre on an AKB48 track.

In February 2016, a Taiwanese girl Chia-ling Ma was added to the group as "Taiwan Kenkyūsei". This is the first foreign member in the group.[220]

On June 1, 2016, the group released the 44th single "Tsubasa wa Iranai", the single included ballots for the group's General Election for that year. Results of the election were announced on June 18 at the Hard Off Eco Stadium in Niigata on BS Sky TV Premium and Fuji TV, where Rino Sashihara placed first with 243,011 votes.[221] On August 31, the group released the 45th single "LOVE TRIP / Shiawase wo Wakenasai".

On October 3, Haruka Shimazaki announced her graduation from AKB48 during a new TV commercial presentation of Baitoru.[222] On November 16, the group released the 46th single "High Tension".

On December 12, Mayu Watanabe, Rina Izuta and Saya Kawamoto announced a new subsidiary to the AKB48 group known as 'AKB48 China' during a Shanghai press conference and fan meet.[223] Unlike the established Shanghai sister group SNH48, AKB48 China will act as bridge between Japan and China, bringing Japanese members to the upcoming AKB48 China Theatre. Upcoming promotions include a television drama being filmed and a new online game.[citation needed]

On January 25, 2017, the group released the fifth studio album Thumbnail.[224] On March 15, the group released their 47th single "Shoot Sign", and Haruna Kojima announced she would be graduating.[225] On May 31, the group released their 48th single Negaigoto no Mochigusare, which contained ballots for the general election. Rino Sashihara won the poll for the third consecutive year, this time with 246,376 votes,[226] and served as the center performer for their 49th single "#sukinanda", released on August 30. On November 22, their 50th single "11gatsu no Anklet" was released. At the December 2017 team shuffle event, it was announced that the Team 8 members are to hold concurrent positions (kennin (兼任)) with one of the other AKB48 Teams A, K, B, and 4.[227] Mayu Watanabe graduated from the group at the end of the year.[228]

2018–2021: Produce 48 & Impacted by Covid-19

[edit]

In June, 39 members of AKB48 and their sister groups participated in the South Korean television competition Produce 48, from which Iz*One was formed.[229] Sakura Miyawaki, Nako Yabuki, Hitomi Honda finished high enough to earn a spot in the group.[230][231] For the first time, Jurina Matsui topped the 10th installment of the AKB48 general elections with 194,453 votes.[232] In July, the RIAJ certified "Teacher Teacher" as a triple million, making the group the first girl group to achieve it.[233] Shortly after Produce 48, Stone Music Entertainment and Genie Music signed a deal with King Records and AKS and became the official digital distributors of AKB singles in South Korea.[234] On March 13, 2019, the group's 55th single "Jiwaru Days" was released, with Rino Sashihara serving as the center performer in her last single with AKB48. The single's third song arose from a collaboration between AKB48, Nogizaka46 and Iz*One.[235] On September 18, 2019, the group released the 56th single "Sustainable", their first release of the Reiwa period and first in six months. On October 19, 2019, AKB48 held a concert in Taipei Arena with AKB48 Team TP.[236]

Following the assault on NGT48 member Maho Yamaguchi, the management of AKB48 faced severe public criticism. The year 2019 marked some major changes for the group, as AKBingo and AKB48 Show!, two long running nationally broadcast variety shows featuring the group, were eventually cancelled.[237][238] The Akihabara-based AKB48 Cafe and Shop was closed after eight years of operation.[239] In 2019, three regular annual events were discontinued, including the general election,[240] according to the AKS then-board director "because it exhausted its set purpose after its 10th iteration".[241] For the first time in the group's history, only two singles were released in a year. 2020 began with the announcement of plans to significantly change AKB48 management structures, with individual companies independently running each of the Japanese groups.[242] On March 18, 2020, the group released the 57th single "Shitsuren, Arigatō".

In April 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting stay-at-home order, the group launched the OUC48 project, named after the Japanese word for "home", o-uchi (お家), where the members perform regular stage plays from their own homes using group video chat, which is broadcast in real time via YouTube. This project is an expansion of an earlier video montage of 103 members singing "365 Nichi no Kami Hikōki" from their homes, personally edited into a single video by General Manager Mion Mukaichi, which was received favorably.[243] They did not participate in the NHK's 71st Kōhaku Uta Gassen due to COVID-19.[244]

On May 22, 2021, the last 1st Generation member, Minami Minegishi held her graduation concert entitled Minegishi Minami Graduation Concert ～Sakura no Sakanai Haru Wanai～ on Pia Arena MM. Also, Team 8 held the last leg of their Team 8 National Tour ~47 no Suteki na Machi e~ in Kanagawa, marking the official return of Hitomi Honda to AKB from her Iz*One activities.[245] And, they also held their Tandoku Concert, performing 48 songs non-stop, with the setlist being made by Yuki Kashiwagi. In that concert, the long-awaited 58th single was finally announced, "Nemohamo Rumor" with the senbatsu also being an AKB-only senbatsu, a first since Chance no Junban in 2010.[246][247] Between August 9 and 17, several members tested positive for COVID-19,[248][249][250][251][252][253][254][255][256] however they will be resuming activities after receiving a negative result on their final COVID-19 test.[257][258][259][260][261][262][263] Yui Yokoyama announced her graduation from the group September 12, her graduation concert will be held on December 9 at AKB48 Theater.[264]

On December 8, 2021, at their 16th Anniversary concert, the group announced auditions for their 17th Generation.[265] On top of this, a Team Shuffle was also announced, with the changes taking effect on February 6, 2022. Mion Mukaichi, Manaka Taguchi, Nanami Asai and Narumi Kuranoo were appointed captains of Team A, K, B and 4 respectively.[266] On December 12, long-time member Miho Miyazaki announced her graduation from the group. Four days later, on December 16, Rena Kato announced her graduation from the group. They both graduated in February 2022.[267][268]

2022–present: Comeback after Covid-19 and transfer to Universal Music Group, Nantedatte AKB48

[edit]

On February 23, 2022, the group announced their 59th single "Motokare Desu" during the group's television show AKB48, Saikin Kiita? with Hitomi Honda serving as center position. This single would be sung by 20 members of AKB-only senbatsu and released on May 18, 2022.[269]

On May 4, 2022, 11 new trainees from 17th generation members were introduced to the public for the first time.[270] On June 29, AKB48 confirmed that 6 members Erii Chiba, Ma Chia-Ling, Mion Mukaichi, Yuzuka Yoshihashi, Nanami Asai and Narumi Kuranoo were infected with COVID-19, and Sakaguchi Nagisa needed to have a break from the idol group's activities for a period of time.[271] Hitomi Otake and Orin Muto were also infected on the same day,[272] and Serika Nagano on the next day.[273] On October 9, 2022, the group announced auditions for their 18th Generation,[274] and released their 60th single "Hisashiburi no Lip Gloss" on October 19, 2022, with Erii Chiba serving as the center for the single.[275] On February 27, 2023, AKB48 announced that their 61st single "Doushitemo Kimi ga Suki da" will be released on April 26, 2023, and Hitomi Honda will serve the center position for the single,[276] they also announced on YouTube that they will work with Universal Music Group (through their EMI Records banner) from now on.[277] On April 9, 2023, 8 new trainees from 18th generation made their debut at the Theater.[278] On April 29, 2023, the group announced that they are ending their team and captain system, with the last performances for the current teams to be held in August 2023.[279] On July 28, 2023, AKB48 announced that their 62nd single will be released on September 27, 2023, and Yui Oguri will serve the center position for the single.[280]

On October 20, 2023, long-time member Yuki Kashiwagi announced her graduation at AKB48's Nippon Budokan 3-day concert, she will hold her graduation concert on March 16, 2024 at Pia Arena MM and leave AKB48 in April.[281] On October 22, at the final day of AKB48's Nippon Budokan concert, the group announced auditions for their 19th Generation.[282] On December 8, AKB48 announced at AKB48 Theater's 18th anniversary that they will release their 63rd single - Yuki Kashiwagi's graduation single on 13 March 2024, and she will serve the center position for the single.[283]

On October 6, 2024, AKB48 announces their 10th album Nantedatte AKB48 to be released on December 25, 2024,[284] with Yuiri Murayama will serve the center position for the album.[285]

AKB48 Group

[edit]
Main article: AKB48 Group

AKB48 has sister groups created domestically and overseas, which are collectively referred to as AKB48 Group.

Group name Full name Country Status Franchise
AKB48 Akihabara48 Japan Active AKB48 Group
SKE48 Sakae48
NMB48 Namba48
HKT48 Hakata48
NGT48 Niigata48
STU48 Setouchi48
SDN48 Saturday Night48 Disbanded
JKT48 Jakarta48 Indonesia Active
SNH48 Shanghai48 China AKB48 Group (until 2016)
BNK48 Bangkok48 Thailand AKB48 Group
CGM48 Chiang Mai48
MNL48 Manila48 Philippines
AKB48 Team SH Akihabara48 Team Shanghai China
AKB48 Team TP Akihabara48 Team Taipei Taiwan
KLP48 Kuala Lumpur48 Malaysia
SGO48 Saigon48 Vietnam Disbanded
DEL48 Delhi48 India
MUB48 Mumbai48

Musical style

[edit]

Andrew Joyce and Kenneth Maxwell of The Wall Street Journal described the music as "sugar-sweet pop tunes and sometimes-suggestive lyrics". During AKB48 performances, "members perform a revue of simply choreographed routines in front of a roughly 95-percent-male audience. The music is typical Japanese pop: fast-paced numbers with high-pitched, singalong choruses."[286]

Promotion and media

[edit]

AKB48 and its sister groups boost their record sales by a variety of marketing strategies. The main track for each single is recorded by a team of "All Stars" (選抜, senbatsu, selection) consisting of popular members from AKB48's teams and, in earlier years, its sister groups, with one of the girls selected as the center performer or Center. This creates a competitive atmosphere between members and fan groups. The singles and albums are released in different editions and types with alternate album-cover pictures, B-side tracks, video DVDs, collectible member pictures, and voting codes for several annual election contests.[287] Record purchases come with tickets for fan meetings, including handshake events or photo sessions. Customers can choose the members they want to meet in an online pre-order system. All these strategies motivate fans to buy more than one copy of each release.[288][289] Alan Swarts of MTV Japan has noted that collectors purchasing multiple copies of AKB48 CDs have inflated the market, and is one of the reasons Japan's music industry has been booming.[290]

Events

[edit]
Not to be confused with Japanese High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, A Japanese High School Baseball Tournament that also uses the Term "Senbatsu" in romaji, but Japanese writing in Katakana (センバツ) instead..

The group has publicized special events to choose the promotional and recording lineups for some of its singles.[291] In 2009, the concept of senbatsu sōsenkyo (選抜総選挙, "selection general election") was introduced, which allowed fans to vote their favorite members into the promotional line up for one of their annual singles.[17] Ballots are obtained by purchasing the group's latest "election single",[292] or, alternatively, through the group's mobile app products and fan club subscriptions.[293][294] Top vote-getting members are heavily promoted,[3] with the winner getting the centerpiece of the group's live performances of the single.[291][292] The total pool of votes counted has exceeded three million votes for individual events since 2015.[295] Fans have reportedly bought hundreds of copies of singles to vote for their favorite members.[286][292][296][297][298][299][300]

Another selection method, AKB48's rock-paper-scissors tournaments, was introduced in 2010 for the group's 19th single ("Chance no Junban") and has recurred as an annual event.[301] Members of AKB48 and its sister groups compete in the knockout tournament to be part of the recording and promotional lineup for the group's next single,[302] with participants wearing a variety of costumes.[165] Starting with 2014, the tournament does not determine the promotional line up of a single anymore. Instead, the winner would debut as a soloist or, if she was already a soloist, would perform a solo concert.[303]

AKB48 has also used the general election scheme to determine set lists for an annual Request Hour (リクエストアワー, rikuesuto awā) show.[citation needed] Other annual events include an AKB48 group only version of Kōhaku Uta Gassen[citation needed] and the AKB group draft meeting (AKB48グループ ドラフト会議, AKB48 gurūpu dorafuto kaigi), in which all teams from any of the sister groups chose new members from a pre-selected group of applicants.[304][305]

In 2019, the general election, the Janken tournament, and Kōhaku Uta Gassen were not held.

Documentaries

[edit]

Four AKB48 documentaries have been released in theaters since 2011. The first, Documentary of AKB48 – To Be Continued, was released in Japan on January 22, 2011[306] and on DVD in North America on December 1.[307] The second, Documentary of AKB48: Show Must Go On Shōjo-tachi wa Kizutsuki Nagara, Yume wo Miru, was released on January 27, 2012[119] and earned $3,984,152 at the Japanese box office.[308] The third, Documentary of AKB48: No Flower Without Rain: Shōjo Tachi wa Namida no Ato ni Nani o Miru?, was released on February 2, 2013[309] and earned $2,269,118 at the Japanese box office.[310] The fourth, Documentary of AKB48 The Time has come Shōjo-tachi wa, Ima, Sono Senaka ni Nani wo Omou?, was released on July 4, 2014[311] and (as of July 13, 2014) grossed $984,757 at the Japanese box office.[312] Each film chronicled events and issues encountered by the group during the previous year.[120] The most recent film was Sonzai Suru Riy: Documentary of AKB48 was released on July 8, 2016.[313]

Manga and anime

[edit]

The manga AKB49: Ren'ai Kinshi Jōrei revolves around AKB48, featuring group members in the story as supporting characters.[314] The 2012 anime series AKB0048 is a science-fiction series based on the group, with production supervised by Yasushi Akimoto.[315] Nine characters in the anime are voiced by members of AKB48 and its sister groups.[315] First airing in Japan in the spring of 2012,[315] a second season was broadcast in 2013.[316]

Video games

[edit]

The group has its own visual novel-dating sim series. In the first installment, AKB1/48: Idol to Koishitara... (released December 23, 2010), the player engages in a relationship with one of the members. The second installment, AKB1/48: Idol to Guam de Koishitara... (released October 10, 2011, with a similar storyline) is set in Guam. The third installment, AKB1/149 Ren'ai Sōsenkyo (released December 20, 2012), expands the scenarios to AKB48 sister groups SKE48, NMB48 and HKT48. The three games were released for PlayStation Portable, with Ren'ai Sousenkyo also released for PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 3.[citation needed] In 2014 Namco Bandai developed Sailor Zombie: AKB48 Arcade Edition, as a tie-in for the television drama going by the same name, in which AKB48 members are also the main cast. In this arcade game, the player must use a light gun to shoot vaccine bullets at zombified AKB48 members. The game includes a rhythm game in which the zombie idols dance.[317] In April 2014, a rhythm game was released for Android and iOS, in which the players select their favourite line up and may compete in various community events.[318] In 2012, AKB48+Me was published for the Nintendo 3DS, which let the players try to become a member of AKB48.[319] An ad for Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS also featured Miis of the group, specifically showing off member Yuki Kashiwagi and former members Mayu Watanabe and Minami Takahashi.[320]

Other media

[edit]
See also: AKB48 filmography § TV shows

AKB48's producers have developed several television shows to promote the group. AKBingo!, AKB48 Show!, AKB to XX, and Nemōsu TV [ja] were variety shows.[citation needed] The Majisuka Gakuen series[321] and Sakura Karano Tegami [ja] feature group members in dramatic roles. Outside the self-developed house shows, members of AKB48 have appeared in high-profile programs such as Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!, Waratte Iitomo! or SMAPxSMAP.[322] Members frequently appear in gravure magazines.[citation needed] Since 2016, the streaming platform 'Showroom' collaborates with the AKB48 group and offers a steady supply of rotating group members streaming in private situations.[323][324] AKB48 will open their community on Hybe's global fan platform Weverse from April 27, 2023, their Weverse DM services will start on May 2, and 16 AKB48 61st single's senbatsu idols will join first.[325]

Reception

[edit]

Tower Records Japan CEO Ikuo Minewaki described AKB48 as a popular act,[326] and the group has been characterized as a social phenomenon in Japan.[6] In 2012 AKB48 had record sales in Japan of over $226 million.[327] Total sales of over $128 million were reported for 2013, and of over $96 million in 2015.[7][328] According to Oricon, as of January 6, 2012 AKB48 sold a total of 11,787,000 singles, setting a record for "the most singles sold in Japan by a female group".[13] The group's last 35 singles have topped the weekly Oricon Singles Chart. In 2010 "Beginner" and "Heavy Rotation" placed first and second, respectively, on the list of Japan's bestselling singles of the year;[329] From 2010 to 2019, AKB48's singles have occupied at least the top two,[15] and sometimes the top four or five spots of the Oricon Yearly Singles Chart.[330] As of June 2018, the group has sold over 60 million records,[9] including over 6 million albums.[10] AKB48 is the highest selling musical act in Japan in terms of singles sold.[12] However, AKB48's 42nd single "Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby" failed to sell more than one million copies in the first week after its release, ending a run of single releases achieving this feat, starting with "Everyday, Katyusha" in 2011.[331]

Beside CD sales, AKB48 enjoys commercial success in other areas as well. The group has six singles certificated by RIAJ for reaching a million downloads each.[332] According to Joysound, AKB48 has been named the karaoke artist of the year for four years in a row (2011–2014).[333] In 2011, eight positions of annual top 10 photobook sales were occupied by group members.[334] In 2012, six members topped the individual rankings of advertisement campaigns.[335] AKB48 is also one of the most viewed Japanese artists on YouTube.[336]

AKB48 holds several Guinness World Records, including being recognized on December 1, 2010, as the "largest pop group" when it numbered 48 members.[19][337] It set a record for "most same-product television endorsements within 24 hours" on February 28, 2012, after 90 group members appeared in 90 different commercials aired in the Kanto, Kansai and Tokai regions of Japan.[338] Japanese ambassador to the United States Ichirō Fujisaki, on meeting the group during its visit to Washington, D.C., said that "AKB" stood for "adorable, kind and beautiful".[8] On February 1, 2012, Japan Post issued a stamp commemorating the group.[339]

Controversies

[edit]

One of the group's risqué music videos has been considered controversial. "Heavy Rotation"'s video was criticized by Western reporters for showing AKB48 members in lingerie and underwear, hugging, kissing and sharing a bath. Its director, Mika Ninagawa, said that she wanted to appeal to men and women with a creative, fun video because of the group's increasing popularity among girls.[340] In an interview, she accepted responsibility for its content: "Mr. Akimoto left everything to me. He did not give me any tips at all...I tried to show how AKB48 is in real life, in the video. In the dressing room, they seemed very close to each other. Then I came up with the concept [of a] girls' high school."[341]

In February 2013 group member Minami Minegishi, had her head shaved and appeared in a YouTube video to apologize after it was reported by a tabloid that she had spent the night with a man in violation of her contract; she was demoted to the status of trainee. Although her shaved head was self-inflicted in an apologetic response to her fans and peers for her demotion, it was seen as an overreaction and attracted criticism of how the situation was handled.[342]

A 2016 NHK documentary reported that the popularity of AKB48's handshake sessions may contribute to the decline of romantic relationships among young Japanese people, including "herbivore men", which triggered debates. According to the report, some fans would rather spend their time supporting their favourite idols than actively pursuing love interests.[343]

Theater

[edit]
AKB48 Theater on the 8th floor

The AKB48 Theater (AKB48劇場) is a live performance venue created especially for performances by AKB48, based around the concept of AKB48 being “idols you can meet”. The AKB48 Theater is located on the 8th Floor of the Don Quixote Akihabara Building in Kanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo. The Theater has a capacity of 250 people (including standing audience members); the seats are located very close to the stage. Performances by the different AKB48 teams and by AKB48 trainees are held on a more or less daily basis, and the Theater is very popular with AKB48's enthusiastic fans.[344]

AKB48 Theater had been temporarily closed for several reasons over the years, most recently due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.[345][346][347] A cafeteria & shop were open inside the theater since 2011, however they both closed after 8 years.[348]

The current theater manager is Hiroshi Yuasa, and Shinobu Kayano is General Theater Manager of all 48 Groups.

To celebrate Atsuko Maeda's graduation from AKB48, a photo mosaic was created with 10,000 pictures sent by fans. The poster was displayed at AKB48 Theater between August 27 through September 3.

AKB Theater Anniversary is coincide with AKB48 Anniversary.[344]

On 17 March 2024, it was announced that after 19 years of operations, the theatre will undergo renovations from September, with the last performance at the current theatre to be held on 1 September 2024. Renovations are slated to be completed by 7 December 2024, a day before AKB48's 20th anniversary.[349]

Philanthropy

[edit]

In February 2012 AKB48 said it would donate ¥580 million to the Japanese Red Cross, and later it was reported that the group had raised a total of over ¥1.25 billion for earthquake and tsunami relief.[350] On March 8, 2013, the group released "Tenohira ga Kataru Koto", another song dedicated to the March 2011 disaster victims, on its website for free digital download.[351] On the second anniversary of the disaster AKB48 and its sister groups visited the affected areas, performing at schools and the AKB48, SKE48, NMB48 and HKT48 theaters with proceeds aiding the ongoing recovery.[352]

Members

[edit]
Main articles: List of AKB48 members and List of former members of AKB48

AKB48's line up has frequently changed due to departures, admissions, team rotations, and transfers between AKB48 and its various sister groups. As of November 21, 2024, the group consists of 42 active members, including 29 Official members and 13 Trainees who initially serve on specific teams as understudies until they are promoted. Some sister group members have held concurrent positions with AKB48 in the past, however, the practice has ended and since 2018, no sister group member has held a concurrent position with AKB48. Narumi Kuranoo is the current general manager of AKB48 and its sister groups.

Discography

[edit]
Main article: AKB48 discography

Filmography

[edit]
Main article: AKB48 filmography

Awards and honors

[edit]

The following table lists some of the major awards received by the group.

Year Ceremony Award Nominated work Result
2009 51st Japan Record Awards[353] Special Award Won
11th Mnet Asian Music Awards[354] Asia Recommended Award (Japan) "River" Won
2010 24th Japan Gold Disc Award Special Award Won
Billboard Japan Music Awards[355] Top Pop Artists Won
GOOD DESIGN AWARD[356] Entertainment Project Design Won
2011 25th Japan Gold Disc Award[357] Single of the Year "Beginner" Won
The Best 5 singles Beginner, Heavy Rotation,

Ponytail to Shushu

Won
Billboard Japan Music Awards[358] Artist of the Year Won
Top Pop Artists Won
Hot 100 of the Year "Everyday, Katyusha" Won
53rd Japan Record Awards Grand Prix "Flying Get" Won
70th Television Drama Academy Awards[359] Best Theme Song Award "Flying Get" Won
2012 Billboard Japan Music Awards[360] Artist of the Year Won
Top Pop Artists Won
Hot 100 of the Year "Manatsu no Sounds Good!" Won
Hot 100 Singles Sales of the Year Won
54th Japan Record Awards[361] Grand Prix "Manatsu no Sounds Good!" Won
26th Japan Gold Disc Award[362][363] Artist of the Year (Japan Domestic) Won
Single of the Year "Everyday, Katyusha" Won
The Best 5 singles Everyday, Katyusha, Kaze wa Fuiteiru, Sakura no Ki ni Narō, Chance no Junban, Flying Get Won
11th CCTV-MTV Music Award[364] The Asia's Most Popular Group (special award) Won
14th Mnet Asian Music Awards[365] Best Asian Artist Japan Won
2013 Billboard Japan Music Awards[366][367] Artist of the Year Won
Top Pop Artists Won
Hot 100 of the Year "Koi Suru Fortune Cookie" Won
27th Japan Gold Disc Award[368][369] Artist of the Year (Japan Domestic) Won
Single of the Year "Manatsu no Sounds Good!" Won
Best 5 singles Ue kara Mariko, Uza, Give Me Five!, Gingham Check, Manatsu no Sounds Good! Won
55th Japan Record Awards Gold Award "Koi Suru Fortune Cookie" Won
Grand Prix Nominated
2014 56th Japan Record Awards Grand Prix "Labrador Retriever" Nominated
28th Japan Gold Disc Award[370][371] Artist of the Year (Japan Domestic) Won
Single of the Year "Sayonara Crawl" Won
Best 5 singles Eien Pressure, Koi Suru Fortune Cookie, Sayonara Crawl, Suzukake Nanchara, Heart Electric Won
47th Japan Cable Awards Cable Music Excellence [Outstanding Performance] Award "Kokoro no Placard" Won
18th space shower music video award[372] Special Award "Koi Suru Fortune Cookie" Won
2015 57th Japan Record Awards Grand Prix "Bokutachi wa Tatakawanai" Nominated
29th Japan Gold Disc Award[373][374] Single of the Year "Labrador Retriever" Won
Album of the Year (Japan Domestic) "Tsugi no Ashiato" Won
Best 5 singles Kibōteki Refrain, Kokoro no Placard, Mae shika Mukanee, Labrador Retriever Won
Best 5 Albums Tsugi no Ashiato Won
48th Japan Cable Awards Cable Music Excellence [Outstanding Performance] Award "Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby" Won
17th Mnet Asian Music Awards[375] Best Asian Artist Japan Won
The 3rd V Chart Awards Favorite Artist Of The Year Won
Top Group – Japan Won
2016 Billboard Japan Music Awards[376] Artist of the year Won
Hot 100 of the Year "Tsubasa wa Iranai" Won
30th Japan Gold Disc Award[377][378] Single of the Year "Bokutachi wa Tatakawanai" Won
Best 5 singles Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby, Green Flash, Halloween Night, Bokutachi wa Tatakawanai Won
Best 5 Albums "Koko ga Rhodes da, Koko de Tobe!"

"0 to 1 no Aida"

Won
11th Taisho Ryou Music Award[379] Grand Prix "365 Nichi no Kamihikouki" Won
88th Television Drama Academy Awards[380] Best Theme Song Award "365 Nichi no Kamihikouki" Won
8th Dahsyatnya Awards Best Guest Award (Bintang Tamu Terdahsyat) Won
2017 31st Japan Gold Disc Award[381] Single of the Year "Tsubasa wa Iranai" Won
Best 5 singles Kimi wa Melody, Tsubasa wa Iranai, High Tension, Love Trip / Shiawase o Wakenasai Won
19th Mnet Asian Music Awards[382] Best Asian Artist Japan Won
2018 32nd Japan Gold Disc Award[383][384] Single of the Year "Negaigoto no Mochigusare" Won
Best 5 singles 11gatsu no Anklet, Shoot Sign, Negaigoto no Mochigusare, #SukiNanda Won
Best 5 Albums "Thumbnail" Won
60th Japan Record Awards Grand Prix "Teacher Teacher" Nominated
Billboard Japan Music Awards Top Singles Sales of the Year Won
2019 61st Japan Record Awards Grand Prix "Sustainable" Nominated
33rd Japan Gold Disc Award[385][386] Single of the Year "Teacher Teacher" Won
Best 5 singles Sentimental Train, Teacher Teacher, No Way Man Won
Best 5 Albums "Bokutachi wa, Ano Hi no Yoake o Shitteiru" Won
2020 34th Japan Gold Disc Award[387] Single of the Year "Sustainable" Won
Best 5 singles Sustainable, Jiwaru Days Won
2021 35th Japan Gold Disc Award[388] Best 5 singles Shitsuren, Arigatō Won
63rd Japan Record Awards[389] Grand Prix Nemohamo Rumor Nominated
Excellent Work Award Won

Records set

[edit]

The group and its songs have set the following records:

  • Guinness World Record for Largest Pop Group — In November 2010, Guinness named AKB48 the world's largest pop group.[19][337]
  • Guinness World Record for Most Number of Pop Singers Featured in a Video Game — In December 2012, the group's dating simulation game AKB1/149 Ren'ai Sōsenkyo featured 149 members.[143]
  • Guinness World Record for Broadcasting the Most Same-Product Television Endorsements Within 24 Hours — In February 2012 AKB48 members appeared in 90 commercials for Asahi's Wonda Coffee Morning Shot, breaking the previous record of 60 commercials.[390]
  • Most singles sold in Japan by a female artist — In May 2013, after the release of the group's 31st single ("Sayonara Crawl"), combined sales figures for AKB48 singles reached 21.852 million since its 2006 debut in 2006 (breaking Ayumi Hamasaki's previous record of 21.416 million).[391]
  • Highest Japanese sales of a female-group single — In June 2013 "Sayonara Crawl"'s sales reached 1,872,000 copies, breaking Speed's 1997 record for "White Love".[392] The single's total sales reached 1,955,800.[393]
  • Most consecutive million-selling singles sold in Japan — In October 2013 AKB48's 33rd single ("Heart Electric") sold 1,021,000 copies on its first day, becoming the group's 14th consecutive million-selling single and breaking the previous record of 13 held by B'z.[394]
  • Most million-selling singles in Japan — In December 2013, the group's 34th single ("Suzukake no Ki no Michi de "Kimi no Hohoemi o Yume ni Miru" to Itte Shimattara Bokutachi no Kankei wa Dō Kawatte Shimau no ka, Bokunari ni Nan-nichi ka Kangaeta Ue de no Yaya Kihazukashii Ketsuron no Yō na Mono") sold 1,033,000 copies during its first week. AKB48's 16th million-selling single, it broke the previous record held by B'z for 13 years and nine months.[395]
  • Highest Japanese sales of a female single — In June 2017, the group's 48th single ("Negaigoto no Mochigusare") sold 2,555,912 copies during its first week. It broke the previous record held by Dreams Come True.[396]
  • Highest Japanese single sales of a musical act — AKB48's 60 singles' total sales reached 73.5 million copies.[397]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Although AKB48 performs at the theater daily, tickets are distributed via a lottery only due to the high demand. (The theater offers 145 seats and 105 standing)
  2. ^ "What is AKB48?". AKB48 official website. 2008. Archived from the original on June 3, 2013. Retrieved April 25, 2013.
  3. ^ On March 14, 2011, AKB48 canceled its concert Takamina ni tsuite ikimasu (たかみなについて行きます, lit. "(We) will follow Takamina"), scheduled to be held on March 25–27 at Yokohama Arena, but later refashioned it into a charity event to support victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
  4. ^ The debut of Team 8 was the first time the group has featured an idol from the Ishikawa, Tottori, Toyama, Tokushima, Yamagata, Okayama, Kōchi, and Okinawa prefectures.
  5. ^ The assailant was revealed to be an unemployed man who had no previous interest or fan connection to AKB48. He was frustrated that such idols were well-paid. In December 2014, he pleaded guilty to charges of bodily injury and infringement of weapon regulations.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Galaxy Records Sells AKB48's Tsugi no Ashiato Album in Philippines". animenewsnetwork.com. Anime News Network. November 6, 2015.
  2. ^ "AKB48 surpasses Mr.Children as the 2nd best selling Japanese music act". March 20, 2019.
  3. ^ a b c d e Matsutani, Minoru (August 24, 2010). "Girl idol group about mass exposure, fans". The Japan Times. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  4. ^ a b c d "Japanese Idol Group AKB48 to Perform at MIPCOM". Reuters (Press release). July 28, 2009. Archived from the original on November 12, 2012. Retrieved June 29, 2011.
  5. ^ a b Victoria Goldenberg (November 30, 2009). "(interview) AKB48: A classic fantasy for the 21st century". Purple Sky magazine. Retrieved June 2, 2012. "Because the teams rotate performances, AKB48's two theaters, four TV shows and four radio programs always have a group to fill them. Like if it's Team A today, Team K and Team B will go next, so those two teams can be on TV or go to other places."
  6. ^ a b "ももクロ ： "音楽好き"の支持でポストAKBに急浮上？ 群雄割拠のアイドルシーン" (in Japanese). Mainichi Shimbun Digital. May 6, 2012. Archived from the original on May 10, 2012. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
  7. ^ a b "Oricon 2012 Yearly Charts : Artist Total Sales". Tokyohive. December 16, 2013. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
  8. ^ a b c d e Hesse, Monica (March 27, 2012). "Japanese girl group AKB48 breezes through D.C. in whirlwind of cuteness". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  9. ^ a b 【オリコン"平成セールス"ランキング】シングルはSMAP、アルバムは宇多田ヒカルが1位 "平成No.1"アーティスト別セールスのB'zからはコメント到着. Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. April 11, 2019. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  10. ^ a b "【オリコン】AKB48、10周年ベスト首位 女性グループ歴代1位の通算6作目". Oricon Style (in Japanese). November 24, 2015. Retrieved December 25, 2015.
  11. ^ "【オリコン】AKB48、35作連続1位&30作目ミリオン CD総売上5000万枚突破" (in Japanese). Oricon. June 5, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  12. ^ a b "【オリコン】AKB48、シングル総売上日本一3615.8万枚 秋元氏総売上は1億枚突破". Oricon Style (in Japanese). December 9, 2015. Retrieved December 25, 2015.
  13. ^ a b c "AKB48、女性グループ歴代1位 シングル総売上1178.7万枚" (in Japanese). Oricon. January 6, 2012. Retrieved January 6, 2012.
  14. ^ "AKB48が作品別、アーティスト別ともに首位、上半期のオーディオ売上動向発表". Billboard Japan. July 13, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
  15. ^ a b "【オリコン年間】AKB48、10年連続シングル1位・2位独占 9年連続ミリオン突破". Oricon Japan. Oricon. December 23, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  16. ^ Galbraith, Patrick (2020). AKB48. US: Bloomsbury Academic. p. 21. ISBN 978-1-5013-4111-3.
  17. ^ a b "What is AKB48? / AKB48 [Official]". AKB48. February 14, 2011. Archived from the original on November 7, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2011.
  18. ^ SPH Razor (July 25, 2013). Rivalry among 61 girls? (AKB48 Concept Store Part 3). Archived from the original on November 7, 2021. – video originally posted with article Tanu, Elrica (May 23, 2011). "AKB48 to perform in Singapore monthly". Asia One. RazorTV. Archived from the original on May 27, 2011.
  19. ^ a b c "Guinness Worlds Records — Largest pop group". Guinness World Records. Retrieved October 23, 2011.
  20. ^ Ashcraft, Brian (September 14, 2010). "A Pricey PSP Bundle With 48 Girl Kisses". Kotaku.com. Retrieved April 25, 2013.
  21. ^ "Changes coming to AKB48, Akimoto Yasushi to kick 8 halfhearted members?". Tokyohive.com. February 4, 2011. Retrieved April 25, 2013.
  22. ^ メンバー情報 [Member List]. AKB48 (in Japanese). Retrieved May 24, 2022. List is subject to change from graduations and transfers.
  23. ^ Akiko Fujita (February 1, 2013). "Pop Star Shaves Head in Remorse for Dating". ABC News.
  24. ^ "「30歳」アイドル卒業の節目？柏木由紀＆須田亜香里がどこまで押し上げる - ＡＫＢ４８ : 日刊スポーツ". nikkansports.com. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  25. ^ "No dating for the girls (AKB48 Part 2)". Asia One. November 15, 2010. Archived from the original on May 29, 2012. Retrieved April 21, 2012.
  26. ^ Martin, Ian (February 2013). "AKB48 member's 'penance' shows flaws in idol culture". The Japan Times. Retrieved April 25, 2013.
  27. ^ a b c "AKB48米沢瑠美＆平嶋夏海、グループを離脱". Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. January 28, 2012. Retrieved March 25, 2012.
  28. ^ a b "AKBingo!". AKBingo!. Season 4. Episode 91. Japan. July 7, 2010. Nippon Television.
  29. ^ 今月も (in Japanese). AKB48 Official Blog. November 1, 2005.
  30. ^ "Team A 1st Stage – Official AKB48 website". akb48.co.jp. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  31. ^ Akimoto, Yasushi (January 13, 2012). "Interview with Japanese Music Producer Yasushi Akimoto". Talk Asia (Interview). Interviewed by Anna Coren. CNN. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
  32. ^ AKBingo! July 7, 2010
  33. ^ "インタビュー：AKB48「天然が多いんです」" (in Japanese). livedoor Co., Ltd. October 25, 2006.
  34. ^ "篠田麻里子、涙と笑顔でAKB卒業 7年半の活動に幕 (AKB48) ニュース". Oricon Style (in Japanese). July 22, 2013. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
  35. ^ AKBingo! July 14, 2010
  36. ^ (in Japanese)AKB48's first CD "Sakura no Hanabiratachi" (accessed on March 9, 2011)
  37. ^ a b c d e f g "AKBingo!". AKBingo!. Japan. July 14, 2010. Nippon Television.
  38. ^ "Team A 2nd Stage – Official AKB48 website". akb48.co.jp. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  39. ^ "AKB48、デビュー作が初登場TOP10入り！モー娘。以来の快挙達成！" (in Japanese). Oricon. February 6, 2006. Archived from the original on May 7, 2010. Retrieved May 17, 2010.
  40. ^ 宇佐美友紀卒業 (in Japanese). AKB48官方Blog. March 31, 2006. Retrieved June 25, 2011.
  41. ^ 「会いたかった」初回生産限定盤付属DVD『AKB48 History〜メジャーデビューへの軌跡〜』
  42. ^ "AKB48 売上 – スカート、ひらり". Archived from the original on March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
  43. ^ "AKB48、ついにメジャーデビュー決定！！". Ranking News (in Japanese). Oricon. August 21, 2006. Retrieved April 24, 2012.
  44. ^ "チームBオーディション締め切り決定！" (in Japanese). AKB48 Official Blog. October 5, 2006.
  45. ^ 来年からの新体制について (in Japanese). AKB48 Official Blog. December 19, 2006.
  46. ^ "AITAKATTA AKB48's own anthem". supermerlion. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
  47. ^ アーティスト&楽曲検索 会いたかった (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
  48. ^ "AKB48 売上 – AKB48シングル". Archived from the original on March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
  49. ^ a b アーティスト&楽曲検索 軽蔑していた愛情 (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  50. ^ アーティスト&楽曲検索 制服が邪魔をする (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  51. ^ "Seifuku ga Jama Wo Suru The birth of a new type of pop idol?". supermerlion. Archived from the original on September 30, 2018. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  52. ^ "ライブレポート：AKB48、初の全国ツアーが開幕" (in Japanese). livedoor Co., Ltd. Retrieved October 2, 2011.
  53. ^ a b 海尔凯特 (2014). AKB48—21世纪的丑小鸭传说. 拇指阅读. Archived from the original on March 28, 2014.
  54. ^ "AKB48公式サイト｜ディスコグラフィー" (in Japanese). AKS. Archived from the original on April 22, 2011. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  55. ^ 夕陽を見ているか？ (in Japanese). Oricon. October 31, 2007. Retrieved June 25, 2011.
  56. ^ "AKB48の新年ニューシングル＆AXライブ4daysが決定". Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. December 17, 2007. Retrieved April 27, 2012.
  57. ^ アーティスト&楽曲検索 ロマンス、イラネ (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
  58. ^ "AKB48劇場「桜の花びらたち2008」購入者特別プレゼント！" (in Japanese). February 25, 2008. Archived from the original on February 28, 2008. Retrieved February 28, 2008.
  59. ^ "AKB48「ポスター44種類コンプでイベント招待」企画、「独禁法違反」のおそれで中止" [AKB48's "invite of the event by collecting all 44 kinds of the posters" was cancelled because of the fear of "violation of the antitrust laws"] (in Japanese). ITmedia News. February 28, 2008. Retrieved September 4, 2009.
  60. ^ "AKB48 Launching SKE48 in Nagoya". Jpopasia.com. June 3, 2008.
  61. ^ "AKB48 member fired over leaked 'Purikura' photo". Japan Today. August 15, 2008. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
  62. ^ 菊地彩香の件について (in Japanese). AKB48 Official Blog. August 14, 2008.
  63. ^ 菊地からファンの皆様へ (in Japanese). AKB48 Official Blog. February 28, 2010.
  64. ^ "AKB48コレクター心を刺激する裏ジャケ19パターン". Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. October 14, 2008. Retrieved April 27, 2012.
  65. ^ Kono, Tommy (September 19, 2012). "Matsui Juina Solo interview: Next Center of AKB48". AKB48wrapup.com. references 松井珠理奈＆大島優子！AKB新曲「UZA」はWセンター！！ (in Japanese). The Hochi Simbum. Archived from the original on September 19, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  66. ^ 大声ダイヤモンド/AKB48 (in Japanese). Oricon Inc. Archived from the original on December 17, 2008. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  67. ^ "10年桜 AKB48のプロフィールならオリコン芸能人事典" (in Japanese). Oricon Inc. Retrieved June 19, 2011.
  68. ^ "AKB48選抜総選挙"開票！ トップ当選の前田敦子「AKBに人生捧げる！」 (in Japanese). Oricon Inc. Archived from the original on July 14, 2009. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  69. ^ "歴代シングル初動ランキング". Retrieved March 9, 2014.
  70. ^ "King Records Official Site 言い訳 Maybe（マキシ＋DVD複合） 音楽" (in Japanese). King Records. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
  71. ^ "止めたAKB48、再開したモー娘。"政権交代"が進むアイドル界の「握手会狂想曲」" (in Japanese). Excite Japan Co., Ltd. September 19, 2009. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
  72. ^ 言い訳Maybe/AKB48 (in Japanese). Oricon Inc. Archived from the original on June 24, 2011. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  73. ^ "Come and discover AKB48 pop sensation!". February 25, 2008. Archived from the original on April 27, 2009. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  74. ^ "AKB48 U.S. DEBUT CONCERT". newyork-tokyo.com. Archived from the original on August 22, 2010. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  75. ^ ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2009年9月 (in Japanese). RIAJ. Archived from the original on October 16, 2009. Retrieved October 14, 2009.
  76. ^ a b "AKB48初のシングル首位、17.9万枚で09年女性アーティスト初動売上トップに" (in Japanese). Oricon Inc. October 27, 2009. Archived from the original on July 22, 2011. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
  77. ^ "AKB48 climbs to the top with choir song". Yeinjee.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2010. Retrieved March 1, 2010.
  78. ^ "神曲たち AKB48のプロフィールならオリコン芸能人事典". Oricon Style (in Japanese). Retrieved June 18, 2011.
  79. ^ "AKB48デビュー5年目で初のアルバム首位、秋元氏「長い道のりでした」". Oricon (in Japanese). April 13, 2010. Retrieved June 20, 2011.
  80. ^ 2010年12月度 認定作品 (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved July 22, 2011.
  81. ^ オリコン (June 1, 2010). "AKB48が初週50万枚超で首位 モー娘。以来9年半ぶり快挙" (in Japanese). Retrieved June 1, 2010.
  82. ^ "Japanese Musical Group AKB48 will be Official Guests of Honor at Anime Expo 2010". businesswire.com. April 27, 2010. Retrieved March 1, 2010.
  83. ^ Kofice7th Asia Song Festival Archived June 12, 2011, at the Wayback Machine October 23, 2010. Retrieved October 12, 2011
  84. ^ "AKB48、韓国「Asia Song Festival」でKARAなどと競演". 音楽ナタリー (in Japanese). Retrieved October 22, 2023.
  85. ^ "AKB48、女性グループ歴代最高の初週売上82.7万枚 5作連続シングル首位". Oricon (in Japanese). November 2, 2010. Archived from the original on November 3, 2010. Retrieved November 2, 2010.
  86. ^ "AKB48×ハロプロがグラビア初コラボ！ 渡辺麻友×鈴木愛理が網タイツ姿で表紙飾る". Oricon Inc. October 27, 2010. Retrieved June 3, 2011.
  87. ^ AKB48が「スパシーバ」 モスクワで初コンサート (in Japanese). Asahi Simbun. Archived from the original on November 23, 2010. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  88. ^ "続 AKB48海外公演!!" (in Japanese). AKB48 Official blog. Retrieved October 2, 2011.
  89. ^ "Special Events | Singapore Toy, Games & Comic Convention (STGCC)". 2010.singaporetgcc.com. Archived from the original on May 30, 2013. Retrieved April 25, 2013.
  90. ^ "AKB48・小野恵令奈、卒業後の進路は 「海外留学」＆「女優業勉強」" (in Japanese). Oricon. July 12, 2010. Retrieved March 1, 2010.
  91. ^ "AKB48から小野恵令奈が卒業......「明日から自分の夢に向かって」" (in Japanese). livedoor Co., Ltd. September 28, 2010. Retrieved March 1, 2010.
  92. ^ "AKB48 breaks single-day sales records, sells over 655,000 copies". Asia Pacific Arts. February 18, 2011. Archived from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2011.
  93. ^ "AKB48 sets record with Sakura no Ki ni Narou". Stareastasia. March 1, 2011. Archived from the original on March 18, 2012.
  94. ^ "AKB48新アルバムに新曲11曲、SKE・SDN・NMB参加曲も". Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. March 5, 2011. Archived from the original on May 11, 2011. Retrieved June 20, 2011.
  95. ^ "AKB48、初オリジナルアルバムのタイトルは・・・『ここにいたこと』". Oricon News. March 4, 2015. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  96. ^ "ここにいたこと（ＣＤ＋ＤＶＤ複合）". キングレコードオフィシャルサイト (in Japanese). Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  97. ^ "AKB48 groups pledge 500 million yen for earthquake relief". tokyograph. Retrieved July 4, 2013.
  98. ^ a b "AKB48、新シングル＆選抜総選挙決定！収益一部を義援金に". Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. March 29, 2011. Retrieved May 22, 2011.
  99. ^ "Activities of AKB48's Tohoku earthquake reconstruction support project". Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  100. ^ HKT48 ：次は福岡発！ AKB48妹プロジェクト始動 (in Japanese). Mainichi Shimbun Digital Co. Ltd. Archived from the original on May 3, 2011. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  101. ^ a b c "S'pore to house Japanese girl idols' first overseas theater". The Straits Times. The Straits Times, Asiaone. May 3, 2011. Retrieved May 22, 2011. A reproduction of original article published in The Straits Times on May 3, 2011.
  102. ^ "AKB48 to make a guest appearance at "Golden Melody Awards" in Taiwan". tokyohive.
  103. ^ a b "AKB48: "Everyday, Kachusha" almost sells 1 million in one day, Oshima Yuko leads election". Oricon. Tokyograph. May 25, 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2011. Translated from original article on Oricon.
  104. ^ "AKB48 breaks Mr. Children's reign on the Oricon chart". HPriest. tokiohive. May 3, 2011. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
  105. ^ AKB48 ：上半期売り上げ前年2．5倍の66億円 オリコン2冠 (in Japanese). Mainichi Shimbun Digital Co. Ltd. Archived from the original on June 24, 2011. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  106. ^ a b "AKB48、研究生昇格組中心の新チーム「チーム4」誕生". Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. June 7, 2011. Retrieved July 22, 2011.
  107. ^ 「チーム4」キャプテン＆正式加入 (in Japanese). AKB48 Official Blog. July 23, 2011.
  108. ^ "AKB 48 newest member Aimi Eguchi is a 'virtual idol'". MediaCorp Pte Ltd. June 20, 2011. Archived from the original on October 23, 2012. Retrieved June 25, 2011.
  109. ^ ""Nogizaka46" to debut as AKB48's "official rival"". tokyofever.com. June 28, 2011. Archived from the original on July 7, 2011. Retrieved June 30, 2011. references Oricon article ""AKB48公式ライバル"乃木坂46結成 一般公募でメンバー決定". Oricon Style (in Japanese). June 29, 2011.
  110. ^ a b "【オリコン】AKB48新曲 史上最高の初週135.4万枚 史上初の2作連続「初週」ミリオン" (in Japanese). Oricon Inc. August 30, 2011. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  111. ^ "AKB48's "Flying Get" breaks 1 million on first day". Tokyograph, Oricon Inc. August 24, 2011. Retrieved December 19, 2011. Translation of original article by Oricon
  112. ^ AKB48 ：AKB48 ：じゃんけん大会を再び開催 9月に武道館で SKE48、NMB48ら総勢71人参加 (in Japanese). Mainichi Shimbun Digital Co., Ltd. Archived from the original on March 24, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  113. ^ "AKB48's second "Rock, Paper, Scissors" Tournament confirmed". Tokyohive.com. July 3, 2011. Retrieved April 25, 2013.
  114. ^ "AKB48、2作連続"初日ミリオン" 初日売上歴代最高の104.6万枚" (in Japanese). Oricon Inc. October 26, 2011. Retrieved November 2, 2011.
  115. ^ "【オリコン】AKB48、初の4作連続"初週ミリオン" 今年全5曲が100万枚突破の快挙" (in Japanese). Oricon Inc. December 13, 2011. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  116. ^ a b c d e f "【オリコン年間】AKB48、史上初の年間シングルTOP5独占 総売上162.8億円で7冠" (in Japanese). Oricon Inc. December 19, 2011. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  117. ^ 日本レコード大賞 ： AKB48涙の初栄冠「フライングゲット」 前田敦子号泣、秋元康も祝福 (in Japanese). Mainichi Shimbun Digital Co. Ltd. Archived from the original on January 4, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  118. ^ a b "AKB48 forms a band for "GIVE ME FIVE!" + jacket covers". Tokyohive.com. January 23, 2012. Retrieved April 25, 2013.
  119. ^ a b "Documentary of AKB48 Show must go on 少女たちは傷つきながら、夢を見る". eiga.com (in Japanese). Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  120. ^ a b "Japanese Box Office, January 28–29". Anime News Network. February 4, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  121. ^ "Japanese Box Office, February 18–19". Anime News Network. February 28, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  122. ^ a b "AKB48初のTVアニメ化決定 "声優選抜"9人が主題歌も担当" (in Japanese). Oricon, Inc. October 18, 2011.
  123. ^ "AKB48's AKB0048 Anime Cast Roles Revealed" (in Japanese). Anime News Network. February 1, 2012. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
  124. ^ "AKB48's AKB0048 Anime Gets 4 Manga Series in 4 Mags – News". Anime News Network. April 21, 2013. Retrieved April 25, 2013.
  125. ^ "AKB0048's Themes Sung by AKB48 Spinoff Unit 'No Name'" (in Japanese). Anime News Network. April 26, 2012. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
  126. ^ a b "SKE松井珠理奈、NMB渡辺美優紀がAKB48に期間限定加入". Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. March 25, 2012. Retrieved March 25, 2012.
  127. ^ "AKB48、初の東京ドームコンサートは3DAYS公演". Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. April 24, 2012. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
  128. ^ "SKE松井珠理奈、NMB渡辺美優紀がAKB48に期間限定加入". Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. March 25, 2012. Retrieved March 25, 2012.
  129. ^ "AKB48前田敦子 ：不動のセンターが卒業を発表 6年半の活動に幕" (in Japanese). Mainichi Shimbun Digital Co. Ltd. March 25, 2012. Archived from the original on March 26, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  130. ^ "前田敦子、AKB卒業後初のソロ公演決定 9月に東京＆神戸で" (in Japanese). Oricon, Inc. May 30, 2012. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
  131. ^ 板野友美、敦子との"再会"「うれしい」 (in Japanese). Oricon, Inc. June 28, 2012. Retrieved July 4, 2013.
  132. ^ "AKB前田卒業公演をGoogle＋＆YouTubeで完全生配信 ファンの投稿が公演の演出に！" (in Japanese). Oricon, Inc. August 21, 2012. Retrieved July 4, 2013.
  133. ^ "AKB、今年も6月に総選挙 過去最多240人超出馬 前田の参加は？". Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. March 26, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  134. ^ a b Ozawa, Harumi (June 7, 2012). "Oshima's win in AKB48 election big news in Japan". Japan Today. Archived from the original on November 23, 2012. Retrieved July 21, 2012.
  135. ^ Patrick St. Michel and Daisuke Kikuchi (May 31, 2012). "AKB48 'election' shows marketing brilliance". Japan Times. Archived from the original on July 10, 2012. Retrieved July 21, 2012.
  136. ^ AKB48グループ今度は上海 (in Japanese). Asahi Shimbun. Archived from the original on April 23, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  137. ^ "さしこ、AKB48チームA最終公演は6・20" (in Japanese). June 17, 2012. Retrieved June 24, 2012.
  138. ^ a b "AKB48アルバムをドーム前発売＆じゃんけん大会開催決定" (in Japanese). June 24, 2012. Retrieved June 24, 2012.
  139. ^ Kono, Tommy (February 21, 2013). "In Shanghai, Miyazawa Sae struggling to lead immature SNH48 members • AKB48WrapUp". Akb48wrapup.com. Retrieved September 25, 2013.
  140. ^ "Reformation of AKB48 in Tokyo Dome Concert" (in Japanese). August 24, 2012.
  141. ^ "AKB48 Announces Tectonic Line-Up Shift". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on September 10, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  142. ^ Walt Disney Records (September 13, 2012). "Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Wreck-It Ralph" Scores Big with Composer Henry Jackman, Plus Original Music from Skrillex, AKB48, Owl City and Buckner & Garcia". PR Newswire. Retrieved September 29, 2012.
  143. ^ a b ギネス認定にまゆゆ「世界に羽ばたく一歩」 (in Japanese). December 7, 2012. Archived from the original on December 10, 2012.
  144. ^ "Oricon reveals "Artist Total Sales Revenue" ranking for 2012". tokyohive. 6Theory Media, LLC. December 20, 2012. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  145. ^ "AKB48 and sister groups to hold live concerts at Nippon Budokan in April". Tokyohive. January 26, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
  146. ^ "AKB48 to hold an open-air live concert "AKB48 Super Festival" at Nissan Stadium". Tokyohive. January 27, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
  147. ^ "Documentary of AKB48 No flower without rain 少女たちは涙の後に何を見る？". eiga.com (in Japanese). Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  148. ^ "Japanese Box Office, February 2–3". Anime News Network. February 10, 2013. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  149. ^ "Japanese Box Office, February 16–17 (Updated)". Anime News Network. February 24, 2013. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  150. ^ "Itano Tomomi to graduate from AKB48 this year". Tokyohive. Retrieved February 2, 2013.
  151. ^ Kono, Tommy (October 24, 2012). "AKB48 announced 5-Dome Tour in 2013 Summer and Team Shuffle at Budokan Concert Final". AKB48WrapUp.com. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
  152. ^ "AKB48、今年の総選挙は立候補制＆日産スタジアムで開票" (in Japanese). Natalie. March 27, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
  153. ^ "Weekly Oricon Chart: Albums/Singles/Music-DVDs". aramatheydidnt. June 16, 2013. Archived from the original on June 17, 2013. Retrieved June 18, 2013.
  154. ^ "AKB48「さよならクロール」累積売上185万枚突破、SPEED「White Love」を上回り女性グループ史上最高記録更新！" (in Japanese). The Natsu Style. June 3, 2013.
  155. ^ a b "[Completed] AKB48 32nd Single Senbatsu General Election results!". 8 June 2013. Tokyohive. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  156. ^ "AKB48 General Elections (June 8, 2013) J!-ENT Coverage for AKB48 32nd Single Senbatsu Sosenkyou – 1:00 a.m. – 2:00 PST (5:00–6:00 PM – Tokyo)". J-Ent! Online. June 7, 2013. Archived from the original on October 5, 2013.
  157. ^ Amith, Dennis (June 8, 2013). "AKB48 General Elections (June 8, 2013) – J!-ENT Post Election Coverage for the AKB48 32nd Single Senbatsu Sosenkyou – Interview with Melody Dassance". J-Ent! Online. Archived from the original on October 5, 2013.
  158. ^ "AKB48 32ndシングル 選抜総選挙" [32nd single selection elections]. AKB48 Official Site (in Japanese). June 8, 2013.
  159. ^ "AKB48's Shinoda Mariko announces her graduation from the group next month". 8 June 2013. Tokyohive. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  160. ^ "Atsuko Maeda makes guest appearance at AKB48 concert". Japan Today. July 31, 2013. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
  161. ^ 3800人背にセンターさしこ！AKB新曲「恋するフォーチュンクッキー」 (in Japanese). The Hochi Simbum. Archived from the original on June 24, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  162. ^ "[Power Push] SKE48 (1/3)". Natalie Music News (in Japanese). August 1, 2011. Retrieved June 29, 2013.
  163. ^ "AKB48 New (Minegishi) Team 4 Created". Melos no Michi. August 24, 2013.
  164. ^ "AKB48 Holds Their 34th Single Senbatsu Janken Tournament at Nippon Budokan". Jpopasia. June 23, 2013.
  165. ^ a b Suskin, Jeremy (September 18, 2013). "Jurina Matsui Wins Jankenpyon Tournament to Lead AKB48's 34th Single". Nihongogo.
  166. ^ "First performance of AKB48 33rd Single". allthingsjpop.wordpress.com. September 19, 2013.
  167. ^ "ナタリー – AKB48「ハート・エレキ」1960年代風ジャケ＆PV完成" (in Japanese). Natalie.mu. October 5, 2013. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
  168. ^ "AKB史上最長！ 珠理奈センター新曲は76字 作曲は織田哲郎が担当" (in Japanese). Oricon Style. November 6, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
  169. ^ "Idol Yuko Oshima Announces Plans to Graduate From AKB48 – News". Anime News Network. December 31, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  170. ^ "Oricon 2013 Yearly Charts : Artist Total Sales". tokyohive. 6Theory Media, LLC. December 16, 2013. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  171. ^ "AKB48's latest album sells over 950,000 copies in the first week". Tokyohive. 6Theory Media. January 27, 2014. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  172. ^ AKB48 35thシングル 詳細決定のお知らせ (in Japanese). King Records. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  173. ^ "AKB48 reveals the details on their 35th single". Tokyohive. 6Theory Media. January 24, 2014. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  174. ^ "AKB48 announces the creation of 'Team 8' with a new concept". Tokyohive. 6Theory Media. January 23, 2014. Retrieved January 27, 2014. references Oricon "【動画】AKB「会いに行く」新チーム8結成 3月発足、8月劇場デビューへ" [Launching March 8, a "go to see" AKB48 new team, to August theater debut]. Oricon (in Japanese). January 23, 2014.
  175. ^ AKB48公式サイト｜AKB48グループ大組閣祭り [AKB48 Official Site – AKB48 Group Grand Reformation Festival Results] (in Japanese). AKB48 Official Website. Retrieved November 5, 2015.[dead link‍]
  176. ^ a b "New Team for the AKB48" (in Japanese). Japanized World. Archived from the original on April 22, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  177. ^ ""大人AKB"塚本さん、愛称は「まりり」 ぱるるが命名 (AKB48) ニュース". Oricon.co.jp. April 17, 2014. Retrieved April 21, 2014.
  178. ^ 【オリコン】AKB新曲が初日売上歴代最高146.2万枚 初日ミリオンは7作目 – 芸能 – 最新ニュース一覧 – 楽天WOMAN (in Japanese). Woman.infoseek.co.jp. Archived from the original on May 27, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  179. ^ "「AKB48 37thシングル 選抜総選挙」開票結果はこちら" ["AKB48 37th single selection general election" vote counting result is here]. AKB48 Official Website (in Japanese). Retrieved June 9, 2014.
  180. ^ "AKB48 recruiting part-timers for Y1,000 per hour". Japan Today. August 12, 2014.
  181. ^ Jeffrey T. (October 3, 2014). "53 Girls Recruited Through AKB48's "Baito AKB" Part Time Job Campaign". Nihongogo.com.
  182. ^ "「バイトAKB」53名が合格内定、新CM出演も". natalie.mu (in Japanese).
  183. ^ "53 girls recruited for 'Baito AKB' + to appear in CM". Tokyohive. 6Theory Media.
  184. ^ "AKBドラフト候補生49人決定 東京女子流・山邊の妹、バイトAKB11人も". Oricon News. May 10, 2015.
  185. ^ "バイトAKB最初で最後の劇場公演！ ドラフト挑戦、スタッフ転向と選ぶ道は様々". Oricon News. October 5, 2016.
  186. ^ "Minami Takahashi to graduate from AKB48 in Dec 2015". Japan Today. December 10, 2015.
  187. ^ SBS PopAsia HQ (December 9, 2014). "What is it like to be the general manager of AKB48? Takahashi Minami explains in her graduation speech". SBS PopAsia.
  188. ^ "「バトンつなげたい」たかみな卒業宣言全文". nikkansports.com. December 8, 2014.
  189. ^ "たかみな"本当に"AKB卒業発表、後任総監督に横山由依指名". sponichi.co.jp. December 8, 2014.
  190. ^ 2014年 年間音楽＆映像ランキング発表 6ページ目 [2014 annual music & video rankings announced sixth page]. Oricon Style (in Japanese). December 20, 2014. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
  191. ^ "2014 Oricon Yearly 'Artist Total Sales' Ranking TOP5". Tokyohive. December 20, 2014.
  192. ^ "川栄、入山襲われた！AKB握手会に刃物男". nikkansports.com. May 24, 2014. Retrieved May 24, 2014.
    AKB握手会主催のキングレコード「卑劣な犯人の行為に怒り」 100人の警備体制も説明 (in Japanese). Asahi Simbum. Archived from the original on May 25, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
    "Two AKB48 singers, 1 staff member attacked at handshake event in Iwate". Japan Today. May 24, 2014. Archived from the original on May 25, 2014. Retrieved May 24, 2014.
    "Japanese girl band AKB48 attacked with a saw at fan event". The Guardian. Tokyo. AFP. May 25, 2014. Retrieved May 25, 2014.
    "Slasher Attacks Japan Pop Girl Group AKB48 at Fan Event". Jakarta Globe. Reuters. May 26, 2014. Retrieved May 26, 2014.
    "AKB48 members attacked by saw-wielding man". The Japan Times. May 25, 2014.
    "AKB48入山杏奈が襲われ負傷 グループ随一の才色兼備、ドラマに映画初主演...これまでの活動とは" (in Japanese). Model Press. May 26, 2014.
  193. ^ a b "名古屋・幕張の握手会を延期 AKB48劇場は31日まで休館" [Postpone shake-hand events in Nagoya/Makuhari – AKB48 Theater will be closed until 31st]. nikkei.com (in Japanese). Nikkei Inc. May 26, 2014. Retrieved May 26, 2014.
  194. ^ 6月14日（土）全国握手会イベント（横浜スタジアム） 6月15日（日）・6月29日（日）パシフィコ横浜 大写真会 開催延期のお詫びとお知らせ [Apology and announcement of postponement of handshake event on Saturday, June 14, and photo shooting events on Sunday at Yokohama Stadium, June 15, and Sunday, June 29 at Pacifico Yokohama] (in Japanese). King Records. Archived from the original on June 6, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  195. ^ "Japan Pop Group AKB48 Cancels Events After Attack". ABC News. May 26, 2014. Retrieved May 26, 2014.
  196. ^ Junko Ogura and Tim Hume. "Japanese man sentenced for saw attack on pop stars". CNN. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  197. ^ 各劇場で金属探知機を導入、客席の最前列は使用禁止に [Metal detectors introduced at each theater, no front-row seats available]. Sponichi Annex (in Japanese). Sports Nippon Newspapers. May 27, 2014. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
  198. ^ たかみな、ぱるる、Mステで目潤ませ熱唱 [Takamina, Paruru, glistening with emotion when they sang at M-Station]. nikkansports.com (in Japanese). Sports Nippon Newspapers. May 30, 2014. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
  199. ^ AKB劇場6月2日から再開の公式発表 [Official announcement to reopen AKB48 Theater from June 2]. Daily Sports Online (in Japanese). May 31, 2014. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
  200. ^ 味スタ大雨厳戒...手荷物検査員106人、金属探知機122台. sanspo.com (in Japanese). Sankei Digital Inc. June 8, 2014. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved June 8, 2014.
  201. ^ "AKB総選挙 大雨...45分遅れで開演". Daily Sports Online. デイリースポーツ. June 7, 2014. Retrieved June 8, 2014.
  202. ^ "週間 CDアルバムランキング 2015年02月02日付". Oricon Style (in Japanese). Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  203. ^ ゆきりん 3月発売新曲「Green Flash」で初のセンターに. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). January 25, 2015. Archived from the original on February 12, 2015. Retrieved January 27, 2015.
  204. ^ "AKB48 39thシングル「Green Flash」の初日売上は860,269枚". AKB48 Matome (in Japanese). March 4, 2015. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
  205. ^ 川栄李奈 無念の卒業...今後は女優業に全力「夢を追いかけたい」. スポニチ Sponichi Annex (in Japanese).
  206. ^ 川栄、卒業は「夢を叶えたいと思ったから」」 (in Japanese).
  207. ^ こじはる、武藤十夢らNYにAKB、ファン5000人集結に感動 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on May 14, 2015. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
  208. ^ こじはるらNYで「ヘビロテ」など5曲披露 (in Japanese).
  209. ^ 里田まいも興奮「すごい熱気」AKB・NYイベント (in Japanese).
  210. ^ "AKB48、6年ぶりNYライブに5000人熱狂 里田まい現地報告「ものすごい熱気」" (in Japanese). May 12, 2015.
  211. ^ "僕たちは戦わない(初回限定盤/Type A)". Oricon Style (in Japanese). Retrieved May 22, 2015.
  212. ^ AKB総選挙 視聴率18・8％...過去2位 瞬間最高は指原コールで23・4％ (in Japanese). Yahoo Japan Corporation. Archived from the original on June 12, 2015. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  213. ^ "Rino Sashihara crowned amid tears and jeers at AKB election". The Japan Times. June 8, 2015. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
  214. ^ "「AKB48 41stシングル 選抜総選挙」開票結果". AKB48 official blog. AKB48. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  215. ^ AKB48 10th anniversary year 41stシングル 選抜総選挙 (in Japanese). AKB48. Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  216. ^ "【オリコン】AKB48、22作連続ミリオン センター指原「幸せです」". Oricon News. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
  217. ^ "Announcement of Minami Takahashi to be Center on her final AKB48 single". Tokyo Girls Update. October 2015. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
  218. ^ "AKB48 overtakes iconic rock group to become Japan's No.1". SBS PopAsia HQ. December 10, 2015. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  219. ^ "AKB48's 43rd Single "Kimi wa Melody" revealed on the final day of Request Hour 2016!". Tokyo Girls Update. January 25, 2016. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
  220. ^ "【AKB紅白】台湾オーディション合格の馬嘉伶「ヘビロテ」1人で熱唱". tokyo-sports. Archived from the original on March 1, 2019. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  221. ^ "Sashihara wins AKB48 general election". The Japan Times. July 25, 2016. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  222. ^ 島崎遥香 AKB48年内卒業を発表 迷った末の決断 女優業に前向き (in Japanese). Sports Nippon Newspapers. October 3, 2016. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
  223. ^ "微博". m.weibo.cn. Retrieved December 21, 2016.
  224. ^ "Rino Sashihara and Morning Musume Collab on AKB48's 8th Album". Arama! Japan. December 25, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
  225. ^ "Kojima Haruna announces graduation from AKB48". tokyohive.com. June 20, 2016. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  226. ^ "Marriage, Graduation Announcements Overshadow Idol Rino Sashihara's 3rd AKB48 Election Win". Anime News Network. July 9, 2023.
  227. ^ "Details on AKB48 Shuffle Team Members in late 2017". odonsalvatore.blogspot.com. Archived from the original on July 26, 2018. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  228. ^ "【紅白】AKB48まゆゆが有終の美 視聴者人気1位は「11月のアンクレット」". Oricon News (in Japanese). Oircon ME. December 31, 2017. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  229. ^ "'Produce 48' exits, failing to make splash". koreatimes. September 2, 2018. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  230. ^ [단독] 韓日데뷔 '프로듀스48' 걸그룹, 2년 6개월 계약 확정 (in Korean). Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  231. ^ "[공식입장] "'프듀'·'AKB48' 컬래버"...'프로듀스48' 내년 방송 확정". X Sports News (in Korean). November 29, 2017. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  232. ^ "Jurina Matsui triumphs in the 2018 AKB48 General Election | SBS PopAsia". Sbs.com.au. June 18, 2018. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  233. ^ "一般社団法人 日本レコード協会". www.riaj.or.jp. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  234. ^ "センチメンタルトレイン (Type B)". www.melon.com (in Korean). Retrieved November 2, 2018.
  235. ^ "AKB48 55thシングル収録内容一部決定のお知らせ | AKB48 King Records official website". akb.kingrecords.co.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved February 4, 2019.[permanent dead link‍]
  236. ^ "AKB48 in Taipei 2019 〜 Are You Ready For It?". www.eventernote.com.
  237. ^ "AKB48冠番組「AKBingo！」終了へ 11年半の歴史に幕". www.mdpr.jp (in Japanese). August 21, 2019. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  238. ^ "番組を応援してくださった皆さんへ". www.nhk.or.jp (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 30, 2019. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  239. ^ "AKB48 Cafe & Shop in Akihabara Closes After 8 Years". www.animenewsnetwork.com. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  240. ^ "AKB総選挙の開催見送り発表 09年開始以降で初". www.nikkansports.com (in Japanese). Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  241. ^ "AKS松村氏、NGT騒動と総選挙開催見送りは「関係ございません」". SANSPO.COM (in Japanese). March 23, 2019.
  242. ^ "AKB48's Japanese company announces division of management in preparation for IZ*ONE's return to promotions". www.allkpop.com. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  243. ^ "OUC48はAKB48の新たな一歩" [OUC48 is a new step for AKB48]. Sponichi. April 16, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
  244. ^ "Sponichi: COVID-19 Could Be to Blame for AKB48 Missing Out on This Year's Kōhaku Music Contest". Anime News Network. July 9, 2023.
  245. ^ "チーム8全国ツアー、ついに完走しました!!!".
  246. ^ "AKB48『9/29発売 AKB48 58thシングル、タイトル＆選抜メンバー決定！！』". AKB48 Official Blog 〜1830mから～ Powered by Ameba (in Japanese). Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  247. ^ "AKB48 To Reveal 58th Single MV Tomorrow - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
  248. ^ "AKB48、メンバー7人がコロナ感染 倉野尾成美、坂口渚沙、活動再開の鈴木優香ほか". Oricon News. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
  249. ^ "AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告及びイベント出演辞退と公演・コンサート中止のお知らせ". AKB48公式サイト (in Japanese). Archived from the original on August 1, 2021. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  250. ^ "AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告と 8/1開催のイベント出演に関して". AKB48公式サイト (in Japanese). Archived from the original on July 31, 2021. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  251. ^ "Muto Orin & Suzuki Kurumi Infected with Covid-19 - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  252. ^ "Saito Haruna Tested Positive For Covid-19 - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  253. ^ "Hashimoto Haruna infected with Covid-19 - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  254. ^ "4 More AKB48 Idols Infected with Covid-19 - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  255. ^ "Ichikawa Manami infected with Covid-19 - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  256. ^ "Kobayashi Ran infected with Covid-19 - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  257. ^ "AKB48『AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告』". AKB48 Official Blog 〜1830mから～ Powered by Ameba (in Japanese). Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  258. ^ "AKB48『AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告』". AKB48 Official Blog 〜1830mから～ Powered by Ameba (in Japanese). Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  259. ^ "AKB48『AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告』". AKB48 Official Blog 〜1830mから～ Powered by Ameba (in Japanese). Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  260. ^ "AKB48『AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告』". AKB48 Official Blog 〜1830mから～ Powered by Ameba (in Japanese). Retrieved August 27, 2021.
  261. ^ "AKB48『AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告』". AKB48 Official Blog 〜1830mから～ Powered by Ameba (in Japanese). Retrieved August 28, 2021.
  262. ^ "AKB48『AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告』". AKB48 Official Blog 〜1830mから～ Powered by Ameba (in Japanese). Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  263. ^ "AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告". AKB48公式サイト (in Japanese). Archived from the original on September 13, 2021. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
  264. ^ "Yokoyama Yui announces graduation from AKB48". tokyohive. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  265. ^ AKB48公式. Twitter. Retrieved December 19, 2021.
  266. ^ "AKB48 Team Shuffle, Kuranoo Narumi Appointed Team 4 Captain - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved January 12, 2023.
  267. ^ "AKB48's Miyazaki Miho to graduate and pursue activities in South Korea". tokyohive. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  268. ^ "AKB48's Kato Rena announces graduation". tokyohive. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  269. ^ "AKB48 59thシングル 5月18日（水）発売決定！". AKB48 Official Blog 〜1830mから～ Powered by Ameba (in Japanese). Retrieved February 22, 2022.
  270. ^ "AKB48、第17期生11名お披露目 最年少は14歳、メンバー実妹も" [AKB48, 17th generation 11 trainess unveiled, The youngest is 14 years old, including member's sister]. modelpress (in Japanese). April 20, 2022. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
  271. ^ "AKB48 Add 6 New COVID-19 Cases - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  272. ^ "Two More AKB48 Idols Infected With COVID - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  273. ^ "Team 8 Nagano Serika Infected With COVID - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  274. ^ "AKB48 Announce 18th Gen Audition - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved January 12, 2023.
  275. ^ "Chiba Erii Appointed AKB48 60th Single CENTER - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  276. ^ "AKB48 Update 61st Single doushitemo kimi ga suki da Details - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  277. ^ "AKB48 Announce 61st Single, Transferred To Universal Music - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  278. ^ "(Video) AKB48 18th Gen KKS Make Their Debut - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  279. ^ "AKB48 Abolish Team System - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  280. ^ "Oguri Yui Serves CENTER For AKB48 62nd Single - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  281. ^ "The Idol Kashiwagi Yuki Announced Graduating From AKB48 - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  282. ^ Daily, AKB48. "AKB48's Surprise Announcement Of 19th Generation Audition - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved October 22, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  283. ^ Daily, AKB48. "AKB48 Announce 63rd Single, With Kashiwagi Yuki As CENTER - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved December 9, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  284. ^ "AKB48、初カバーアルバム全14曲発表 リード曲は小泉今日子「なんてったってアイドル」 乃木坂46の名曲も【楽曲一覧】" [AKB48 announces first cover album with 14 songs. Lead song is Kyoko Koizumi's "Nantatta Idol" Also includes Nogizaka46's famous songs [List of songs]]. ORICON NEWS. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  285. ^ "AKB48 10thアルバム 2024年12月25日（水）発売決定！！" [AKB48's 10th album will be released on Wednesday, December 25, 2024!]. AKB48 (in Japanese). October 6, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  286. ^ a b Joyce, Andrew (December 28, 2011). "Japan Goes Gaga Over AKB48, a 92-Member Girl Group – WSJ.com". Online.wsj.com. Retrieved April 25, 2013.
  287. ^ Baseel, Casey (December 14, 2014). "Who's still buying physical media in Japan? Top 20 singles lists for the year reveal the answer". rocketnews24.com. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
  288. ^ St. Michael, Patrick (October 19, 2017). "AKB48 fan allegedly dumps 585 CDs on a mountain in Fukuoka". sbs.com. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  289. ^ Morikawa, Jun (December 27, 2015). "Does the future of Japanese music depend on streaming services?". japantimes.co.jp. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  290. ^ Swarts, Alan (July 23, 2013). "Why Japan's Music Industry Is Booming... For Now". Billboard.com. Retrieved May 29, 2014.
  291. ^ a b "Japan's AKB48, a girl pop group whose lineup is chosen by fans, set to go global". New York: NY Daily News. Associated Press. June 12, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2013.
  292. ^ a b c St. Michel, Patrick; Kikuchi, Daisuke (May 31, 2012). "AKB48 'election' shows marketing brilliance". Japan Times. p. 17.
  293. ^ "AKB48 13thシングル 選抜総選". AKB48 Official Blog / Ameblo. May 13, 2009.
  294. ^ Matsutani, Minoru (July 1, 2013). "Voting for idols is bigger than politics". Japan Times.
  295. ^ "【第9回AKB総選挙】総投票数が過去最多338万票に ハプニング続きも記録更新". Oricon. June 17, 2017.
  296. ^ Beck, Julie (September 16, 2013). "Lady Gaga's Scandalous Attempt to Rally Fans, J-Pop Style – Patrick St. Michel". The Atlantic. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
  297. ^ Robertson, Adi (February 8, 2013). "Dating AKB48: the J-pop cult banned from falling in love". The Verge. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
  298. ^ "CDs Rule Japan's Music Market, Thanks to Girl Groups and Add-Ons". Businessweek. July 3, 2013. Archived from the original on July 7, 2013. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
  299. ^ Watanabe, Anna (May 31, 2012). "Japan: AKB48 annual elections only a week away". Asian Correspondent. Archived from the original on May 31, 2012. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
  300. ^ "When You Have Too Much Money, Questionable Judgment, and Like Idols". Kotaku.com. May 27, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
  301. ^ "AKB48、じゃんけん選抜シングルは「チャンスの順番」". Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. November 4, 2010. Retrieved April 21, 2012.
  302. ^ "AKB48じゃんけん選抜詳細レポ「新しいAKBの形見えた」". Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. September 21, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2012.
  303. ^ "AKBじゃんけん優勝特典はソロデビュー". Oricon (in Japanese). August 7, 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
  304. ^ "AKB48公式サイト｜AKB48グループ ドラフト会議" (in Japanese). AKB48. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  305. ^ "第2回AKB48グループドラフト会議とは" (in Japanese). AKB48. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  306. ^ "Documentary of AKB48 to be continued 10年後、少女たちは今の自分に何を思うのだろう？". eiga.com (in Japanese). Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  307. ^ "New People Entertainment Announces DVD Release Of AKB48 Documentary". Anime News Network. November 14, 2011. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  308. ^ "Documentary of akb48: show must go on". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
  309. ^ "Documentary of AKB48 No flower without rain 少女たちは涙の後に何を見る？". eiga.com (in Japanese). Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  310. ^ "Documentary of akb48: no flower without rain". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
  311. ^ "Documentary of AKB48 The time has come 少女たちは、今、その背中に何を想う？". eiga.com (in Japanese). Retrieved August 26, 2014.
  312. ^ "Japan Box Office July 12–13, 2014". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
  313. ^ "存在する理由 Documentary of AKB48". eiga.com (in Japanese). Retrieved February 13, 2020.
  314. ^ "マンガ「AKB49」はAKB48大島優子も納得の出来!?「楽屋での私のまんまだ((;゜Д゜))」" (in Japanese). Cinema Today. August 26, 2010. Retrieved October 23, 2011.
  315. ^ a b c "AKB0048 Idol Sci-Fi Anime's TV Ad Streamed". Anime News Network. April 20, 2012. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
  316. ^ "AKB0048 next stage's 1st Promo Streamed". Anime News Network. December 12, 2012. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  317. ^ "The AKB48 Arcade Game Is Pretty Much AKB48 House Of The Dead". Siliconera. February 6, 2014. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
  318. ^ "AKB48 finally gets an official music game". Siliconera. May 7, 2014. Retrieved January 6, 2015.
  319. ^ "Japan Review Check: AKB48, Borderlands 2, Forza: Horizon". Polygon.com. October 17, 2012. Retrieved January 6, 2015.
  320. ^ "Super Smash Bros. for 3DS – Japanese Commercial #4! [AKB48 Promotion Video]". Ndukauba. September 7, 2014. Archived from the original on November 7, 2021.
  321. ^ "From Akiba to L.A. with AKB48". Retrieved March 15, 2017.
  322. ^ JpopAsia. "AKB48's Senbatsu Makes Appearance On SMAP X SMAP". JpopAsia. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  323. ^ "AKB48 Group x Showroom". Showroom. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  324. ^ "AKB48グループ、Showroom にて個人配信スタート メンバー各自の好きなタイミングで生配信". realsound. October 13, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  325. ^ "Japanese girl group AKB48 to join Hybe's Weverse DM". koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. April 25, 2023. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  326. ^ "As CDs Spin On in Japan, Tower Records Rocks On". Japan Real Time. June 14, 2013. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  327. ^ "Oricon reveals "Artist Total Sales Revenue" ranking for 2012". Tokyohive. December 20, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2013. – references Oricon article
  328. ^ "Oricon unveils their Yearly Sales Rankings for 2015". aramajapan. December 21, 2015. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  329. ^ "シングル年間ランキング-Oricon Style ランキング" (in Japanese). Archived from the original on July 22, 2011. Retrieved July 17, 2011.
  330. ^ Oricon Yearly Singles Chart (2010-2019):
  331. ^ "Oricon weekly (singles)". The Natsu Style. December 15, 2014. Archived from the original on September 21, 2020. Retrieved December 25, 2015.
  332. ^ "「恋するフォーチュンクッキー」が、有料音楽配信認定においてミリオンになったので、他のAKB48曲を含めて考察しました". Archived from the original on October 20, 2019. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  333. ^ "2014年Joysound年間ランキング". Joysound.com.
  334. ^ "2011年間ヒットタレント本/写真集【PRiVATE LiFE】年間ランキング". entamedata.web.fc2.com.
  335. ^ "年間CM起用社数、女性上位はAKB独占 男性は石川遼が4連覇". Oricon News. September 26, 2019.
  336. ^ "JPpo News: Top 10 Most Viewed JPop Music Video".
  337. ^ a b "AKB48 is officially the world's biggest group". November 15, 2010. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved June 29, 2011.
  338. ^ "AKB48's new Guinness World Record". Cinema Online. Yahoo! Singapore. March 7, 2012. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
  339. ^ "New postage stamp sheets feature AKB48". Japan Times. Yahoo! Singapore. November 25, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
  340. ^ "スペシャルロングインタビュー: 秋元康「AKB48の秘密」". M Girl (2011 Spring/Summer). Matoi Publishing. 2011. ISBN 9784905353027.
  341. ^ To, Jeffrey (June 23, 2013). "The Truth Behind Heavy Rotation". Nihongogo.
  342. ^ Mosbergen, Dominique (February 2, 2013). "Minami Minegishi, Japanese Pop Star, Shaves Head As Penance For Dating". Huffington Post. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  343. ^ "Japan's Lack of Romance: Is It Due to Idol Culture?". The Huffington Post. January 2, 2017. Retrieved January 2, 2017.
  344. ^ a b AKB48. "AKB48公式サイト | AKB48劇場" [AKB48 Theater]. AKB48公式サイト (in Japanese). Retrieved June 29, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  345. ^ JpopAsia. "AKB48 Theater Closes Due to Earthquake". JpopAsia. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  346. ^ "Japanese all-girl pop group AKB48 suspends Akihabara performances". Mainichi Daily News. January 6, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  347. ^ "AKB48 Theater Closed Again Over COVID-19 - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  348. ^ "AKB48 CAFE finally closes its doors - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News". jshowbiz.com. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  349. ^ "AKB48劇場、今秋リニューアルへ 工事中は全国で「出張公演」". asahi.com. March 17, 2024. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
  350. ^ "AKB48 charity efforts have raised 1.25 billion yen in donations". Tokyograph (based on articles by Oricon and Sankei sports). February 18, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2012.
  351. ^ "AKB48 to distribute another charity song for free". tokyohive.com. March 1, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  352. ^ "AKB48 & sister groups hold special performances at their theaters + the disaster areas". tokyohive.com. March 11, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  353. ^ "第51回日本レコード大賞" [51st Japan Record Awards]. 公益社団法人 日本作曲家協会 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 17, 2022. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  354. ^ "2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards Winners - Mwawe Official Website". www.mwave.me. Archived from the original on November 25, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
  355. ^ Rob Schwartz (February 7, 2011). "Chaka Khan, Debbie Gibson Make Cameos at Billboard Japan Awards". Billboard. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  356. ^ "Entertainment Project Design [AKB48]". Good Design Award. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
  357. ^ "第25回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞.
  358. ^ "AKB48, Avril Lavigne Win Big at Billboard Japan Music Awards". Billboard. March 6, 2012. Retrieved April 1, 2012.
  359. ^ "ドラマソング賞 受賞結果 1位：フライングゲット、AKB48 | 第70回 - ザテレビジョンドラマアカデミー賞". ザテレビジョン (in Japanese). Retrieved May 2, 2019.
  360. ^ "AKB48がアーティスト・オブ・ザ・イヤー含む4冠を2年連続で達成│Daily News│Billboard JAPAN" (in Japanese). Billboard Japan. December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
  361. ^ AKB48がレコ大連覇！"センター"まゆゆ号泣. Sankei Sports (in Japanese). December 30, 2012. Archived from the original on January 1, 2013. Retrieved April 4, 2014.
  362. ^ "第26回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞.
  363. ^ "第26回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞.
  364. ^ "AKB48 / Awarded "Asia's Most Popular Group" in Beijing". SYNC MUSIC JAPAN. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
  365. ^ "2012 MAMA Winners and Performances". Soompi. November 30, 2012. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
  366. ^ Jeff Benjamin (January 9, 2014). "AKB48, Morning Musume Win Big at Billboard Japan Music Awards". Billboard. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  367. ^ Billboard Staff (December 20, 2012). "AKB48, Carly Rae Jepsen Win Big at Billboard Japan Music Awards". Billboard. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  368. ^ "第27回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞.
  369. ^ "第27回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞.
  370. ^ "第27回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞.
  371. ^ "第27回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞.
  372. ^ "「第18回SPACE SHOWER MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS」にて特別賞ほか受賞!!". AOI Pro. Inc. (in Japanese). Retrieved May 2, 2019.
  373. ^ "第29回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞 (in Japanese). Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  374. ^ "第29回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞 (in Japanese). Retrieved August 11, 2021.
  375. ^ "Winners and performances for the "2015 MAMA"". Koreaboo. December 2, 2015. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
  376. ^ "AKB48 Tops Billboard Japan's 2016 Artist Ranking: See the List". Billboard. January 25, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
  377. ^ "第30回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞 (in Japanese). Retrieved February 5, 2022.
  378. ^ "第30回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞 (in Japanese). Retrieved February 5, 2022.
  379. ^ "「第11回大正琴音楽大賞」授与式を行いました". 琴伝流からのお知らせ | 琴伝流大正琴 (in Japanese). Retrieved May 2, 2019.
  380. ^ "ドラマソング賞 受賞結果 1位：365日の紙飛行機、AKB48 | 第88回 - ザテレビジョンドラマアカデミー賞". ザテレビジョン (in Japanese). Retrieved May 2, 2019.
  381. ^ "第31回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞 (in Japanese). Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  382. ^ "The Complete List of '2017 MAMA' Winners". JoongAng Ilbo. December 4, 2017. Archived from the original on October 29, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
  383. ^ "第32回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞 (in Japanese). Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  384. ^ "第32回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞 (in Japanese). Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  385. ^ "第33回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞 (in Japanese). Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  386. ^ "第33回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞 (in Japanese). Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  387. ^ "第34回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞 (in Japanese). Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  388. ^ "第35回日本ゴールドディスク大賞". 日本ゴールドディスク大賞 (in Japanese). Retrieved February 6, 2022.
  389. ^ Ronald (November 19, 2021). "Nominees and Winners Announced for "63rd Japan Record Awards"". ARAMA! JAPAN. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  390. ^ "AKB48 achieves a Guinness World Record for their 90 CMs for 'Wonda Coffee'". tokyohive. March 6, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  391. ^ "AKB48 becomes best-selling singles female artist ever in Japan". Asahi Shimbun. May 22, 2013. Archived from the original on June 21, 2013. Retrieved March 15, 2014.
  392. ^ "AKB48's latest single is the best selling single for a female group". tokyohive. June 7, 2013. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  393. ^ "AKB48 売上 – さよならクロール". Archived from the original on March 12, 2014. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  394. ^ "AKB48's latest single 'Heart Ereki' sells over a million copies in one day". tokyohive. October 30, 2013. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  395. ^ "AKB48 score their 16th million-selling single". tokyohive. December 16, 2013. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  396. ^ "【ビルボード】AKB48『願いごとの持ち腐れ』が250万枚突破、シングル・セールス・チャート首位獲得". Billboard Japan. June 5, 2017. Retrieved June 5, 2017.
  397. ^ "AKB48の61stシングル". Universal Music Japan. February 27, 2023. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=AKB48&oldid=1258783355"