AKB48’s latest single “Eien Pressure” sells over a million copies in the first week

AKB48’s 29th single “Eien Pressure” (released on December 5th) a song in which the winner of the “3rd Janken tournament”, Shimazaki Haruka served as the center for the first time, sold 1,073,000 copies in the first week. With this result, the single topped Oricon’s weekly single chart for the week of December 17th. This is their 10th consecutive single (and 11 singles in total) to sell over a million copies.

This new record allowed AKB48 to become the first female artist to sell a million copies for 10 consecutive singles, and this is the first time in 16 and a half years for any artist to achieve this since B’z accomplished this back in 1996.

Moreover, the group is now second all-time for the “total number of million-selling singles” after B’z whose record is 15 singles in total. They have also broken their own records for the “number of consecutive chart-topping singles” as well as the “total number of chart-topping singles” for a female group.

Shimazaki commented, “To be honest, I have felt uneasy and pressured that ‘what if the record stops with the song I served as the center’, but I feel relieved now. I am truly happy.”

Source & Image: Oricon

AKB48 holds their 7th anniversary concert

 On December 8th, idol group AKB48 held their 7th anniversary concert at AKB48 Theater in Akihabara.

AKB48 general manager Takahashi Minami placed the group’s 7th ribbon onto the two pillars of AKB48 Theater. She greeted, “It feels like we’ve started running into our 8th year. I want to go towards infinite possibilities.” Oshima Yuko added, “It’s 7. I want it to be our lucky 7.”

The concert featured a total of 87 members including SNH48’s Miyazawa Sae and Suzuki Mariya. Each of the 14 generations got to perform a song one by one. They celebrated their anniversary with 250 fans.

Maeda Atsuko, who graduated from the group in August, also sent a congratulatory message through her official Twitter account. “Congratulations on your 7 years,” she said.

Source & Photos: Sanspo

AKB48 set Guinness World Record with their game, ‘AKB1/149 Renai Sousenkyo’

AKB48’s PlayStation Portable software, ‘AKB1/149 Renai Sousenkyo‘ (December 20th release), has been certified as “the most number of pop singers featured in a video game” by the Guinness World Records.

On December 6th, members Takahashi Minami, Watanabe Mayu, and Yokoyama Yui held a press conference to represent the group. ’AKB1/149 Renai Sousenkyo’ is a dating simulation game featuring a total of 149 members of the AKB family. In the game, the player must continue to turn down the members who approach them and ultimately choose only one member.

Takahashi praised the group, “I’m honored that a game featuring myself has been acknowledged. 149 people is amazing!”

Meanwhile, Watanabe said, “This has been a step toward expanding abroad. Those who are lonely during Christmas, please spend it with all the members who make their appearance in the game.”

Source & Photos: Sanspo

AKB48’s Iwasa Misaki to release her 2nd solo single

Iwasa Misaki who made her solo debut as a first Enka singer from AKB48 back in February, will be releasing her 2nd single ”Moshimo Watashi ga Sora ni Sundeitara” on January 9th.

Like her debut single “Mujin Eki“, the title track for the 2nd single was also written by Akimoto Yasushi, the general producer of AKB48. The single will come in a regular edition and limited edition, and both editions will include an Enka cover of AKB48’s hit song “Flying Get” as its coupling song.

You can check out more details on “Moshimo Watashi ga Sora ni Sundeitara” below!

===

< Limited Edition>

[CD]

01. Moshimo Watashi ga Sora ni Sundeitara

02. Flying Get / AKB48

03. Ajisai-bashi / Jonouchi Sanae

…and the Karaoke versions of the tracks

[DVD]

01. Moshimo Watashi ga Sora ni Sundeitara MUSIC VIDEO

02. Moshimo Watashi ga Sora ni Sundeitara MAKING VIDEO

03. Special video “Iwasa Misaki no Nayamigoto Yamakawa Yutaka-san ni Kiitemoraimashita” (Iwasa Misaki has a talk with Enka singer Yamakawa Yutaka)

[CD]

01. Moshimo Watashi ga Sora ni Sundeitara

02. Flying Get / AKB48

03. Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyugeshiki / Ishikawa Sayuri

…and the Karaoke versions of the tracks

Source & Image: natalie

VSK : "God Songs" (Previews)

AKB48’s Maeda Atsuko attends 2PM’s arena tour

On December 14th, AKB48’s ace Maeda Atsuko was in attendance of the 7pm show for 2PM’s arena tour “ARENA TOUR 2011 ‘REPUBLIC OF 2PM’”.

Maeda has previously attended other concerts by Korean artists, such as Big Bang, but this time she seemed to have gotten a bit more out of it. Maeda praised the boy group, “After work finished, I went to 2PM’s concert with the staff :-) Their singing and dancing was so powerful that it gave me a ton of energy just from watching!! THAT is an amazing thing!!”

In addition to enjoying the show, Maeda feels she was also able to learn from 2PM as artists, “When I go to other artists’ lives I always get a new kind of motivation. I learned some things and had a fun time as well!… I feel refreshed from today, so tomorrow I can work harder!”

Lastly, Maeda was also able to meet the members of 2PM and get a copy of their album signed. She explains that she bought it the other day and that she was happy that they signed a copy just for her. “It has good songs on it… Lately, I’ve been putting this album on heavy rotation in the car and today I’m going to go to sleep while listening to it!”

Source: Maeda Atsuko’s Official Blog

AKB48’s Akimoto Sayaka to take on the “Tokyo Marathon” once again

On December 14th, AKB48’s Akimoto Sayaka attended a press conference for the release of the “Tokyo Marathon 2012 Official Guidebook”. Akimoto announced that she would be participating in the “Tokyo Marathon 2012” on February 26th, which will be her second consecutive year to run in the marathon.

Last time Akimoto ran the marathon as a ‘restart’ to her life after being caught up in a scandal. This year Akimoto plans to be a charity runner, “I want to show my thanks through running. Last year I was at the back of the pack, this time I want to finish in under 6 hours.”

The Tokyo Marathon began back in 2007 this year charities can run under the broad “connection” theme. Under the main theme they set up a cooperative group for five smaller themes: Family, Future, Life, Dreams, and Livelihood. When someone donates 100,000 yen (~1,280 USD) they will be able to participate as a “charity runner”.

Akimoto whose mother is from the Philippines, has decided to send her donations to the “Charity to Connect Lives” which is to support the poor villages that are in need of medical services. Akimoto explained her decision for running again after her success last year, “The members and fans have been asking me ‘Aren’t you going to run this year?’ and I honestly was thinking about it until the last minute. I was able to have a complete restart thanks to the Tokyo Marathon last year, so I want to return the favor this year.”

She spoke about which members she would like to run together with, “I think I could run better if I had Oshima Yuko-chan spanking my butt.” Though AKB48’s activities will get extremely busy during the year-end and New Year season, Akimoto said with sparkling eyes, “You can always find the time to do things. This time I will get a load on it and change my eating habits.”

Akimoto also got 5th place during AKB48’s “Janken Tournament” this past September. She innocently commented on being a Senbatsu Member for their new single ‘Ue Kara MARIKO’, “Coming in 5th was quite nice. Maybe I’ll get center next time?”

Source: Model Press

AKB48’s Maeda Atsuko likes to wear shorts in the winter as well!

AKB48’s Maeda Atsuko is the current cover girl for the December 12th edition of “CUTiE” magazine and she exclaimed that even though it’s the winter, she still likes to display her legs.

Maeda Atsuko has started climbing the stairs to adulthood this year, as she has just turned 20 years old. She showed off a more mature style in the latest issue of the magazine. On one page she wears lace shorts and a fluffy sweater for a “fluffy cute” look. On another page she wears colorful shorts and a jacket for a more “handsome” look. Maeda has a varying degree of taste, but she has great taste and likes a style where she can show her legs.

During the interview Maeda expressed how happy she is that people have noticed her becoming more adult-like. To keep up with that she stated that she wants to find some time to enjoy her hobbies next year. “I want to become a skilled person,” she commented enthusiastically.

Source: Model Press

AKB48 breaks records and has their 4th consecutive first week million selling single

AKB48’s 24th single “Ue Kara MARIKO” has come in as the 5th highest selling single in its first week. This track sold 1,199,000 copies, naturally making it the number one single for the week of December 19th. AKB48 has also created a historic first, being the first artists ever to sell four consecutive “First Week Million” singles. Additionally, all five of their singles this year have sold one million copies.

In September, AKB48 held their “2nd Janken Tournament” at the Nippon Budokan, where the eldest member, Shinoda Mariko (25) took the center position for the first time. It’s great that Shinoda and 16 other members who became part of the “Janken Senbatsu” based on luck were able to sing this song and achieve this big record.

AKB48 has had five consecutive million selling singles, as their hit track from February “Sakura no Ki ni Narou” has sold 1,079,000 copies and altogether they have sold six total million singles when you include their song from 2010; “Beginner”.

AKB48 has surpassed Pink Lady, Amuro Namie, Hamasaki Ayumi, and Utada Hikaru to become the top female artists with the most million selling singles. The group is currently tied with Morning Musume for having the most number one singles for a female group; which is 11. AKB48 is currently tied with GLAY with 5 consecutive million selling singles. GLAY has held the record since February 22, 1999, with their single “Winter, again”; that’s 12 years and 10 months.

“Ue Kara MARIKO” is the first single without the group’s ace Maeda Atsuko; who has been in every single since their indies debut back in February 2006. Other popular Senbatsu members like Oshima Yuko and Takahashi Minami were also absent from the single.

AKB48 has already announced that their next single will be released on February 15, 2012 and will be a sakura themed song.

–

[Highest First Week Sales]

1. AKB48 “Flying Get” (August 24, 2011) – 1,354,000 copies

2. AKB48 “Everyday, Kachuusha” (May 25, 2011) – 1,334,000 copies

3. AKB48 “Kaze wa Fuiteiru” (October 26, 2011) – 1,300,000 copies

4. Mr. Children “Na mo Naki Uta” (February 5, 1996) – 1,208,000 copies

5. AKB48 “Ue Kara MARIKO” (December 7, 2011) – 1,199,000 copies

–

[Female Artists With A Million Singles Sold]

1. 6 singles – AKB48 “Ue Kara MARKO (December 19, 2011)

2. 5 singles – Pink Lady “Monster” (September 4, 1978)

2. 5 singles – Amuro Namie “CAN YOU CELEBRATE?” (March 10, 1997)

2. 5 singles – Utada Hikaru “Can You Keep A Secret?” (March 5, 2001)

2. 5 singles – Hamasaki Ayumi “H (independent, July 1st, HANABI)” (November 25, 2002)

==

Source: Oricon

Cast of 9 members announced for AKB48’s anime, ‘AKB0048′

Last week, we reported that 30 members from the AKB48 family passed the initial round of auditions for the upcoming anime, ‘AKB0048‘. Out of those 30, nine would go on to become the show’s voice actresses through a public final audition.

On December 13th, the 30 girls gave their all in front of a judging panel comprised of Akimoto Yasushi, Kawamori Shoji, Otsuki Toshimichi, and sound director Aketagawa Jin. Kawamori Shoji, who’s famous for his work in ‘Macross‘ series, is the chief director behind this project, and Otsuki Toshimichi is the executive producer.

After much deliberation, it was decided that the following girls would lend their voices for the anime:

09. Watanabe Mayu (AKB48, Team B)

08. Mita Mao (NMB48, Research student)

07. Ishida Haruka (AKB48, Team B)

06. Sato Sumire (AKB48, Team B)

05. Hata Sawako (SKE48, Team KII)

04. Nakaya Sayaka (AKB48, Team A)

03. Yagami Kumi (SKE48, Team S)

02. Iwata Karen (AKB48, Research student)

01. Sato Amina (AKB48, Team B)

Honorable mentions went to four other girls for their performances: Takeuchi Miyu (AKB48, Team 4),  Murashige Anna (HKT48, First class), Kinoshita Momoka (NMB48, Research student), and Furukawa Airi (SKE48, Team KII).

Congratulations, ladies!

–

Source: AKB0048 official website

VSK : RIVER GOD SONGS

AKB48 starts their new global project with Google+

On December 8th, AKB48 members Maeda Atsuko, Shinoda Mariko, Takahashi Minami, Sashihara Rino, and Takajo Aki attended a press conference for their new project with Google+.

Using Google+, the members will update information in various ways, allowing them to interact with overseas fans. Maeda commented, “I’m excited. I want to be able to have various interactions in order to be loved equally by people around the world.” Meanwhile, Takahashi said, “These 6 years went by so quickly. I never thought a day like this, where we would be interacting with the world, would come. So I’m very happy.”

On this day, it was announced that 260 members of AKB48, SKE48, and other AKB-related groups would be joining Google+. Since Google+ requires you to be at least 18-years old to create an account, members who are 17 and under will be updating information through an account called ‘AKB48 Heyakko’. Additionally, a portion of the members’ updates will be translated into English, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, and Korean. AKB48 also plans to live stream their performances through this service.

Along with her activities as AKB48, Maeda has been busy with her solo activities. She won ‘The 3rd AKB38 General Elections’ back in June, made her solo debut, and has been appearing in various dramas and movies. She expressed, “The general elections was a moment where I put more spirit into my work. It doesn’t seem like this year is coming to an end. Even when it ends, I probably wouldn’t think that it’s over. That is how important this year was for me.”

Shinoda also shared, “For me, it’s janken. I never thought I was that strong in janken.” Regarding their latest single, “Ue Kara Mariko“, which has already sold over 1 million copies, she commented, “When I saw the news, I was impressed once again.”

Check out photos from the event below!

Source & Images: Mantan Web

30 members pass first round of judging for AKB48’s upcoming anime

On December 8th, AKB48 announced the names of the 30 members who passed the first round of judging for their upcoming anime, “AKB0048“.

The storyline focuses on 9 idol cadets who aim to become legendary superstars. Out of 200 girls from AKB48, SKE48, NMB48, and HKT48, 30 passed the first round for a chance to be one of 9 voice actors. These members include 17 from AKB48, 8 from SKE, 4 from NMB, and 1 from HKT. The 30 members will advance into the final public audition, which will be held on December 13th.

In the final round, the members will introduce themselves and read lines in front of 100 lucky fans. The 9 girls who deliver the best performances and possess an eagerness to voice act in the future will be announced as the winners  that day.

Take a look at the members who passed the first round of judging below!

—

AKB48: Ishida Haruka, Ichikawa Miori, Iwata Karen (research student), Oota Aika, Katayama Haruka, Kobayashi Marina (research student), Sato Amina, Sato Sumire, Suzuki Shihori, Suzuki Rika (research student), Takeuchi Miyu, Chikano Rina, Nakagawa Haruka, Nakaya Sayaka, Nito Moeno, Fujie Reina, Watanabe Mayu

SKE48: Sakai Mei, Sato Mieko, Nakanishi Yuka, Hata Sawako, Hara Minami, Furukawa Airi, Yakata Miki, Yagami Kumi

NMB48: Ogasawara Mayu, Kinoshita Momoka (research student), Nakagawa Hiromi (research student), Mita Mao (research student)

HKT48: Murashige Anna

Source: Oricon

AKB48’s Kojima Haruna becomes new TSUBAKI model

On December 8th, AKB48 member Kojima Haruna attended a press event for haircare brand ‘TSUBAKI‘ as their newest model. Kojima commented, “It seems like a dream for me to be in TSUBAKI commercial and I’m really glad to have been chosen for this. ”

The idol also talked about her experience shooting the CM. “I was nervous at first, but they played AKB48 songs and I felt relaxed,” she laughed.

Joining Kojima as new models for the brand were Ebihara Yuri, Mizuhara Kiko, singer Anna Kay and actress Gaile Lai, who also attended the event. Since TSUBAKI wants to expand their market beyond Japan, they decided to select actress Gaile Lai from Hong Kong, singer Anna Kay from China, and fashion model Sasha Pivovarova from Russia.

Their respective commercials will air from December 9th.

Check out their commercial below!

AKB48’s latest single sells over 959,000 copies on the first day

Popular idol group AKB48’s latest single “Ue kara Mariko” which was released on December 7th, sold 959,280 copies on the first day, and topped the Oricon daily single ranking.

With this achievement, it has become the 3rd best selling song on it’s release day in Oricon’s history after their  previous singles “Kaze wa Fuiteiru” (sold 1,045,937 copies on the first day), and “Flying Get” (sold 1,025,952 copies on the first day).

“Ue kara Mariko” is the first song centering Shinoda Mariko who won “the 2nd Janken Taikai” held back in September.

Source & Image: Oricon (1 + 2)