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!

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Source: AKB0048 official website

SKE48 and Heisei Nobushi Kobushi to start their internet TV program

SKE48 and comedian Heisei Nobushi Kobushi attended a press conference of their upcoming internet TV program “Nobukobu & Zebra Tenshi no Kyuin x2 Variety” on December 5th in Tokyo.

This is the variety show of Pachinko (pinball game), and Heisei Nobushi Kobushi and SKE48 Ono Haruka, Takada Shiori, Deguchi Aki, Hirata Rikako and Furukawa Airi are showing how Pachinko is fun through a comedy and various projects in the program.

On that day, Heisei Nobushi Kobushi and SKE48 Ono, Hirata and Furukawa attended the press conference with their first guest star in the program; comedian Fujimori Shingo(Oriental Radio) and Shizuru.

Before the conference, they already had a shooting for 5 episodes, and Hirata from SKE38 commented about that “We couldn’t stop laughing during the shooting, we all roared with laughter.” And Ono added their enthusiasm for the program “In the program, we sometimes being natural which you hardly see us like that in TV, so I want everyone to enjoy watching our new side of Zebra Tenshi.”

“Nobukobu & Zebra Tenshi no Kyuin x2 Variety” scheduled to air from February 12th, 2012 on the Official Website of KYORAKU.

Source & Image : Natalie

SKE48 to release their 8th single in January 2012

It was announced that SKE48 will be releasing a new single titled “Kataomoi Finally” on January 25th 2012.  It will be their 8th single.

Though no details other than the title and the release date have not been revealed yet, we will report it when it’s revealed, so stay tuned on JK!

Source & Image: SKE48 official site

SKE48’s Nakamura Yuka to graduate from group

On November 28th, SKE48 Team E held their first performance, “Pajama Drive“, at SKE48 Theater in Aichi, where they also announced that member Nakamura Yuka will be graduating from the group in December.
Nakamura became a member of SKE48 after passing the fourth generation auditions last September. Soon after, she became a research student for Team E, and has been active in the group since. Nakamura will graduate from the group in order to focus on her academics.
An announcement from SKE48’s management reads:

“Today during SKE48 Team E’s performance, we announced that Nakamura Yuka, who has been a Team E member since January, will be graduating from SKE48 at the end of December to focus on her academic priorities.
There are only a few weeks until graduation, but please continue to support Nakamura Yuka.“

Source: natalie and SKE48 Official Website

SKE48 to sing for upcoming movie, “Gal Basara”

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It’s been revealed that SKE48’s new song, “Utaouyo, Bokutachi no Kouka“, has been picked up to be  the theme song for the upcoming movie, “Gal Basara ~Sengoku Jidai wa Kengai Desu~“.

“Utaouyo, Bokutachi no Kouka” can be found in the Type C version of SKE48’s 7th single, “Okie Dokie“, which will be released on November 9th. The song is said to liven up the movie with its impressive lyrics.

“Gal Basara” is a story of a group of high school girls from Nagoya who are transported through time after watching a Sengoku show. They find themselves in the middle of a severe battle during the Sengoku period 440 years ago. The movie will star SKE48 members Ogiso Shiori and Kizaki Yuria, as well as AKB48’s Shinoda Mariko.

Source: Oricon

SKE48 reveals short PV preview of “Okie Dokie”

As many of you already know, SKE48’s 7th single “Okie Dokie” will be released on November 9th.  Recently, the short PV preview of “Okie Dokie” was revealed through their official YouTube channel, along with two other tracks “Bazooka-hou Hassha!” (in Type-A), and “Hohoemi no Positive Thinking” (in Type-B).

Check out the previews of some tracks from SKE48’s upcoming single below! (Check our previous post for the track list here.)

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“Okie Dokie”

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“Bazooka-hou Hassha!”

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“Hohoemi no Positive Thinking”

SKE48 reveals jacket covers for “Okie Dokie”

Previously, idol group SKE48 revealed the tracklist details for their 7th single, “Okie Dokie“, and now they’re back with the official album jackets!

To match the cute nature of the phrase, “Okie dokie”, the artist decided to throw some elementary school inspirations into the covers. Pencil crayon smileys, hearts, and of course, school uniforms could all be found on the jackets.

Check them out below!

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< Type A >

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< Type B >

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< Type C >

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Source + Images: Oricon

More details on SKE48’s new single revealed

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SKE48 announced that they would be releasing their 7th single “Okie Dokie” on November 9th.

Recently, they revealed the track lists for their upcoming single.  The single will be released in four different versions; three regular editions and a theater edition.  Check out the track lists for all versions below!

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-CD
1. Okie Dokie
2. Bazooka-hou Hassha! (Shiro-gumi)
3. Hatsukoi no Fumikiri (All members)
4. Okie Dokie off vocal
5. Bazooka-hou Hassha! off vocal
6. Hatsukoi no Fumikiri off vocal
-DVD ※about 20 minutes long
・Okie Dokie Video Clip
・Bazooka-hou Hassha! Video Clip
・Privilege video (Shiro-gumi)

-CD
1. Okie Dokie
2. Hohoemi no Positive Thinking (Aka-gumi)
3. Hatsukoi no Fumikiri (All members)
4.  Okie Dokie off vocal
5. Hohoemi no Positive Thinking off vocal
6. Hatsukoi no Fumikiri off vocal
-DVD ※about 20 minutes long
・Okie Dokie Video Clip
・Hohoemi no Positive Thinking Video Clip
・Privilege video (Aka-gumi)

-CD
1. Okie Dokie
2. Utaouyo, Boku-tachi no Kouka (Selection 8)
3. Hatsukoi no Fumikiri (All members)
4. Okie Dokie off vocal
5. Utaouyo, Boku-tachi no Kouka off vocal
6. Hatsukoi no Fumikiri off vocal
-DVD ※about 60 minutes long
・Okie Dokie Video Clip
・Privilege video

-CD
1. Okie Dokie
2. Bazooka-hou Hassha! (Shiro-gumi)
3. Hohoemi no Positive Thinking (Aka-gumi)
4. SKE48 7th single medley
5. Okie Dokie off vocal
6. Bazooka-hou Hassha! off vocal
7. Hohoemi no Positive Thinking off vocal

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Source & Image: natalie

SKE48’s Matsui Rena watches “Rango” with a chameleon

On September 28th, SKE48’s Matsui Rena attended a special preview event for the animated film, “Rango“.

Since the movie follows the adventures of a chameleon named ‘Rango’, Matsui watched the movie with a real live chameleon. Matsui, who says she loves reptiles, showed her excitement by saying, “It’s my first time actually touching it, but I’ve grown to love it even more!” While petting the chameleon, she exclaimed, “It seeks more attention than the dog I own at home. It’s cute.”

Afterwards, Matsui commented, “It’s an anime, but it’s something that adults can enjoy.” She continued, “Rango’s gaze and manner of walking was really like Johnny Depp’s.” Matsui also shared that member Takayanagi Akare was interested in watching the movie, and so she promised, “Next time, we’ll watch it and emphasize together.”

During AKB48’s 2nd Janken Taikai on September 20th, Matsui volunteered herself to be get a ‘binta’ (slap on the face) by former pro-wrestler Antonio Inoki. Regarding this daring move, she stated, “It was the first binta in my life. It gave me motivation, so it was good.” She then reflected on her feelings after the ‘binta’, and said, “It really hurt, and my head went blank. The next day, I felt that my face was smaller…”

“Rango” will hit theatres nationwide on October 22nd.

Source + Photo: Oricon

SKE48 to get their own regular show on NTV

Starting this October, idol group SKE48 will finally have their own regular TV show on NTV after AKB48 and NMB48.

The new late-night show is called “SKE48 no Magical Radio” and will further strengthen NTV’s position as being the best place for idol shows. After all, they’re already hosting two regular AKB48 shows, “Naruhodo! High School” and “AKBINGO“, as well as one regular NMB48 show called “Naniwa Nadeshiko“. It was only a matter of time for SKE48 to join this line-up.

The three members Matsui Jurina, Matsui Rena, and Takayanagi Akane will serve as the main characters of “SKE48 no Magical Radio”. Moreover it’s said that the vibe of the show is going to feel like variety show disguised as a drama.

Takayanagi is going to mime the radio host of a third grade radio show of a fictional radio station in Nagoya who suddenly gets forced to co-host the show together with former child actress Matsui Jurina in order to attract more listeners. Matsui Rena is going to act as the director who loves radio more than anything else.

In addition to the three main characters, we are going to see Audrey’s Wakabayashi Masayasu acting as the writer of the radio show and actor Sato Jiro as the producer. However, the other girls of SKE48 also get to appear on the show in the roles of the assistant director, sponsors, and other characters.

The main point of the show is the fact that there will be no real script, forcing everyone in the cast to ad-lib according to the situation and their respective characters.

Matsui Jurina commented, “Being one of the younger girls in the group, I think there are a lot of similarities between my real self and my role. Through this show I want people to feel like, ‘Ah~ so that’s the kind of girl Jurina really is!’”

Takayanagi added, “I was surprised that it seems to be more like a regular drama than I imagined. There is a lot of pressure, but also a lot of joy, since it always has been my dream to become an actress. I’d like to show you my real personality as well as a new side of Takayanagi.”

Matsui Rena was overjoyed to record her first regular show in Tokyo as well. She said, “There’s going to be three main characters, but the other members are also going to appear on the show. I think it’s a wonderful show, because even fans of regular dramas will be able to enjoy it. I’ve never tried ad-libbing before, but I hope we will be able to fill the show it lots of fun content. I can’t wait to start the recording!”

“SKE48 no Magical Radio” will air every Tuesday night at 1:29am. The first episode will air on October 11th at 1:59 am.

Source: Mantan-Web

SKE48 to hold “Setlist Best 50″ in November

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On September 19th, SKE48 held a handshake event for their 6th single “Pareo wa Emerald” at Makuhari Messe in Chiba.  For this day, 9,500 fans attended the event which was the largest number of audience for any SKE48 handshake event.

To the event, a total of 39 members were in attendance including 16 senbatsu members for “Pareo wa Emerald”, Shiro-gumi, Aka-gumi members, and Matsushita Yui who will be graduating from SKE48 in the end of September. The girls performed some songs including “Pareo wa Emerald”, and “1!2!3!4! Yoroshiku!”

Matsushita Yui said to the fans, “I’m happy that I got an opportunity to greet (the fans).  I would like to cherish my few remaining days as a SKE48 member.”

During the event, it was surprisingly announced that “SKE48 Request Hour Setlist Best 50 2011 (temporary titled)” would be held at Nagoya Congress Center Century Hall on November 26th and 27th.  It is a concert which the setlist is decided by fans’ votes in ranking style.  This is the second time for SKE48 to hold this concert, and for previous one which was “Setlist Best 30″, “Kareha no Station“, Matsui Rena’s solo song was chosen as No.1.

More details including the way to vote for “SKE48 Request Hour Setlist Best 50 2011 (temporary title)” will be announced later.

Source & Image: natalie

SKE48 makes surprise announcement about new single, “Okie Dokie”!

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During their handshake and mini-live event in Nagoya on September 17th for their most recent single “Pareo wa Emerald“, SKE48 made a surprise announcement about a new single!

The manager of their theater stated, “The title is ‘Okie Dokie‘… and the release date is November 9th…” which sent the entire audience into an uproar. Member Matsui Rena jokingly commented, “It’s a long-awaited announcement, but he said it too plainly, didn’t he?” Team S member Matsui Jurina also jumped in on the fun, rousing the excitement of the 6,500 fans present at the event by saying, “You ask, ‘Do you wanna hear the title~!?’ and ‘Do you wanna know the release date~!?’”

The single will be released in three different editions: Type A (CD+DVD), Type B (CD+DVD), and Type C (CD+DVD). Little other information about the single has been revealed so far.

Between their live performances, five SKE48 members – Kuwabara Mizuki, Matsui Jurina, Sato Mieko, Wakabayashi Tomoka, and Takeuchi Mai - will represent the group in AKB48’s upcoming rock-paper-scissors tournament, which will be held on September 20th. “I used to think, ‘It’d be nice if I were put into senbatsu,’ but since I have a lot of people cheering for me, my fighting spirit’s been ignited!” said Matsui Jurina eagerly about the event.

September is a month packed full of activities for the SKE48 members, including the graduation of Matsushita Yui. “I’m so happy that have prepared a place to give my speech to everyone. Until my last day, I’ll do my best the SKE48 way,” she said to the crowd, expressing her gratitude to her fans. Their theater manager added, “I’d like to hold some kind of send-off party for Yui-chan.”

Check out photos from the event below, and stay tuned for more information about SKE48’s seventh single!

Source + Photos: natalie

SKE48’s Matsui Rena to star in BeeTV’s new drama

SKE48 member Matsui Rena will be starring in BeeTV’s (mobile broadcast service) new mobile drama, “Oshare ni Koi Shita Cinderella ~Okarie ga Yumi wo Kanaeru Made~“, starting on October 1st.

The drama will be based on the image of charismatic ‘gyaru’ blogger Okarie (Okamoto Rie), who will be played by Matsui. From her pure and innocent idol image, she will undergo a big image change as she will appear in the drama with brown hair, fake eyelashes, and thick eyeliner.

Okamoto will be in charge of the styling in the drama. Matsui has also prepared 33 ‘gyaru’ outfits, and carries around a decorated cell phone for enthusiastic performance.

Additionally, there will be a special segment in the drama, titled “Okarie no Kore You Check★“, where Okamoto herself will introduce the coordinating points of the outfits. The items that are introduced will be available for purchase the official website. Okamoto’s brand, “Ank Rouge“, will also release limited edition products in collaboration with the drama. The cosmetics and color contacts that are used in the drama will be available for purchase as well.

Check out an interview with Matsui Rena below!

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Interviewer: What were you aware of when you played the role of charismatic ‘gyaru’, “Okarie”?

Matsui: I read Okarie-san’s blogs and magazines. When I played her character, I felt like I was floating above the clouds.

Interviewer: What is your impression on ‘gyaru’ make-up?

Matsui: I used Okarie-san’s make-up as an example, but it was fun becoming someone different from my usual self using fake eye-lashes and color contacts. Also, my first time with brown hair was fresh.

Interviewer: Will you share an episode with the director during filming?

Matsui: I was told, “rhythm is important,” but at first, I thought he meant the rhythm when I recite the lines. However, as the filming continued, I realized that it was the rhythm of the “speech dialogue”. I feel that I was given a big hint for growth.

Interviewer: Any troubles during filming?

Matsui: I was in a different spot than usual, so it was very embarrassing to do “comical acting”. I had trouble discarding myself.

Interviewer: What do you think of your co-stars?

Matsui: Kokusho Sayuri-san (role of charismatic stylist ‘Kanetaka Asako’) gave me a word of advice saying, “you should think about ways you can relax“. Thanks to those few words, my nervousness disappeared.

Interviewer: How are you similar to the main character, who makes dreams come true step by step while facing difficulties?

Matsui: There are difficulties everywhere, and in order to make dreams come true, I think you have to move forward step by step. Not only me, but I think anyone could relate.

Interviewer: If you were to become the director of your own fashion brand, what would you want to make?

Matsui: I like clothes, but I really love hats, so I would make hats that match all kinds of clothes. I want to make clothes where the hat will be the main point.

Interviewer: Please share the highlight of the drama.

Matsui: I want people to pay attention to the earnestness of the girl who does her best to make her dreams come true. Also, the cute clothes that appear in the drama is a must-see!

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Source + Photos: natalie

Matsushita Yui to graduate from SKE48

On August 25th, an announcement was uploaded onto SKE48’s official website stating that Matsushita Yui will be retiring from the group in September.

The message from SKE48’s management office reads:

“Team S’s Matsushita Yui has been taking a long-term break since January of last year due to her leg injuries, but during her performance today it was announced that she will be graduating from SKE48 by the end of September.

She has had surgery and gone through rehabilitation in order to make a comeback from her injuries, but the road to complete recovery is [still] long. The result is something she herself deliberated over because of her relapsing anxiety, and she chose to walk on to a new path by graduating from SKE48.

We truly thank you for the support that you’ve given Matsushita Yui up until now. And although the time she has until graduation is short, we ask that cheer her on as she steps into her new life from now on.”

Best wishes to Matsushita Yui in her recovery, and her life after graduation.

Source + Photo: SKE48’s Official Website & natalie

SKE48 eats Pikachu? Pokémon draws audience of more than 3 million

It’s been 30 days since the dual release of this year’s Pokemon movies, ‘Victini and the Black Hero: Zekrom’ and ‘Victini and the White Hero: Reshiram‘. Now, it’s been revealed that the movies have brought in over 3 million people to the box office. To commemorate this occasion on August 14th, SKE48 members Takayanagi Akane, Sato Seira, and Ishida Anna, who proclaim themselves to be die hard Pokemon fans, attended a stage greeting at Nagoya’s Toho Cinema Bay City. Takayanagi commented, “I think that bringing 3 million people is an amazing accomplishment. I’d like to point out that 3 out of the 3 million are us. I’ve watched the Pokemon movies in the theaters since the first one came out and I’m so happy that I get to support this year’s Pokemone movie. I hope to someday be a voice actress for the Pokemon anime series“.

This year’s Pokemone movie was a dual release and is the fourteenth movie in a long running series. Since its release on July 16th, it has been seen by 3,077,407 audience members nationwide.

During the event, a giant Pikachu and Victini made of 5,053 macaroons was brought out. Staff members spent the night working diligently on completely this edible piece of art and the three SKE48 members helped out as well on the finishing touches. Ishida commented, “I usually only make macaroons and have never made a macaroon art piece before,” and described the macaroon Pikachu as “lemon flavor“. Sato ate Victini and commented, “It tastes just like Victini” while Takayanagi swiftly remarked, “You never even ate Victini before!”

KinaYume : I love pikachu so much! LOL

Source: ManTan Web

SKE48’s colorful triple feature in ‘Young Animal’

The most-recent edition of the seinen manga magazine ‘Young Animal‘ is a must-have for any SKE48 fan.
The magazine didn’t just feature one but three pictorials with a total of five beautiful girls from ABK48’s sister unit based in Nagoya, Aichi.
In the first pictorial, we get to see Takayanagi Akane and Matsui Rena enjoying a happy summer vacation. The two girls are sporting summer school uniforms, happi coats, yukatas, maid outfits and other comfortable clothes fit for the summer.
The second pictorial has a very soothing atmosphere, featuring the two beauties Suda Akari and Hata Sawako. They show us just as many colorful sides of them as the duo in the first pictorial.
Sato Seira makes the triple-feature complete with her first solo swimsuit pictorial. She is wearing various cute bikinis, but there are also various chic and cool sets that focus on her adult charms.
Enjoy the SKE48 goodness below!
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[Get the high-res pictures here!]