3rd Janken Senbatsu Tournament/New Album Announced

During today’s handshake event for Manatsu no Sounds Good at Saitama Super Arena, AKB48 confirmed that the Janken Senbatsu Tournament which has run for the past 2 years will be back once more with the date confirmed as September 18th. The venue will be the Nippon Budokan as before. 66 members of AKB48 along with Jurina and Milky (as they are transfers into Team K and B respectively) will start the tournament. There will also be spots for 1 KKS, 8 girls from SKE48, 6 from NMB48 and 3 from HKT48. Those groups will have their own preliminary tournament to determine who advances to the janken tournament proper. There is no exception for Sasshi this time either. Now that she’s been transferred to HKT48 she will have to battle for one of the 3 spots available to HKT48 members.

It was also announced that AKB48 will be releasing their 4th album on August 15th and rumours from fans are saying that the album will have 30 songs. It will come in a 2 CD and DVD set apparently as well.

Another important piece of news is that Team 8  could be formed very soon after 6 KKS members have been promoted to the official ranks of AKB48. Many congratulations to 10th generation members Nana Fujita, Marina Kobayashi and Rina Izuta along with 11th generation members Ayaka Morikawa, Wakana Natori and Natsuki Kojima.

The Pressure Is Getting To Sasshi

Ever since Sasshi’s scandal broke out, she has been in poor health due to the stress and strain of the situation. In tonight’s A6 show she hyperventilated and withdrew after the 11th song before coming back to do an MC. I thought that with everything now sorted with her transfer to Fukuoka and with the fans having forgiven her for the scandal she would be back to her old self again but it doesn’t seem that way. The pressure is really starting to get to her now. Does this mean she’s worried that more damaging revelations could come out of the woodwork? Who knows but I’m really worried about her. I’m sure her friends in AKB48 are keeping a close eye on her right now and what she needs more than anything is their support. The fans really made sure to tell her how much she is loved in last weekend’s handshake event as Sasshi was worried beforehand what kind of reaction she would get but everybody apparently was extremely nice and supportive. I’m sure that would have cheered her up. As for the ex-boyfriend, one thing’s for sure. If the fans on 2ch find out who he is and where he lives he’d better pack his bags and head for the hills as there’s going to be hell to pay if they catch up with him.

Please get better Sasshi.

The video below is from a TV show today that talks about Sasshi.

Sasshi Conspiracy?

Trawling through various forums and news websites, I came across an interesting conspiracy regarding Sasshi’s transfer to HKT48. The Japanese AKB48 fans on 2ch reckon that her transfer has been planned months ago and it isn’t a punishment. They point out that there is a secret code which has been planted in the AKB48 diary as under the date 11th June is a little note in kanji saying SR decision. You can see it for yourself if you have the diary (it’s in the first couple of pages).  Could this mean Sashihara Rino decision? So maybe this transfer has been planned all along. Maybe Sasshi’s scandal around this date was a blessing for Aki-P as an unexpected announcement to the fans that a popular member was being transferred would have made the fans go ape shit. To have her leave as ‘punishment’ will make the fans understand his decision. What do you guys make of this?

Sasshi’s final performance as a member of Team A was supposed to be scheduled for June 20th but with Natsumi Mitsubara’s birthday show on the same date, they have now delayed Sasshi’s last show until sometime in July.

Sasshi Transferred To HKT48 With Immediate Effect

It’s been quite a dramatic week for Sasshi which ended tonight with an immediate transfer to HKT48. What a turnaround from last week in which she celebrated being no.4 in the senbatsu election. Now it’s come to this – being exiled from AKB48 for being part of a scandal.

Let’s go back to the beginning and how this sad turn of events began. The scum tabloid magazine Shukan Bunshun ran a story by an alleged ex-boyfriend of Sasshi from the past who said they were intimate and that she had sent emails and nude pictures of herself to him. The magazine was even given Sasshi’s mobile number by this guy which they tried and Sasshi answered. An investigation was launched by AKS and tonight Aki-P addressed the situation on a radio show with other members of AKB48 about what he was going to do. Sasshi has denied certain things in the story but she also said that she did know the guy and he was her friend and nothing else.

For breaking the cardinal rule of having relations however innocent with a member of the opposite sex whilst being a part of AKB48, Sasshi has been transferred to HKT48 immediately and exiled for good from AKB48. Whilst many fans will be livid about this (myself included) it is far better for this to happen than to be suspended or even fired but then again will there be further revelations that could see Sasshi being fired for good? Other fans think that HKT48 is being punished and that their fans might dislike the presence of such a high profile member in their ranks. I actually think that HKT48 will become popular because of Sasshi. Aki-P thinks that Sasshi will be a good mentor to the HKT48 kids on what not to do and even Mariko chipped in saying that this is a good move for Sasshi.

I’m not angry with Sasshi for breaking the rules even though she has been careless, I’m more angry with the ex-boyfriend who would stoop so low as to spill the beans on her.  The magazine have really timed this story so well just after the election.  Sasshi has worked so hard to get where she’s at and now she’s starting at the bottom once more. Will this affect her placing in Not yet or is it only AKB48 that she’s been taken out?

This is Sasshi’s tearful apology announcement:

The Aftermath Following The Election

Last year following the 3rd senbatsu election, a lot of the members that didn’t make the rankings made some heartbreaking comments on their blogs – the one I remember that made me feel sorry for the most was Natsuki Sato who felt rejected and unloved. So let’s have a look at 4 members who didn’t rank in the Top 64 and their feelings on what transpired yesterday starting with:

Mayumi Uchida

Today was the Senbatsu Election. I wasn’t able to stand on that stage but it was a really nice event is what I believe from my heart. But if I tell you my true feelings I was mortified. It was a shame to have high expectations. I’m really sorry to everyone after it ended, I was crying alone in the dressing room but the comments from the elected 64 all entered my heart – “Come and surpass your seniors”. I felt that I forgot that. That’s why I’ll really really do my best this year so that I’ll be cheered on a lot by everyone. I might not have entered the results but I’m sure I got a lot of votes. I’ll try not to say “I’m sorry” cause if I say that I’ll probably start getting sad. I’m really grateful to those who have always supported me. Thank you very much. I’ve received a lot of love, and I’ll keep continuing running forward. Please let me keep doing my best in AKB48.

Natsuki Sato

Everyone, I’m so very, very,very thankful towards all of you. It was mortifying. My name not being called was mortifying. At the handshake events, the comments were always:

“I voted for you!”
“We believe in you!”
“From now on, always smile!”

And that’s how we last met. Frantically going to CD shops. And then going to vote was what everyone did at the time… I know that everyone did this just for me. I have to say I’m sorry, but I’m very thankful. To be honest, that’s what I wanted to say on that stage.

Would I do it?
Would I get to do it?

I am really glad, though. I looked towards the fans, because I knew it all was hard for everyone, So I was glad. I stopped myself from crying when it was all over, and when I saw the others from my office, I couldn’t cry. I’ve been given so many chances and so much advice…I felt like it was no good just to work harder. I am a complex bundle. I couldn’t admit that to myself. This place is full of honesty and suspicion. I didn’t have the self-confidence. But with talk of those things, I know that many others felt the same way about losing. Since April I’ve had the privilege of broadcasting the weather, and I study for it diligently each time. I like to think that I’m the best at it, and it’s a chance to work hard. Being able to work hard in AKB by doing the weather… I’m a really fortunate individual to have that opportunity. I’ve gotten to really digest this happiness over the past year – I get to receive everyone’s love and gratitude, and then get to share that love again with everyone. Everyone is so loving. It’s my biggest dream.

Thank you so much for your love, everyone.

Rina Chikano

The general election is finished! I wasn’t able to rank this year again! But, I know a lot of fans voted for me. That’s why, I don’t feel sad! I’m the usual Chika-chiyan!! Of course, there are feelings of disappointment! I’m disappointed, but I won’t let this beat me, and I’ll do my best. Because, the fact that I didn’t rank means I didn’t try hard enough at this year’s general election. I cried watching others cry again! Crying and laughing was fun as I thought, I love AKB48. For the girls that ranked in, congratulations. I’ll be positive again this year, I am me. I’ll do my best. To all my fans, I love you.

Tomomi Nakatsuka

For everyone who voted for me, thank you very much. No matter how many times I say thank you, it’s not enough. I’m really grateful. That’s why, please don’t tell me you’re sorry. That’s sad, and you didn’t do anything wrong. It will become my strength. I can do what I want to do, and I can buy what I want to buy. When I think like that, I really feel inexcusable. Why did they use the tickets on me? I’ll think about that, and without forgetting my feelings of thanks, I’ll do my best from now. I am happy. Thank you so much.

Credit to blog48 for their translated entries.

Lineup For The 27th Single In Photos

Below is 4 photos of the lineups for the next AKB48 single. Jurina is missing from the senbatsu lineup as she had to leave the event as there’s a cut-off working time for members under a certain age. They can only work until something like 10pm under Japan’s child labour laws.

SENBATSU

UNDERGIRLS

Akicha still can’t bring herself to smile in the photo.

NEXT GIRLS

FUTURE GIRLS

And finally I couldn’t resist but post this up as well……..

Yuko’s Winners Backstage Speech/Umechan Video

After the tension, tears and happiness of the senbatsu election, Yuko took time out to record a victory message backstage for the fans which is below:

Just for the hell of it I’m posting Umechan’s speech as well:

Some Thoughts About The Election

Wow, what an emotionally draining event that was but I enjoyed every single second of it. First of all many congratulations to Yuko on her victory – was the result of her winning in any doubt? Nah, she won quite comfortably in the end. It was so nice of Acchan to appear and give some flowers to her. To hear her say that she was happy seeing Yuko winning the election was so touching. I nearly cried watching that!!!

A big big congratulations to my beautiful oshi Umechan. I’m incredibly proud of you for getting into the senbatsu for the next single. A climb of 6 places for her. I was so happy for you that I started to cry!!!

My jaw dropped when I heard Yukirin was staying at no.3 like last year – I think the crowd at the Budokan gasped as well. I never thought that Mayuyu would beat Yukirin so well done to her. Who knows what will happen next year – can she become no.1?

I’m sorry for swearing but f**k you to all the Sasshi haters out there. She’s Top 4 and deserves it so get over it because she’s there to stay. Very happy with Sasshi’s placing.

Another shocker for me was Jurina beating Rena. I’ve always thought that Rena was more popular than Jurina but fair play to her fans. They pulled through for her.

Very surprised to see Akicha placed so low and you could see how disappointed she was. For the remainder of the election she looked so sad and downhearted. Anybody know why she’s gone down this year? I did feel sorry for her. The center of the Undergirls is something to be proud of I suppose.

Tomochin seemed happier this year compared to last year’s election. I don’t think she expected to climb that much so she was comfortable with what she achieved. Other disappointments for me was not seeing Miichan in the Top 10 and Takamina not in the Top 5. When will fans realise that Takamina is the heart and soul of the group and she deserves to be in the Top 5.

I did think that we were going to get a repeat of last year when Yui started to hyperventilate and it was nice of her colleagues to cheer her on as she struggled with her speech.

For those members in the lower rankings – very very shocked at Lovetan’s big drop in popularity but thankfully she took the result with dignity and didn’t throw a hissy fit. Fresh Lemon was funny as always and it was great to see Kana Kobayashi, Chisato Nakata and Sayaka Nakaya appear for the first time. They looked extremely happy to have been acknowledged at last by the fans. Good to see Wasamin so high in the election as well. I look forward to seeing her as the center of Next Girls.

What happened with Haruu? Isn’t she a popular member with Team 4 or are Japanese fans not too keen on her loud personality? Considering that the fans thought she’d make a better captain than Minarun I was stunned by her omission from the Top 64.

Very nice speech by Mariko basically with a challenge for the younger members to step it up if they want to overtake their sempais.

Let’s hear how you felt about the election. Were you happy with how things turned out or are you disappointed?

AKB48 27th Single Election Result

I will post my thoughts about the whole event in my next post but first here are the results in full:

FUTURE GIRLS

64. Mika Komori
63. Yuka Nakanishi
62. Miki Yakata
61. Sumire Sato
60. Mayu Ogasawara
59. Shizuka Oya
58. Miori Ichikawa
57. Mina Oba
56. Kimoto Kanon
55. Nito Moeno
54. Suzuran Yamauchi
53. Sakiko Matsui
52. Aika Oota
51. Ayaka Kikuchi
50. Haruka Ishida
49. Tomu Mutou – CENTER

NEXT GIRLS

48. Haruka Katayama
47. Sakura Miyawaki
46. Nana Yamada
45. Yuka Tano
44. Haruka Nakagawa
43. Aina Fukumoto
42. Ami Maeda
41. Kana Kobayashi
40. Reina Fujie
39. Mariya Nagao
38. Miho Miyazaki
37. Chisato Nakata
36. Sayaka Nakaya
35. Manatsu Mukaida
34. Kaori Matsumura
33. Misaki Iwasa – CENTER

UNDERGIRLS

32. Shiori Ogiso
31. Kisaki Yuria
30. Airi Furukawa
29. Akari Suda
28. Kumi Yagami
27. Masana Oya
26. Yuka Masuda
25. Hata Sawako
24. Akane Takayanagi
23. Haruka Shimazaki
22. Asuka Kuramochi
21. Amina Sato
20. Sayaka Akimoto
19. Miyuki Watanabe
18. Sayaka Yamamoto
17. Aki Takajo – CENTER

SENBATSU

16. Ayaka Umeda – YES!!!!!!!!!
15. Yui Yokoyama
14. Minami Minegishi
13. Rie Kitahara
12. Tomomi Kasai
11. Sae Miyazawa
10. Rena Matsui
09. Jurina Matsui
08. Tomomi Itano
07. Kojima Haruna
06. Minami Takahashi
05. Mariko Shinoda
04. Rino Sashihara
03. Yuki Kashiwagi
02. Mayu Watanabe
01. Yuko Oshima – CENTER

The Wait Is Nearly Over….

The time to vote is over and tomorrow is the big day for all of us AKB48 fans when we’ll discover who will be the senbatsu and center for the next single that’ll come out in August.

The senbatsu election will be broadcasted live on Google+ from 17:20pm (JST) so you won’t miss anything. The link to the page where you’ll be able to see the election has already been uploaded: http://www.akb48plus.com/senkyo/en/teaser.html

I hope everybody will enjoy the show and I’ll make a post straight after the end with my thoughts and feelings on it. All that’s left to say is I wish all of your oshimen the very best of luck.