Latest news with #AKB48
The Mainichi
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Japanese underground idol culture booming in China
SHANGHAI (Kyodo) -- At a club in Shanghai, dozens of young people are jumping and waving glow sticks as they dance to the music, leaning in as if to touch the performers on stage. They're Chinese amateur girl groups singing in Japanese, and this is Japan's globalized idol culture. About 20 Chinese idol groups wearing colorful frilly dresses and Lolita-style outfits performed at a recent weekend music event. The emcees sometimes called out to the crowd in Japanese, with shouts of "se-no" ("All together now!") or "arigato-gozaimashita" ("Thank you very much!"). After the show, fans lined up to chat with the idols at the venue's booths. These meet-and-greet sessions are called "perks meetings." The paid service lets fans take pictures with the idols, get autographs, and chat with the girls for a few minutes. An autographed photo and a two-minute chat costs 100 yuan ($14). According to Chinese media, the number of underground idol groups in the country has skyrocketed since the end of pandemic restrictions, from about 40 in 2023 to over 250 in March this year. A male fan of the idol group "Affloret" gave his favorite group member, Rhythm, a flower bouquet for her birthday. "I really love her and have been watching her grow. I hope she becomes the No. 1 idol in China," said the man, who wore a black vest with the Chinese message: "I only watch Rhythm." The producers of Affloret, which was set up in China's biggest business hub in June last year, include people who worked at AKB48 Team SH, the Shanghai branch of Japan's famous all-girl idol group AKB48. Since AKB48 started in 2005, it has operated under the concept of "idols that fans can casually meet" through "handshake" meet-and-greet paid events at venues including a Tokyo theater dedicated to the group. Of the six women in Affloret, only Nayuyu is a full-time idol. The others are either college students or work part-time in the entertainment industry aside from their main jobs. Rhythm said in an interview that she feels "very happy and blessed" on stage and that it is great to be able to share her emotions with fans who often reciprocate with a feeling "full of energy" after watching her performances. The group members, who were chosen from about 100 candidates, sing in both Japanese and Chinese, even though Nayuyu says Japanese pronunciation is hard since most of the members have not really studied the language. Being passionate and enthusiastic about becoming an idol is more important than talent, an Affloret producer said. Even though Affloret has over 100,000 fans who follow their online content and social media, the group's main source of revenue is offline -- event tickets and meet-ups. The Affloret members said they look up to Japanese underground idol groups like AIBECK and iLIFE as role models and hope to perform with them in Japan. A Japanese man in his 40s who lives in Shanghai and follows Chinese idols said he thinks the biggest difference between Japanese and Chinese entertainment cultures is the physical distance between the fans and performers. "In Japan, there are strict rules and fans must keep a certain distance from idols, but here the atmosphere is more relaxed, allowing fans to chat with the performers more intimately," he said. Unlike a lot of Japanese groups that are made up of teenagers, most of the Chinese idols are adults who get into show business for a limited time, according to the Japanese fan. A lot of members "graduate" or quit after a year or so, presumably because Chinese youth are under more pressure to find stable jobs. The man said he got into Chinese underground idols after seeing a live performance by a group called Transparent Classroom and Parallel Girls from Changsha, Hunan Province, in 2019. The six members of the Changsha idol group are unique. They sing original songs in various genres, including rock and punk, in Chinese. This is different from the groups classified as mainstream idols, which try to evoke feelings of "moe," or enchantment with cute and innocent characters. Zhao Beichen, 31, the producer of Transparent Classroom, is known in the Chinese media as the "godmother of Chinese underground idols." After a live performance in Changsha in May, she explained that she wants to nurture "alternative" performers who are "not perfect" and can be seen as "unsophisticated." Zhao researched Japanese underground idols for her thesis at Meiji University in Tokyo, attended concerts by amateur groups and worked at an idol talent agency while she was in Japan. "China's got a huge population base, so no matter how niche the genre is, there'll always be a market as long as there are people who like it," Zhao said. "I think it'll be easier to get underground idol groups together in China than in Japan because the culture here isn't as developed." Zhao said she has never thought about having her group sing Japanese songs because the members cannot speak the language. "Underground idols should be diverse and inclusive, like a hodgepodge," she said, adding that the industry is "fun because it is based on grassroots."
Japan Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Man arrested for allegedly threatening former AKB48 member
Police in Tokyo have arrested a 26-year-old unemployed man on suspicion of threatening to kill a former member of the all-girl pop group AKB48. According to police, Yuichiro Murata is accused of posting death threats against Yuiri Murayama on an internet bulletin board at around 2:10 a.m. on Aug 3, naming Murayama and her relatives, and saying, "I'm going to massacre you, so look forward to it,' TV Asahi reported. At the time, Murata was currently serving a suspended sentence after receiving a six-month prison term last year for a separate threat against Murayama. Murata emerged as a suspect after an investigation of his IP address. Police said Murata has admitted to the allegation and quoted him as saying,"People who saw the news about my previous arrest continued to make slanderous comments about me and I posted the message in a fit of anger.' Following Murata's arrest, Murayama's agency, Avex, issued a statement saying, "We strive to create an environment where artists and talents can work safely and securely, and if similar incidents occur in the future, we will take firm and strict action." Murayama passed the AKB48 13th generation audition in 2011, and was first selected for the single "Jabaja" in 2018. At the end of last year, she announced that she would be graduating from the group on June 15. © Japan Today
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Former AKB48 member Kato Rena gets married, announces the good news online
Former AKB48 idol and popular Japanese model and actress Kato Rena has officially announced her marriage. The star recently revealed to the public that she has tied the knot with her non-celebrity boyfriend, whom she has been in a long-term relationship with. The announcement was met with a wave of support from fans and followers, who have been watching her career blossom since her days as a member of the iconic idol group. Read on to know more. Kato Rena confirms that she has gotten married Kato Rena, who was formerly a member of the Japanese pop girl group AKB48, has officially gotten married. She took to her social media account on August 8 to update her fans about the good news. She shared a handwritten and special note about the event, and also added that her husband is a kind and generous person. She also funnily added that he is also someone who accepts her 'stubborn personality', making fans gush at the adorable statement. Her post also read, 'From here on out, we'll walk together as a married couple, supporting one another, and building a warm, happy home full of smiles. I would love it if you would watch over us! I look forward to your continued support!' She even ended up sharing a photo of herself posing next to her husband, however she ensured to cover his face in order to protect his privacy About Kato Rena Kato Rena has been in the entertainment industry for quite some time and has managed to gain a lot of popularity in Japan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It? Memory Health Learn More Undo She joined the girl group AKB48, and managed to work for almost 12 years with the group, after which she graduated (left the group) and continued her career mainly as an actress as well as a model up until 2022. In 2023, the star announced to her fans that she had finally gotten her beautician's license and would be pursuing that as a career. Later on, she even opened up another social media account where she only shares content related to hair and makeup.
Hype Malaysia
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
AKB48 Has Started KLP48's 'BLOOM' 2nd Generation Auditions In Malaysia
It's finally time for auditions! Almost a year has passed since KLP48 introduced its first generation to the world. Now, a new chapter begins as the group opens its doors to a fresh wave of aspiring idols. Starting this month, women from all nationalities can step forward for a chance to join the growing KLP48 family. This is more than just an audition – it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shine. With the group's momentum stronger than ever, the stage is set for new voices, new dreams, and new stars. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting out, now is the time to show the world what you've got. KLP48 is Malaysia's first AKB48-style idol group, making its debut in August 2024. As the 10th international sister group under the AKB48 franchise, they follow in the footsteps of JKT48 (Jakarta) and BNK48 (Bangkok). Their first single, a Malay version of 'Heavy Rotation,' captured local hearts, followed by 'Iiwake Maybe' in February 2025. More than just performers, KLP48 bridges cultures through language and music. They sing in Japanese, Malay, English, and Mandarin, allowing them to connect with fans from all walks of life. With their unique blend of energy, diversity, and heart, KLP48 continues to inspire a new wave of idols. So if you or anyone you know is ready to step into the spotlight, here's everything you need to know about the audition: KLP48 2nd Generation 'BLOOM' Audition In Malaysia: Date: 1st July 2025 (Tuesday) – 1st August 2025 (Friday) 1st July 2025 (Tuesday) – 1st August 2025 (Friday) Eligibility: Women of all nationalities, aged between 13 to 23 years old. Women of all nationalities, aged between 13 to 23 years old. How To Apply: Record a 90-second video dancing and/or singing and send to From the 23rd August (Saturday) to the 24th August (Sunday), Shortlisted candidates will be notified to attend the onsite screening in Kuala Lumpur. For more information and updates, check out KLP48's official social media. Applicants under the age of 18 require parental consent to be able to participate, and don't forget to send in your auditions to klp48audition. Zaima Humaira contributed to this article
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
KLP48 to mark first anniversary with ‘Bloom' concert at Zepp KL
KUALA Lumpur-based idol group KLP48 will celebrate its first anniversary with a concert titled Bloom, taking place on Aug 16 at ZEPP Kuala Lumpur. Organised by 48 Entertainment Sdn Bhd, the concert will showcase KLP48's diverse line-up and high-energy performances. Formed in 2024 as part of Japan's globally recognised AKB48 franchise, KLP48 carries forward the 'idols you can meet' concept created by producer Yasushi Akimoto. Recognised by Guinness World Records as the Largest Pop Group in the World, AKB48 has paved the way for KLP48 to bring the idol model to Southeast Asia. The group comprises 13 members: seven Malaysians, four Japanese, one Indonesian and one from Hong Kong. Among them are three members transferred from AKB48 and one from STU48, bringing international experience to the group. In the year since its debut, KLP48 has built a following in Malaysia and Japan, with members performing at events and festivals abroad. The group credits this growth to consistent effort, fan support and a shared commitment to evolving as performers. Ahead of the concert, members have been undergoing intensive rehearsals including vocal and choreography training as well as production planning. The event will also feature three guest acts. Malaysian pop group COEX, known for its upbeat sound and girl-power tracks, will open the show. Ismail Izzani, one of Malaysia's leading young solo artistes, will bring his blend of R&B and pop to the stage. Indonesian idol group JKT48, AKB48's first overseas sister group, will also appear, continuing its role in shaping the regional idol scene. Tickets prices range from RM100 to RM350 and include fan benefits such as a KLP48 flag and a send-off session with all artistes. A RM4 processing fee applies.
