Latest news with #YasushiAkimoto
The Sun
a day ago
- 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.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: KLP48 celebrates 1st anniversary with "BLOOM" concert
KUALA LUMPUR: Rising pop group KLP48 are set to celebrate their first anniversary with a special concert titled "BLOOM" at Zepp KL on Aug 16. The concert, organised by 48 Entertainment Sdn Bhd, kicks off at 5.30 pm and promises an evening showcasing KLP48's vibrant talents, high-energy choreography, and cross-cultural idol camaraderie. Formed in 2024 as a sister group to Japan's globally-renowned AKB48, KLP48 represents the Southeast Asian expansion of the "idols you can meet" concept, pioneered by producer Yasushi Akimoto. AKB48 is recognised by Guinness World Records as the Largest Pop Group In The World. KLP48 comprises 13 members: seven Malaysians, four Japanese, one Indonesian, and one Hong Konger. Since their formation, KLP48 has rapidly gained popularity not only in Malaysia but also in Japan, leading to invitations to perform at various international events. The "BLOOM" concert will feature special pre-show appearances by COEX, a rising all-female pop group from Malaysia, popular singer Ismail Izzani, and JKT48, the Indonesian sister group of AKB48.
Hype Malaysia
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Producer Of AKB48 Announces Auditions For A New Male Idol Group
The long-standing Japanese idol girl group, AKB48, has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but above it all, their popularity soars through generations of graduates as they are Japan's highest-grossing female act. Utilising this fact, producers of the group have finally opted to tap into a different facet of groups, such as expanding their nationality range, and maybe we'll see a boy group soon. Yasushi Akimoto (秋元 康), producer of AKB48, has announced a worldwide audition and a theatre opening for a new idol group featuring an all-male lineup. Auditions are opening in the Summer, which means it will likely start later this month or in August. The audition is open to participants aged 12 to 26 years old who are not currently signed under any talent agencies, record label or music publisher. 'I am very honoured to have been appointed as the general producer of this content. I hope that everyone will witness every moment and think, 'This is how the future is created', comments Akimoto. In light of the formation of the new boy group, a dedicated theatre will be built in a commercial facility in Tokyo where the group will be holding future events. The theatre will be operated by Mitsui Fudosan and include other commercial facilities operated by the company. The dedicated theatre serves as a foothold for the boy group for its main centre of operations, including regular performances and fan events, much like how AKB48 operates. Not much is known about the particulars or the auditions, but reports say that participants worldwide are required to move to Tokyo after passing the audition, where they will be able to participate in future promotional events. Sources: Twitter, PR Times Japan Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
