[AKB48 Sousenkyo]HKT48 Sashihara feigns tears and begs fans not to ditch AKB48

“Because of these incidents(outdoor concert cancellation), the AKB now is losing trust and i’m really afraid of fans leaving. With my friend graduating, i’m really worried about the future. We will work hard so pls don’t ditch AKB!”

Warning: Ending part is a ‘lets give this a touching ending’ skit but in fact it will make your skin crawl

I’m disgusted with yet another superficial speech from Sashihara. The problem with AKB doesn’t begin with a concert cancellation or a gradation. Of cos, what would she know when she doesn’t even see the problems with herself?

AllThingsJpop Top 10 headlines of the year

Since 2015 is coming to an end, i might as well conclude with the Top 10 headlines of the year. These articles are ranked according to their viewership. Articles from 2014 and earlier have been left out.

1. Bunshun leaks pictures of AKB48 Kashiwagi Yuki and NEWS Tegoshi Yuya..a Hakone date?
This scandal was published in June 2015 and i guess the huge picture of Yukirin and Tegoshi, arms wrapped around each other, was a huge shock. No proper news sources would report it (for Yahoo it took a few days before article was posted) but the story was already all over the Internet. Though both parties remained largely silent, to this date, we’re still getting epilogues on the mysterious relationship between Yukirin and Tegoshi.

2. AKB48 2015 Senbatsu Sousenkyo ~Unpredictable Rankings, The Tumultuous Night~: Final Results

3. Back Number sings OST theme for drama “5-ji kara 9-ji made”
This comes in as a surprise because i had no idea “5-ji kara 9-ji made” would be so successful internationally. I’ve had readers asking me for titles of tracks which i had no idea of. But no worries, CDJapan now has the OST for sale!

4.  Kisumai Fujigaya Taisuke revealed to be dating Miori Takimoto for years
I seldom post about Kisumai let alone Fujigaya so the spike in numbers for this was quite surprising. I guess Kisumai is really huge, or there could be much more shippers of the couple from “Ikemen Desu Ne” that i’m aware of.

5. AKB48 General Elections 2015: Final look at China fans’ campaigns
This article ended up being published in a Japanese matome kinda site for 48 fans, and for some reason they’d misquoted the facts. So if you read the matome sites, please be aware that not all info passed around there is TRUE.

6. Horikita Maki gets married to Koji Yamamoto after 3 months of dating!
Title is enough to let everyone’s jaws drop in shock. Their love story is even juicier.

7. Tanaki Koki sends Taguchi message of support and talks about life after KAT-TUN
I would actually rank this way higher because it was just published. Surprised that people are still interested in Koki.

8.  Akimoto Yasushi touches on AKB48 Kashiwagi Yuki’s recent scandal

9. Oh no! Arashi’s Ohno snapped living with ex-actress 10 years his junior

10. Netizens discover signs of Shimazaki Haruka interacting with Johnny’s Junior, Sashihara dating Kisumai Senga?

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Thanks to everyone for supporting my site this year! There are busier days ahead and i won’t be posting regularly but i’ll be here when there’s important news! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

 

 

 

Showbiz professionals talk about HKT48 Sashihara Rino’s attitude problems

During the 17th August episode of “UTAGE!”, there were scenes of Watanabe Mayu, Yamamoto Sayaka and Sashihara Rino talking about their graduation plans. Sashihara Rino(22) in particular has also been revealing the same thoughts to various media.

In the 17th August publication of “AERA”, said mentioned “It’s about time. But it’s not a situation where i can easily quit. People who have public recognition are disappearing everyday. I believe i’m one of the recognised ones, so i can’t quit now.”

Sashihara is one member who has been receiving a “gorilla push” since 2009, from her agency Ohta Pro and overall group producer Akimoto Yasushi. However, it was her scandal in 2012 which was the biggest contribution to her fame. Her relationship with a fan in 2012 was exposed by tabloids and she took the responsibility by moving to HKT48. After that, she used the scandal as a stepping stone to getting more exposure in the media.

“The fact that she jokes about her scandal in variety, and its gap from AKB’s most popular position made the media interested. But within these couple of years, people around Sashihara have been voicing their complains,” says one reporter.

“After the Sousenkyo, she skipped an interview with a sports newspaper and went off. The reporter was troubled. But because it was Sashihara, her managers found it difficult to say anything,” says same reporter.

Her “ue kara” attitude applies for TV interviews as well. (“ue kara” ~ diva)

“During the period when AKB was selling well, Maeda Atsuko(24) and Oshima Yuko(26) also had attitude problems towards magazine interviews. However, when it came to TV interviews, both were still conscious of the fact that they were receiving an “opportunity” and responded properly. But Sashihara, as if fearing nothing in this world, showed zero enthusiasm at a certain recording, giving off short responses like ‘yeah’,’yes’ and finally adding a cynical remark ‘by the way, can this really go on air?’ while sniggering away.” – Wide Show Director

About her snobby attitude, the Wide Show Director says “She thinks she’s Akimoto Yasushi’s favorite. People around her probably feel envious?”

In the ending of AERA’s interview, Sashihara apparently mentioned “Actually, i want to test my skills by graduating.” But will she be able to say the same when Akimoto Yasushi and the management drops her from their “favourites” list?

Source

Meanwhile on GirlsChannel:

[+930] Please do (graduate)
[+1126] Please don’t.She’s ugly unlike the typical idol.
[+806] It’s fine if you quit.
[+791] As if nothing can be established without her. In a way, her way of thinking is sugoi.
[+738] Not everyone recognises you just because you ranked first. Some humility will be good.
[+582] Those who talk about quitting typically don’t.

Source

Kashiwagi Yuki makes first public appearance after scandal, continues to be shielded from media

 

48 Group members Kashiwagi Yuki and Sashihara Rino appeared for a Baitoru press event today.  Reporters were initially allowed to a on-the-spot interview with the members but the format was suddenly changed to one where only the commercial director was allowed to post questions. The event ended without any followup to the scandal.

Usually, for commercial press events, even though organizers would request for reporters to ask more questions related to the event, reporters have freedom to ask a variety of questions. For this event, reporters were informed that only the commercial director will be allowed to question so queries from reporters were not acknowledged. The organizer also mentioned that if any reporters try to pose questions outside the scope of this event, they could be stopped.

Source

“I want to work hard for 1 year”

When asked if she about next year’s Sousenkyo, Kashiwagi Yuki said with a smile “I want to work hard for 1 year.However, i have seen how thick Sasshi’s wall is.”

Sashihara Rino also expressed interested in aiming for a 3rd win. “I want to get a straight win but what happens next year is a question mark.”

Source

 

 

Akimoto Yasushi touches on AKB48 Kashiwagi Yuki’s recent scandal

On the 13th June 2015, Akimoto Yasushi appeared on a radio show and talked about AKB48 Kashiwagi Yuki’s scandal with NEWS Tegoshi Yuya.

The MC first showed some care by commenting “It has been tough for you.”

Akimoto then opens up,”Yes, various things have happened. What should be done about it…everytime it happens, the members of AKB are of course living things, so somehow when I create a format for everyone to follow, not all can accept it. You can’t predict it can you?”

When asked what will happen to Kashiwagi, Akimoto said “What will happen? I also don’t know. I am asking the same to my staff.”

With several scandals having happened to the other members so far, Akimoto san has always managed to twist the situation around and turned it into a plus. “It was interesting,but the days when i can do this and that is over. Up till now, there has been smart(or stylish?) ways to extend the careers of underground idols when negative things occur. But increasingly, whatever you do it doesn’t seem that way anymore. It’s difficult to make it interesting now,” he said.

On the string of scandals that have occurred – “It is tough but when people get together and work towards the same goal, different things will happen. Some(fans) will cheer you on whilst some will fault you, “said Akimoto, indicating that he has no choice but to let fans decide how they want to receive the scandal.

Source

Edited the last sentence becos apparently some are taking the word “judgement” too literally. 

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In the radio show, Akimoto san also talked a little about Sashihara and Shimazaki Haruka. I could not catch everything but he said Sashihara’s successful stint in HKT may or may not be a good thing. Several years ago, he thought Shimazaki Haruka was promising but one day a magazine described Paruru as “salty” on their cover and he learnt from the theater managers that she had no enthusiasm so she went through a pitiful period.

AKB48 2015 Senbatsu Sousenkyo: Aftermath

Sashihara on her most treasured member Sakura “I was the one who raised her.”

In the after concert of AKB48 Group 2015 Senbatsu Sousenkyo, Sashihara Rino declared that Miyawaki Sakura was the most important member to her.

Miyawaki Sakura is the 2nd member from HKT48 to rank in Kami7. Commenting on this, Sashihara said “It’s Kami7, right Sakura? I think i’m the one who raised you!” Sakura looked troubled by this comment and laughed bitterly.

After that, Miyawaki also revealed a tidbit about her 4 year old brother’s reaction to her ranking. “My brother has a girlfriend…Somehow she also congratulated me and he acted all cool about it.”

Source

Background of SKE48’s rise in Sousenkyo

AKB48 41st single will see a huge influx of members from SKE48 participating due to their great performance in Sousenkyo this year. A total of 27 members including SNH48 Miyazawa Sae have ranked in. Behind this is the hidden story of  passionate SKE fans and their anger at SKE’s management.

Helmed by Matsui Jurina and Matsui Rena, the group whose popularity is right behind AKB has the least media exposure in the entire 48Group. NMB48 and HKT48 have their own TV shows in their hometowns, but SKE48 has none. Even HKT48, the youngest group in the franchise, has regular shows in the Kantou area.

Other than their theater shows, fans also think SKE48 has too little live events in Nagoya. NMB48 and HKT48 have already gone on tours within 2 years of debut. But it took 7 years for Team KII of SKE48 to go on a concert tour. “Because SKE48 does not have live shows, the fans only have Sousenkyo to spend their money on,” said one fan.

SKE48 also has a rule whereby members are not allowed to take on solo activities. This is because the flagship group AKB48 takes priority. In AKB’s handshake events, the sister groups are all expected to take part so that their reputation of “CD million sellers” can be kept. Because SKE48 members are occupied with these, fans think its the reason why concerts can never happen.

These reasons have ignited the fire in fans’ hearts, leading to the their great showing in this year’s Sousenkyo. How will the management repay the fans?

Source

Akimoto Yasushi scraps original plans for 41st single because of Sashihara’s win

According to the Akimoto Yasushi’s messages posted in SNS application 755, it was revealed that the song for AKB48 41st single will take on a different style because Sashihara had won.

“Yoshimasa, Sashihara is No.1 so the style will change. I need something that is different from the demo tapes i’ve received up till now,”said Akimoto in instructions to the music composer.

Sashihara herself has requested for version 2 of “Koisuru Fortune Cookie”.

Source

Sashihara on Chinese fans

“When we talk about China votes it sounds bad. Not only me, other members have it too. It sounds bad, but i feel China’s favor.”

When asked if she sees China fans in her handshake events,she replied “They really exist, 20% of them are from China.”

Source

Misc interviews from Oricon

Q:What will your next year be like?
Akimoto told me “Even if you are first you won’t be center for subsequent songs.” I will enjoy the next 3 months and use it for myself.

Q:Where would you like to shoot your MV?
Somewhere in Oita. My house is nearby so i can return home.

Q:When will you graduate?
I can’t confirm but if I’d stay for as long as possible.Like Kojiharu san..but my looks won’t allow me to do that.

Source

 

Shinoda Mariko reveals she voted for Takamina

Shinoda Mariko had apparently voted for AKB48 Group Manager Takahashi Minami for this year’s elections, and had sent her a message over 755(mobile app) to inform her. In return, Takamina said “You are too kind, Mariko sama.”

Fellow graduated member Maeda Atsuko made a surprise appearance during the Sousenkyo to present her with flowers. Itano Tomomi and Akimoto Sayaka also sent her encouraging messages.

Source

 

Miyazawa Sae says this is her last Sousenkyo?

This was supposed to be my “last” Sousenkyo. There’s no deep meaning to the word “last”, but no one knows what will happen after 1 year. The Sousenkyo is an annual event where fans come together to determine ranks and votes. I don’t want to hastily decline participation without warning, so i’ve already told everyone that this would be the “last”.

I made a clear aim this year — to get my highest ranking ever and Kami7. Even though i didn’t get into Kami7, i received my highest rank together with a personal best in votes. This is a beautiful end.

 

Rest is just words of gratitude

 

Who will win if Sousenkyo implements a 1 person 1 vote system?

According to Sashihara herself, 20% of fans come from China.

“Rumors of the ‘chinese bombs’ started from long ago. This year, a picture of a China fan buying 10,000,000 Yen worth of CDs  to vote for Sashihara made its rounds on the Internet, causing a heated discussion. Amongst the fans, it is said that they are aware of ‘rich wotas’ who are willing to do that much for Sashihara. Her confidence is probably due to that.” said a writer for idol magazine.

In recent years, the Sousenkyo has become an event where rich wotas can influence the rankings, resulting in other fans being rather apathetic.

“These are Japan’s idols, but the results is being decided by the rich in China. The small votes are like trash. Honestly this is becoming stupid,” says a veteran fan in his 40s.

With this system, you can’t say that the rankings in Sousenkyo equates to popularity. What happens if a 1-person 1-vote system is implemented? The same writer makes his predictions.

“Many will nominate Watanabe Mayu but she received 35,000 votes from China as reported by Chinese media, so she’s also supported by rich wotas. Kashiwagi Yuki is known for her reputation as a Handshake Queen and in comparison has less China votes. With her ranking in 2nd this time, she’s most certain to win. Dark horse would be Yamamoto Sayaka. In the magazines which feature 48Groups on their covers, hers sell the best,followed by Kashiwagi and Shimazaki.As magazines are cheap, it is a good barometer to gauge popularity.”

Source

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Watanabe Mayu’s portrait goes on display in AKB48 Senbatsu Sousenkyo Museum

AKB48 Senbatsu Sousenkyo Museum opened to the public on the 2nd June and members Takahashi Minami, Kashiwagi Yuki, Yokoyama Yui, Sashihara Rino and Miyawaki Sakura were present for the ceremony.

It is tradition for the museum to be open to public before the elections every year and this year the opening period is from 3 June to 21 June. Inside, you can see election posters, costumes and the portraits of winners from yester years. On this day, the portrait of Watanabe Mayu, who won the 2014 General Elections, was unveiled for the first time.

The members were unable to hide their excitement when they saw Mayu’s portrait, exclaiming that it looks exactly the same as her photo. “So cute! As expected, if you’re a beauty it turns out beautiful,” said Takamina. Sashihara retorted with “Who are you calling ugly?” (This is in reference to her portrait beside which supposedly comes from the same painter.)

During the opening ceremony, the members also wrote down their feelings about the upcoming elections.

Yukirin: I want to cry.
“I’m don’t get emotional whether it’s a happy or sad situation.This year i want to cry from the happiness of seeing good results.”

Yokoyama: I want to make a speech in the best condition.
“I’m aiming for Kami7, but during the preliminaries i was ranked 20. If i can improve my results, it’d be overwhelming so i hope to maintain my physical condition first.”

Sakura: Crush the Kami walls.
“I’m aiming for Kami7 this year, so it’d be good if i can get in.”

Sasshi: I won’t lose to Yukirin.
“Because this year she was ranked No.2 in the prelims. Actually we are so friendly recently that there’s no sense of rivalry at all.”

Takamina: I don’t know if I should say the words “Hard work will definitely be rewarded”
“I don’t know if i should say it during my graduation live or at the sousenkyo. Afterall the speech u leave during sousenkyo is important.”

Solo live of Kojima Haruna, Watanabe Mayu and more at AKB48 Summer Festival 2014

Below are the performances of several members who did a mini solo live for AKB48 Summer Festival, held in August this year.

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Watanabe Mayu
M01：Rappa Renshuuchuu
M02：Zannen Shoujo
M03：Otona Jellybeans
M04: Taiyou to Sanpo
M05：Kokoro no Placard
M06：Mittsu Ami no Kimi he
M07：Shonichi ballad ver.
M08: Labrador Retriever
EN1：Koyubi no Hohoemi
EN2：Synchro no Tokimeki

Song 2 Song 3 Song 4 Song 5 Song 6 Song 7 Song 8 Song 9 Encore 1 Encore 2

Kashiwagi Yuki

1. Shonichi
2. Flying Get
3. Everyday Kachuusha
4. Kuchi Utsushi no Chocolate
5. Two years later
6. Shortcake
7. Ibiza Girl
8. Enkyori Poster
9. Yokaze no Shiwaza
EN1. Temodemo no Namida
EN2. Gingnam Check

 

Kojima Haruna
M01 Diamonds (Princess Princess)
M02 Sekaijuu no Dare Yori Kitto (Nakayama Miho · WANDS)
M03 Kimi Shika
M04 Heart Gata Virus

 

Sashihara Rino
M01 Rock da yo Jinsei wa
M02 Aa Mujo (An Ruisu)
M03 Melon Juice

 

Yamamoto Sayaka
M01 Yume no Dead Body
M02 Dakishimetai Kedo
M03 Bokura no Eureka

 

Takahashi Minami
M01 Apollo (Porno Graffitti)
M02 Memeshikute (Golden Bomber) – Yuasa, Kaneko, Ozaki appears on stage with Takamina
M03 Yume Miru Shoujo ja Irarenai (Aikawa Nanase)
M04 Ai no Sonzai
M05 Maeshika Mukanee

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There’s supposed to be Yukirin in this list but i couldn’t find hers so..

 

Foreigners vote on their favourite faces from AKB48 group

A writer from Rocketnews24 goes interviewing in Harajuku to find out which 48-group faces are well-liked by foreigners.

50 foreigners in Harajuku were shown official pictures of several 48group members and asked to pick 1 whom they liked. Amongst the choices are the top girls from this year’s general elections, namely Watanabe Mayu, Sashihara Rino, Kashiwagi Yuki, Matsui Jurina, Matsui Rena, Yamamoto Sayaka, Shimazaki Haruka, Kojima Haruna and the writer’s oshimen Yamada Nana.

What’s interesting here is, Kojima Haruna, often known the beauty in AKB48 ranked bottom, alongside Kashiwagi Yuki and Matsui Rena. Perhaps their colored hair was a put-off? When the foreigners were asked whether they think Kojima Haruna is cute, they replied with “somehow i don’t like her..”

First place went surprisingly went to Yamamoto Sayaka, who placed 6th in this year’s general elections. “Her black hair, compact nose, mesmerizing eyes, and pitiful look makes her look cute,” said one voter. Another person complimented her for her smile.

Sashihara Rino received her fair share of compliments and critiques. “She looks kind,” says one. However, another commented that she looked “unhappy about something”.

Ranking as follows:

1st：Yamamoto Sayaka(19 votes)
2nd：Watanabe Mayu(9 votes)
3rd：Yamada Nana(7 votes)
4th：Shimazaki Haruka(6 votes)
5th：Sashihara Rino(4 votes)
6th：Matsui Jurina(2 votes)
7th：Kashiwagi Yuki/Matsui Rena/Kojima Haruna(1 vote)

Source

Sashihara Rino rumored to have pursued but rejected by ikemen actor

News sources have revealed that HKT48 Sashihara Rino was rejected by good-looking Japanese actor Ozawa Ryota last year.

Despite being involved in a scandal in the past, it seems like Sashihara Rino can’t care less about the watchful eyes surrounding her and continues to “attack” the guys she likes.  The male lead this time is Ozawa Ryota, former beau of Nakagawa Shoko. He was found to a father of a hidden child during his relationship with Shoko, thereby leading to their breakup.

“There were alot of people around, but Sasshi was seen passing a memo to Ozawa. But they didn’t seem friendly with each other,” said a drama staff who witnessed the scene.

Last summer, Fuji TV aired a drama “Hontoni Atta Kowai Hanashi Summer Special 2013” and both of them were acting as lovers. As the filming progressed, there didn’t seem to be any “incidents”, but suddenly Sashihara made her move.

“However, after Sasshi passed the memo, Ozawa took a look at it and immediately rolled it up and threw it into the trash bin. One of the staff picked it up and saw a telephone number and LINE ID written on it,” said the same staff.

If what the staff said is true, Ozawa certainly doesn’t seem interested in Sashihara’s “attack”.

At that time, Sashihara got a huge break for winning the AKB48 5th General Elections. She is known to like good-looking guys, and rumored to be aggressive in approaching them. Perhaps her victory in last year’s elections caused her act without thinking. At that time, she didn’t know about Ozawa’s hidden child, so you can say that she was lucky this didn’t develop into an unnecessary scandal.

Source