The concert features Takamina’s last performances in Yokohama Stadium, starting with Maeda Atsuko’s appearance for a duet of “Omoi de no Hotondo”. Fellow ex-AKB48 graduates Oshima Yuko, Itano Tomomi, Shinoda Mariko also make their appearances, making it the grandest send-off for Takamina. A total of 31 songs featuring Takamina as center were performed.
The DVD titled Shuku Takahashi Minami Sotsugyo “148.5cm no Mita Yume” in Yokohama Stadium will be released on 20th July 2016.
Ex AKB48 member Takahashi Minami(25) has been papped on date with an older man. Takahashi graduated from 48Group on the 8th April 2016 after 10 years with the group.
1 month later, on a weekend night after 10pm, Takamina was spotted walking with a man in the city. The guy is somewhere around 170cm and looks like actor Ikematsu Sousuke. Sporting a moustache, he gives off a wild feeling. When Takamina first saw him arriving, she looked relieved and smiled. They leaned into each other and headed into an Izakaya.
(Following paragraph describes some intimate interactions and how another guy was sitting at the same table but they didn’t seem to mind.)
After midnight, they took a taxi and headed home to Takamina’s mansion. The 2 stayed together for 3 days 3 nights.
This guy works in the IT industry, and is older than Takamina by 15 years(40 years old). They met 10 years ago just after Takamina’s debut.
At that time, Takamina was a middle schooler and he was 30. Of cos, they were not in a relationship then. They met again end of last year due to work. “Probably they grew conscious of each other immediately” -acquaintance of both
When the 2 disappeared into Takamina’s mansion, it was the next night before they were seen outside again. Wearing matching sunglasses and arms wrapped around each other, they headed to a washoku restaurant which had just opened in town. Waiting for them was the guy’s friends. This dinner date was supposedly the setting for their “relationship announcement”.
As expected it is so difficult to find their live performances since they are not famous. The ones i found are all TV-recorded. Anyway, these are the guys who sang the insert song for Mayu’s drama “Tatakau!Shoten Girl”.
These guys filmed their own performance so the camera angle is somewhat amateur.
Starts from 5:14~
Takamina appears at the end and her height is being compared with the SOLIDEMO members who are all above 180cm.
On a 17th June radio show “Appare yattema~su”, they were talking about the Sousenkyo rankings and when they were reaching the Top 5 members, comedian Kendo Kobayashi asked “How far can we go with the AKB talk today?” Takamina seemed to have an idea of what was to come on, got flustered and said “…wait a minute KenKoba san, that’s abit..”
Kendo Kobayashi continued by saying there’s a letter from listeners, prompting Takamina to panic and ask “Eh!? Is that mail alright? Did you guys really check it?” As if enjoying her reaction, Kendo Kobayashi spent extra time reading out the letter, which in the end had nothing to do with Kashiwagi Yuki.
Finally, when asked what she was getting flustered for, Takamina answered “Eh? I thought it was THAT.” She heaved a sigh of relief.
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.”
The applications for AKB48’s 7th General Elections aka Senbatsu Sousenkyo have opened as of today. For the next few days, we’ll see members from each of the 48-groups signing up in the hope of winning 1 of 80 spots for the group’s 41st single(to be released August 2015).
As per previous year, the top 16 elected members will form the Media Senbatsu to perform the A-side song. The subsequent groups of 16 will form Under Girls, Next Girls, Future Girls and Upcoming Girls, to perform the coupling tracks.
Members will have until 29th March 2015, 10pm to sign up.
Meanwhile, it was also announced that this year’s Sousenkyo will take place in the hometown of HKT48 – Fukuoka(Yafuoku! Dome). This decision was made after considering issues like weather, noise levels and stadium capacity.
I will not be participating in this year’s elections. As for the reason, let me say what i am can.
1 year ago, as i was waiting for the election results, at around the 10th position, I was excited and smiling more than anyone, unlike previous years where i was nervous to the point of breaking down(although during the preliminary results i was very uncomfortable). I’m probably the only one who was smiling at that time. When i stood before the mike, “this might be the last” was what I felt.
Of course i was happy and honoured to receive my rank. Everyone around me said “it’s great” and i was full of gratitude. I especially felt the praise from my fans.
The feelings i had from last year won’t surface again. Worrying about whether my thoughts are correct, i came to this conclusion. Have I made everyone happy with my activities as a member “within the group”? Honestly, i can’t say so.
In the past, i said i wanted to be No.1. It’s not like i changed my mind, but my vision has widened. That is because i met alot of people and had the chance to work in lots of places. What i learnt is that i have to look at myself objectively. When I appeared in shows or magazines everyone was happy for me. When i appeared in dramas and movies, people also told me i’m moving closer to my dreams. I was so happy to hear these words.
What i am striving for, and what i should do now, is something very important.
-Skip a part which talks about going above and beyond meeting expectations and how it doesn’t have rankings-
I want to move forward seriously with everyone, so i chose not to participate in the elections. There is no ranking in the road moving forward. It is a battle with myself. I think i will keep thinking about this decision from here on, but i wish for everyone’s blessing. You can always congratulate or thank me in future, so please don’t worry, as this is what I hope for above everything else.”
Takahashi Minami signs up
From her 755:
“This year i’ll participate without hesitating! I’ll enjoy it with everyone till the end!”
JKT48 Nakagawa Haruka opts out
From Google+:
“I’d like to work hard in my Jakarta home, till the end with no regrets!”
AKB48 Kuramochi Asuka opts out
From her ameblo:
“Hi everyone, the applications for the sousenkyo are ending soon. I troubled over it until today.I will pull out from the elections this time. I will watch over the elections this year while thinking about what i want to do.
This is a really big event and even though the ones who participate are the ones who get noticed, surely those who’re not participating will also be missed.
As for these applications, it is another chance to question myself.
To those supporting me, i feel very sorry. But this experience will certainly my chance to grow. I will work hard from now.Please support me!”
AKB48 Kojima Haruna opts out
From her twitter:
“I’m leaving for overseas for work! It’d be great if i can take it slowly. Passport and mileage card..did i forget anything?”
“Ah..i forgot about the sousenkyo deadlines!”
“So as u may know I won’t be participating this year! Actually i’ve been thinking about Sousenkyo seriously these days. This is the result. From now on I won’t have much chances to appear for AKB. I will do things my way! Going off!”
Will update this space if more notable members signup/opt out!
Meanwhile, for those who intend to vote, pre-order the 40th single(and voting tickets) below:
Idol group AKB48 Yokoyama Yui(22) updated her Google+ on the 9th, one day after it was announced that she would be succeeding Takahashi Minami as the new Group General Manager of AKB48.
She revealed her thoughts about Takahashi Minami’s graduation announcement during the group’s 9th debut anniversary.
“Initially, I was confused when I thought about Takamina san not being with us forever.Takamina san loves AKB. It shows on her face when she’s thinking about the members. At this time we should face Takamina san’s dreams and give her a push from the back.
Takamina san has give us 1 year. The Soukantoku position is something that Takamina san built up. AKB48 is also what the seniors spent 9 years to create for us. We have to work hard for the next 10 years so we can see a beautiful scenery together. We have to carry these kind of feelings,” Yokoyama said.
Finally, she said “During this 1 year, I will learn what i can while the seniors are still around, and do what i can to find my own General Manager style with the support of my juniors. I am still lacking in many areas, but the support from fans will become my strength of overcome difficulties. Hoping that everyone’s dreams can be fulfilled. From now, please look after AKB48 group too.”
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
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
There’s supposed to be Yukirin in this list but i couldn’t find hers so..
AKB48 Group General Manager Takahashi Minami(23) has announced her graduation from the group on 8th December.
This announcement came while the group was holding their 9th anniversary live show at the theater.
“I, Takahashi Minami, will graduate on 8th December 2015. This notice comes one year in advance. I announced it at this time as i wanted make time for the member whom i will handover to.
The next Group General Manager will be Yokoyama Yui(21), ex-captain of Team A and currently captain of Team K.
“I just want to say 1 thing. This is not a sad thing. Next year’s our 10th anniversary. It’s an important year.I’m very happy that this group can last this long. This group is not something that ends after 10 years. I hope that it can continue to its 11th year. It’ll be alright. I will work hard with Yokoyama to bond the remaining members together.”
Takahashi Minami made her debut with the group on 8th December 2005 as a first generation member. She was appointed the Group General Manager to be in charge of the flagship branch and its sister groups in 2012. This year, she appeared on Fuji TV’s “Mecha Mecha Iketeru Dokkiri Special” to prank her team members into thinking she’d graduate due to a scandal. This time, her graduation announcement comes for real.
Takahashi, unlike previous centers Maeda Atsuko and Oshima Yuko, is the one and only member with a leadership presence in the group. Fans and members will certainly be shocked by this.
An excerpt of the speech where she passes the baton to Yokoyama Yui.
After I am gone, I would like to name Yokoyama Yui as the person who would lead AKB48 Group as next Soukantoku.
Frankly, Soukantoku is a bothersome position. It is hard.
I think members close to me might have felt it too.
That is why I really hate that I have to pass the name of Soukantoku to my good friend, Yokoyama Yui.
I had wanted (this post) to end with me.
But, with a big group of girls like this, being distracted with lively conversations, not able to concentrate, unable to stay collected, there are many times like that.
At those times, I think there is still a need for someone in the group to speak out words like, “Let’s go, let’s do this”.
Can Yokoyama come here? (Yui stands beside Takamina)
To me, she is a wonderful junior.
She is really someone who is earnest but awkward at times, she works really hard with utmost effort.
Her dream is the same as mine too, solo debut.
By handing her this soukantoku post, it may keep this dream of hers at a further distance than it is now so I felt really troubled over it, but I think she needs an impetus.
Sounkantoku is agonizing.
But at the same time, there will be an increase in the amount of exposure to society’s eyes and simultaneously chances will increase.
With this, I want Yokoyama to think of it as a chance and do her best.
Kojima Haruna: For AKB48’s 9th anniversary, there were only 3 of us from the first generation left. It was good that I could be next to Takamina during her graduation announcement. I will do my best so everyone can welcome our 10th anniversary. Please look after us from now on.
Mineshi Minami: With Takamina’s announcement, we must work even harder than before. So that AKB48G can continue to exist..
Miyazawa Sae: These are the first generation who love AKB48. The first generation who created AKB48. The Takamina of decided to graduate on the 10th anniversary. From now, we’ll also be the 48group that exists because of Takamina. I love the members from my generation but i also like the first generation. Thanks from the heart.
Oshima Yuko: Takahashi Minami graduation announcement at the theater.
Sashihara Rino: The news came in the middle of my tweeting. I don’t know what to say about this. Some people think I was aiming for the Soukantoku position but i don’t have much time left in the first place. #5thGenerationAge22 #NoResponsibility #NotAKB48member
Kashiwagi Yuki: Not feeling the reality of this.It seems like there’s 1 year left. Anyway, I want to support Yuihan.We still have to pay back to the fans.
Kitahara Rie: I also think there’s none other than Yokoyama. I’m worried about her physical/mental health but there’s no one else but her!
Yamamoto Sayaka: It’s a big shock. But there’s 1 year left, and lots to learn.I’ll work hard to support Yuihan too.
On the 7th June, the results of AKB48 6th General Elections(6th Senbatsu Sousenkyo) were unveiled in Ajinomoto Stadium. 80 members out of the 200+ member mega franchise were selected to represent the group in their next single. Of the 80, the top 16 will be able to sing the title track and take part in various media promotions. Check out the list of winners here.
Whilst 2013 winner Sashihara Rino had her sights on defending her title, it was 3rd generation member Watanabe Mayu(20) who did the impossible. Amassing the highest amount of votes in history(~160k votes), her victory was a happy ending fans have been waiting to see for years. Read on for the Top16’s winning speeches below.
1. Watanabe Mayu – the ace who got crowned late
“I said in my speech 2 years ago, that i wanted to win. I wasn’t able to realise that dream last year, despite all the hard work i put in. For a moment, i decided to give up. But fans gave me warm words, told me to grab my next chance. That strengthened my resolve to become no.1.
I joined AKB when i was 12, today i’m already 20. To get where i am today, i experienced alot. I am happy to have walked my path, believed in my fans, worked hard and not give up. When i joined AKB, there were alot of seniors. New juniors came in, sister groups were formed. Over time, the seniors whom i respect have graduated. I often wonder..what happened to the AKB48 that i knew in the past? As one of the leftover members from the 3rd generation, i have to stay strong and look forth. In the past, i followed the seniors around. Now that I have gotten this position, i have to stop leaning on the seniors. I want to become a member whom the juniors can look up to and follow, someone who doesn’t forget her initial passion, and is full of gratitude towards the fans.
To everyone, thank you!”
When asked what she had to say to Sashihara, Mayuyu teared up at one point and said, “Sasshi has gone through alot. Seeing her lead the HKT48 members, she has worked really hard. I want to say congratulations to everyone, and thanks too.”
Exiting member Oshima Yuko also made an appearance, congratulating Mayuyu on her win. When asked to give some advice, Yuko said “This is not advice, but in many ways, please take care of AKB48 from now on.”
Mayuyu confessed, “Yuko chan had wanted to entrust the AKB48 group to me 2 years ago,but i was unable to live up to expectations. Today, i’m happy i can finally answer to her request.”
2. Sashihara Rino – hopes for a winning streak crushed
“Honestly, i’m very frustrated. Awhile back, i overheard a conversation at this bookshop. An office lady was asking her friend who might win this elections. The friend answered ‘Sashihara’, but the lady said ‘If she won, wouldn’t it be weird?’. That lady also said ‘If Sashihara can win, then i should enter AKB and live a easy life.’. If that lady is watching this now, i want to tell you that AKB is not a easy place. Alot of members worry before coming here. Even though i still don’t know who’s going to become No.1, i will support that member with all my strength. No matter how tough it may be, i will not lose. I will participate in next year’s Sousenkyo, and i will certainly become No.1!”
3. Kashiwagi Yuki – the girl who doesn’t need to aim high
Kashiwagi Yuki is one of the rare members in AKB48 who has gained high recognition amongst fans despite never voicing her desire to rank high. In 2011, she surpassed same generation teammate Watanabe Mayu to take No.3 in the 2011 Senbatsu Sousenkyo, and has since kept a consistent ranking. This year is no different.
“I am very happy to be in Top 3. This Sousenkyo is not just a place to decide the center, it’s also a place where we can fight alongside our fans. I am not good with vying for things. But I can work hard because the fans are here. At first i only wanted to be an idol, but i have now become someone who wants to support the fans through songs and live shows. Last year, i said that AKB has become an important place for me.The handshake sessions are also an important place for me. Today, i also want to show you my gratitude up close. There may be problems, but i don’t want to lose this place where i can interact with you directly. If you guys are here, i’m sure a warm place will be created for us. This year i am in NMB48 and have gotten alot of juniors, i will work hard as AKB48’s 3rd generation and repay you. Please support me!”
4. Matsui Jurina – 17 years old and aiming for No.1
Matsui Jurina has been really ambitious since placing 6th in Sousenkyo last year. Considering her tenure in the group and her ranking, she is ready to battle for the throne. But looking at her disappointed frame, it’d be better if she develops some mental strength before coming back as the competition will get tougher next year.
“Even though i am very thankful, I feel frustrated not having ranked No.1. But i think it’s all my fault, i haven’t worked hard enough. Please let me make a promise with you. I will work harder than ever. Next year, when i turn 18, i will be No.1!”
5. Matsui Rena – a flourishing solo career and still flying high
As a fellow teammate of Matsui Jurina in SKE48, Matsui Rena has always been neck-to-neck with Jurina during Sousenkyo. This year she confessed to being worried about her placement, since her solo career has been impeding group activities. No wonder she was so happy when her ranking was called.
“I’m very happy to see so many of you here today, despite the heavy rain. Thanks for the support. Not only me, but alot of the other members have bet their lives by standing here, choosing a lifestyle different from that of a schoolgirl. I have the confidence to bet my life here, and work actively in the 48group, as well as in Nogizaka46. Just like how u guys have given me this present today, i will work hard to gift you the same present in future. This year, SKE will be doing a nationwide tour. Please wait for us!”
6. Yamamoto Sayaka – Osaka representative with overflowing ambitions
“This year, people have had expectations of me ever since the prelim results, some even guessed that i would win. On the other side, others have said it’s too early for me to win. I am really honored to have gotten this rank, but i’m really frustrated about not being able to refute those who said it’s impossible for me to win. When i entered senbatsu last year, i was able to work more and enjoyed every day. This time i am the only one from NMB48 to be called into senbatsu. I really love NMB48 and want to bring it to greater heights not only in Japan but also overseas.Last year, i said i wanted to be more active in my media work but i am sorry not have delivered the promise. My hopes to lead the group and become number 1 has never changed since i entered the group. I want to become someone worthy of the absolute center by next year. Please support me”
7. Shimazaki Haruka – ‘I am blunt but you will forgive me’
The member nicknamed “Ponkotsu Paruru”(Clumsy Paruru) is infamous for her blunt and less-than-friendly personality. Her army of fans continue to remain devoted by pushing her into Top 7. However, don’t expect her to contend for No.1 anytime soon. She works at her own pace.
“I don’t know what to say honestly. I am bad at this. People say i’m salty but having attained a great rank like this, i feel somehow satisfied instead. I tried to work hard at handshake sessions, but as expected i can’t do it. My fans always try to make me laugh instead. I think my fans are kinder and more forgiving than others. That’s the end! Thank you!”
8. Kojima Haruna – ‘I will graduate..’
The last beauty from the 1st generation apparently knows how to twist her fans around her finger. Talk about her graduation has been going on for months, so is it time?
“As usual, my prelim rankings isn’t good, but as usual the fans will always work hard for me towards the end. I am really happy. I don’t have any more regrets in AKB…I, Kojima Haruna, will announce my graduation here…..but i won’t! Sorry for the joke haha! I actually wanted to graduate here, but looking at the stabbing incidents recently, i think i will do what i can and stay on awhile more. I will graduate when everyone can smile from the bottom of their hearts. There is one more reason. When i looked on the internet, i was No.1 on the rankings for member most likely to graduate in the elections. I didn’t want to let that report come true, so i pulled back. I too, want the fans to be surprised when I announce my graduation. So please don’t spread rumors of graduation during big events like this. I don’t know how long i have with AKB, but i will work hard to the end.”
MC continued to asked when she started to consider graduation.
“I started to think about it when Acchan graduated. This time round, when the costume for Labrador Retriever was handed over…i am 26 but when i saw the dog prints, i thought ‘omg it’s about time’…LOL.”
MC asked her to declare her lifelong career as an AKB idol.
“That’s not going to happen! I’m just going to work abit more..”
9. Takahashi Minami – Hard work will definitely be rewarded
“This year i asked to be ranked within Top7. Even though i wasn’t able to reach that goal,i thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. As you know, recently a bad thing happened. At that moment,i thought AKB48 was over. I wasn’t unable to cheer up for days.Because of the fans my heart grew stronger. Even on such a rainy day, you guys are willing to wait for us. Because of you we are able to move on. There are people who asked me why i’m still here. I’m here because i love AKB48. AKB48 is the best! There’s a big challenge infront of us. If everyone is here, i think we can overcome this. Please let me support AKB48 a little while more. Finally, let me say the words which i wasn’t able to say last year. Hard work will definitely be rewarded!”
10. Suda Akari – I’ll shine from any position
Suda Akari has the brightest smile amongst all the members and is so professional she smiles even when the camera is not on her. She is known for being a “fisher”, kind of derogatory for a girl but over the years I can really see the sincerity in her. Still, i’m not used to her over enthusiastic personality.
“I am not good at talking. When i googled my name, people say i’m not cute at all. I can’t imagine saying that to a person who got so many votes. Last year, i got into into Top16 due to the help of everyone. After getting Top16, i was even able to move up front within SKE. I wonder if that was a good thing, and cried everyday. Some have questioned why i am up front. But still, i left an impression on them isn’t it? In future, in order to become the center in your eyes, i’ll work hard to shine from any position.”
She cried at the last part because she thought she’d never rank in senbatsu again.
11. Sakura Miyawaki – My rival is Sashihara
Sakura is probably the only member in HKT48 who has a fanbase so strong that she doesn’t need to rely Sashihara’s help. She hailed Sasshi as her rival, but as the original ace of HKT48, she should probably challenge the beasts of sister groups Jurina and Sayanee instead.
“I’m really shocked to receive this rank. I’m always nervous, but the fans are always here for me. If you guys aren’t here, there won’t be me. Someone asked me who my rival is. I can only think of one. My rival is Sasshi. She is all-rounded. I think that if there’s no one who can surpass Sasshi in HKT, then there won’t be growth. I am still not there, but i will work hard so Sasshi can call me as her rival. I’ll show you that i can surpass Sasshi!”
12. Miyazawa Sae – A formidable presence despite zero TV appearances
“Thank you! This year has been an unforgettable year! I met alot of people…experienced alot of feelings. I’m really thankful for it. Again, i want to be a source of strength for many in AKB48. To be able to stand on this stage, i feel very happy. I want to repay everyone, and I hope to show the juniors my cool back!I am also happy to be featured on the LINE stamps!”
13. Yokoyama Yui
-Skip translation because it’s kinda boring-
14. Ikoma Rina – Shocker of the night
As the former center of rival group Nogizaka46, Ikoma was offered a concurrency with AKB48 in February. She accepted it thinking of creating more opportunities for Nogizaka46. No one thought that she’d go far in these elections, but the Nogizaka fans are obviously hungrier that we thought. Catch the priceless expression on her face when her ranking was announced. Even exiting member Oshima Yuko was amazed by it.
“Do you know me? Oh, that’s great, thank you very much! Um… I-I-I never thought, e-even a tiny bit, that I would enter senbatsu, so when I heard just there “Nogizaka’s…” I didn’t know what to think and I still don’t know what to do. But… ah… um…. um, the reason that I’m here is that my fans supported me in all sorts of places, making and handing out flyers, cycling all the way to their home towns, even to places I don’t know, they did all that hard work for me. Members… well, I’m here on a concurrency from a rival group so this surprised a lot of people and no one really knows how this is going to go. But now I feel glad I went through with it… thank you very much. There’s a lot of people I feel grateful to. But I think there’s also a lot of people in Japan who don’t know who I am. I want to take this opportunity for, well for myself as well but I’m from a group called Nogizaka46 and I want to work hard in order to get more people to know who we are! Thank you very much!”
15. Shibata Aya – Another cinderella story
Shibata Aya is one of the cinderella girls in this year’s senbatsu. She is not favored by management but moved into the limelight last year due to fan support. She placed 17th in last year’s general elections and has since been included in the senbatsu lineup for SKE48’s singles. “Last year, i experienced alot after placing 17th in the elections.I felt very blissful becoming an idol. But seeing the difference between 16th and 17th positions, i felt frustrated realizing what entering senbatsu is all about. This year, i promised to enter senbatsu and is finally able to have that dream come true together with the help of my fans. I won’t waste the chance from the fans. I will work hard to aim higher. I like the saying ‘If you don’t aim for No.1, you won’t become 2nd or 3rd.’,so i will become everyone’s No.1 idol.”
16. Kawaei Rina – A bounce back from adversity
The baka center had a poor placement in the preliminary results of this year’s sousenkyo despite receiving much push the past year. The recent stabbing incident threw her back into the spotlight as she was one of the 2 injured, together with Iriyama Anna. I don’t know if it helped to get her sympathy votes but the girl definitely hopes it was not the case.
“I’ve worried everyone! I am very healthy now. Honestly, when i was ranked 52 in the prelim results, i had been worrying and crying every day. When i was thinking of what to do, this incident happened. I think God was telling me to stop waiting around and to wake up. I think everyone converted my adversity into a chance for me. In this year, i will not lose no matter what happens. Thank you.”
MC asked if she was afraid during the stabbing incident. Kawaei said, ‘It’s ok! I wasn’t afraid!”
“Actually i was thinking i shouldn’t care about the results anymore. But the fans created this great position for me. Thank you!”
“This year i had done alot and had no regrets, so i was really afraid of the sousenkyo results this year. But now i am no longer afraid!”
“This time, i entered senbatsu because fans had expectations of me and were worried for me. Next year, i hope to enter senbatsu without the help of any adversities!”
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And this concludes my translations for their speeches.
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