AKB48 43rd single will be released in March 2016 and former aces Maeda Atsuko, Oshima Yuko, Itano Tomomi and Shinoda Mariko will be participating as well. Exiting member Takahashi Minami, who has her graduation concert set for that same month, will also be participating.
Takahashi Minami said “I was informed about this yesterday, even though i was told Kuchibiru would be my last single. I’m happy to be able to sing with everyone, but whom shall i apologise to?” Audience laughed because she showed a troubled face.
In what may be a very shocking but pleasant surprise, AKB48’s graduated golden girls Maeda Atsuko, Shinoda Mariko, Itano Tomomi and Oshima Yuko were featured in the music video of AKB48 38th single “Kibouteki Refrain”, set to release 26th November.
Starting with Takahashi Minami, the centers in the history of AKB48 showed up one after another, running a relay race to pass on 2 golden microphones. This action signifies the passing on of the center position. Watanabe Mayu and Miyawaki Sakura eventually receive the microphones and perform live with the rest of the senbatsu members.
There are lots of running scenes in this music video, which is also the theme for the jacket covers.
The single comes in 4 types in both regular and limited editions. Kojizaka46(centered by Kojima Haruna) will also have their first original song “Kaze no Razen” plus MV included in Type D.
During SMAP’s 27Hr TV yesterday, SMAP and Kis-My-Ft2 competed in a segment where they are supposed to act as boyfriends to Oshima Yuko. Each member would be given a situation and they are supposed to charm Yuko with their actions/words. The audience will then assess them and give points accordingly.
In the case of Kis-My-Ft2 Tamamori Yuta(starts at 16:06), he had to play out a situation where he had to appease his girlfriend as he returned home late and missed her birthday.
Yuko: My birthday is over..
Tamamori: I’m really sorry. I wanted to come home early, but i had to work overtime and missed your birthday. But i’ve already planned our date for the next time when i’m on leave.
Yuko: Where are we going?
Tamomori: I can’t tell you! It’s a surprise for your birthday.
Yuko: Then i won’t be getting anything today?
Tamomori: Not really, can you turn towards me?
Yuko: Yes..
Tamomori: I’m sorry for missing your birthday. Please bear with me, i hope to erase your sadness. Happy Birthday, Mariko(Yuko’s stage name). *fake kiss*
After the scene was aired on TV, angry fan girls took to Twitter to bash Yuko.
むり大島優子殺す(#｀皿´) まじでにくむ。笑 にしても玉ちゃん可愛いぃぃい
“I have to kill Oshima Yuko. Really hate her.Tama-chan is cute.” -Twitter mikuchi_711 （美空）
大島優子、渉に色目なんかつかったら殺すどころかコンクリート詰めして海の底にしずめるよ？！？！
Oshima Yuko, if you look at him at way i will kill you, put you in concrete and bury you at the bottom of the sea! -Twitter angel__yuuh （ かなみつ ）
まじ最悪(･･;) 大島優子があんなこと言わんとけば、玉森はキスしなかったよ(･･;)
If Oshima Yuko had not said those words, he wouldn’t have kissed her! This sucks.. -Twitter tmr3yt17 （よねたま）
大島優子やだ やだやだやだやだやだ ありえん 最悪 まじやだ 玉ちゃんかわいそう
I hate Oshima Yuko. I can’t believe it, it’s the worst and i seriously hate it. Tama chan is so pitiful -Twitter ayachi91013 （俺足族 あやたま）
大島優子はまじで終わってるわ！? ほんと玉ちゃん可哀想だった(>_<)
Oshima Yuko is over! Tama-chan is so pitiful! -Twitter tama0317y1215 （ゆき）
あれは大島優子が悪いよ、玉ちゃんは悪くない
Oshima Yuko is in the wrong, There is no reason to blame Tama-chan. -Twitter michuuuxx （みぃぽぽ）
While it was really clear that the kiss scene was fake, Johnny’s fangirls have proven themselves to be really scary when it comes to the code-of-conduct with their idols. I feel really sorry for Yuko, who was probably trying to help out Tamamori. But honestly, being that NEAR to Tamamori? How many countries did she save in her past life!! >_<
Yesterday, Oshima Yuko celebrated her last day as an AKB48 member with a last performance on TV. Her last theater stage in Akihabara was also broadcasted live. Like previous superstar Maeda Atsuko, Oshima’s graduation was treated with the grandeur fit for a queen. I guess only those top members deserve such a luxurious sendoff…
(Q&A Segment where Yuko answers the members’ questions)
#1. What can i do to get a bigger chest?
I like cheese alot! I am still growing so you guys shouln’t worry.
MC:You think it’s okay for others to see you naked?
I have an elder brother and i always play with his friends so i have no sense of a woman’s modesty?
#2. When are you getting married?
Frankly, by 27?It’s next year…it’s my dream since 19 to get married by 27.By 30, i hope to have 2 children. After 30, i hope to have another 3? Minimum 3 and maximum 5 children?
MC: Do you have a partner now? /Don’t say ‘No’ today and have a scandal the next day! We’ll attack you!
No..
MC: You guys are forbidden from getting into relationships rights? Is it alright to get married?
[Takamina] Akimoto san said marriage is fine. [Sashihara] Akimoto san will answer if you are serious about discussing it with him.
#3. What is your toughest job so far? [Sashihara]Mine was standing in the middle of Shibuya, wearing a plastic bag around my head and being suffocated. Even my parents got worried about me.
[Uchida Mayumi] I ate cockroaches.
[Yuko] Compared to sasshi, i don’t think mine was tough at all. I ate shrimps before i went to to sea to fish. And i vomitted due to sea sickness. But i caught shrimps again and had to eat it.
[MC] What are you talking about? It’s tougher for us to listen to you!
(Segment about the History of Oshima Yuko)
“When we first met, she belonged to the newly formed Team K. We were conscious of each other as rivals. At that time, Akimoto Sayaka led them to greet us, and was talking about how they would work hard in order not to lose to us. From then, we kept thinking of each other as rivals.”
“She was a child actress, and whilst the rest of us came in with no showbiz experience, it seemed like she bet her all on AKB48 and her resolve was stronger than us.”
‘
“She was someone who could do anything. However, because of her background as a child actress, the managers didn’t want to acknowledge her and she was someone who wasn’t pushed.”
-Skip part about Oshima Yuko’s road to stardom-
“When i left, i was very sorry to Yuko. That was the moment when everyone thought there’s no one else left but Yuko. But AKB48 was able to continue so i was very happy. Yuko worked very hard in place of me”
“When she announced i graduation, i thought ‘Ah that time has come’. For her, the starting is now.”
Letter from Yuko’s father: “You’ve been working in the showbiz from young, and even though you didn’t land a lot of jobs, you worked hard and i was very happy seeing that. But knowing that you love playing with your classmates, i didn’t imagine that you’d be serious about entering showbiz in future. I thought you’d quit showbiz forever when you entered high school. That’s when you were accepted into AKB48. You have grown alot these past 8 years. I feel energized whenever i see you chasing your dreams. Your dream is also my dream. I feel very blissful to have gone through this route with you.
The Yuko today is won’t be who she is without the fans, staff, members and related personnel. I am thankful for what you have done for her. Please support Oshima Yuko from now on too. Lastly, Yuko, thank you. P.S: Because of me, you turned out to be short, sorry!”
(Excerpts from Akihabara Theater Live)
[Mayuyu]”I really think Yuko is a great senior. You always think of everyone individually. When i first entered senbatsu, you gave me advice on acting. I am very happy to have worked beside you like this. When i heard you were going to graduate, i couldn’t imagine AKB without you…the future seemed dark. I want to send you off with a smile, and without you worrying about AKB. A few days before, i got No.1 in the Sousenkyo, so i thought that i have to lead everyone now. Please leave AKB48 to me. Thank you for everything!”
[Yuko]”You’ve grown up!”
[Kojiharu] “I have sent off so many, now i don’t know what to say. I have thought about what to say 2 weeks ago, and there’s so many things i thought of, but i just decided a few moments ago. [Yuko: Thank goodness u decided.] You are I are the same age,and you have things i don’t have. Because you work hard, i can work hard as well. If you are gone, i don’t think I can work hard anymore. [Yuko: But the other day you just said you won’t graduate!] So, i’ll just work a little bit more. [Yuko: Alrighhhht…] But when i was worrying about what i can do for AKB, Yuko said I just needed to be around. I was so happy because you saved me. I can’t work hard, but i think it’s also okay to just be around. [Yuko: Y..es….i don’t know how to answer you.] Today i’m wearing the ring you gave me in Hawaii. [Yuko: Today, I ….] Ah, you can’t wear it because of the costume coordination? [Yuko: Yes! Sorry! But i am always wearing it too!] From now on, lets be together forever. [Yuko: But previously, you didn’t like the design and hated it.] But i treasure it the most so i am wearing it today. [Yuko: You tried to accomodate me right?] Yes..haha. That’s all. Please work hard in Brazil! [Yuko: I’ll also support you!] *Yuko leans in for a kiss…*
[Sashihara] “You probably don’t remember it, but when i was a research student, the staff told you to cue me to introduce myself, but 90% of the time you’d forget. You’d always run over to me after the theater live and say sorry. I can’t forget that. After that, we gradually got to know each other, and i’d like to tell you that you’re the senior i respect most. I also feel happy to be in the same agency as you. In HKT48, there are alot of juniors who admire you. I will pass on your spirit to them. I really like you, congratulations!”
[Yukirin] -skip the front= “During the rehearsals for your concert, you commented about my lousy dancing skills, but you taught me 1-to-1, so i’m really happy. You gave me new shoes after finding out that the shoes that i’ve been wearing for the past 6 years have worn out. When the members complain about my fashion sense, you gifted me with trendy outfits…but it’s so trendy that i don’t know how to wear it! Please teach me how to wear it next time! I’ll work hard to catch up to you, and i’ll also lead the group so that you don’t have to worry about us.”
[Takamina] You have alot of memories with the rest, but when i think about us, there’s only one i can think of. After Acchan’s graduation was decided, we decided to have a meal together. We talked about the future of AKB at that time. It was the first time we talked deeply, and we realised we were thinking of the same things. After that, in an interview you were asked ‘What is Takamina’s presence to you?’. You told them i am your comrade. I was very happy. But i have a last request, after your graduation, i hope to be your friend instead. [Yuko: No!] Why?! When you graduate, we won’t be comrades anymore, so i wanna be your friend! [Yuko: I will continue to be AKB48’s supporter. I will understand AKB48 more than anyone, and i’ll also tell give you feedback based on what i see outside. So I prefer to continue being your comrade.] [Sashihara She got rejected 2 times! ][Yuko: Because there’s no one else who can be my comrade other than Takamina!] Listen to the ‘Yuko’ calls one last time
Messages from fellow graduated members
Maeda Atsuko: “Yuko is so cute! Tomorrow is the day you can spread you wings! Yuko is really cool! You just fall in love the more you look at her. Congratulations on your graduation! I can imagine the glittery you!”
Itano Tomomi: “I went to see Yuko’s concert.She was shining so brightly. Indeed her smile is the best. Please continue to stay as you are!”
Shinoda Mariko: “I went to see Yuko’s concert with Acchan. We wanted to lend our power as bringers of the Sun. Our prayers worked! Congratulations!”
Yuko’s last google+ entry
I have graduated!
Everyone, thank you for your support.
My theater performance is over.
Frankly, i’m much more relaxed now.
To quote the lyrics from “Ima Made no Melody”,
I have no more regrets.
I have done what there is to do.
When i think about what AKB has given me,
It’s something to be proud of.
I want to thank everyone who has supported me. (*^^*)In my next life, I want to be reborn as Oshima Yuko.
And live this life again.Ah! Also, this is my last entry.
I will try and appear in the members’ posts, so please continue to check them out!
Thank you, this is Oshima Yuko.(Her account was deleted after midnight.)
Yuko i can’t bear to see you leave.. you are truly the best!
It has been announced that Fuji TV will be airing AKB48 6th General Elections live on June 7, starting from 5pm. They will air footage of the vote counting, but actual ranking will only be revealed from 6.30pm onwards.
To promote the event, a series of trailers have been released depicting a battle for the top spot between “warlords” from different provinces in Japan – Watanabe Mayu of Tokyo, Yamamoto Sayaka of Osaka, Matsui Jurina of Nagoya and Sashihara Rino of Fukuoka. If you once thought the idea in having sister groups is just to duplicate the success formula of AKB48, then this trailer certainly gives whole new meaning and excitement to this mega franchise. Watch the trailers below for yourself below!
Short Version
Long Version(with Matsui Rena)
In addition, FujiTV also announced that they will be broadcasting Oshima Yuko’s graduation performance 2 days later on 9 June.
“Mecha Mecha Iketeru” is a variety show which played a big role in propelling AKB48 members Kawaei Rina and Shimazaki Haruka to stardom. The concept of this show changes according to the characteristics their guests, and this time round, they’ve invited Oshima Yuko to do a graduation special.
I’ve always found Mecha Mecha Iketeru to be unpredictable, so no doubt this is going to be one great episode.
So the show starts off with Oshima Yuko meeting up with comedian combi Yabe and Okamura. They decide to take her on a 2D1N trip to “celebrate” her graduation. In the bus, Okamura asks her if she’d be all high and mighty after becoming an actress, which she obviously denied. Yabe asks if she’d do anything and everything if she was invited to “Mecha Mecha Iketeru”, which Yuko agreed to without hesitation. Unfortunately she did not sense the evil intentions behind the giggles of the comedians.The bus takes them to their first drop-off point named “Water Tank”. A few minutes later, the scene changes to Yuko walking in unwillingly in swimwear. The MCs announced that she’d be challenging herself to a diving game which requires her to navigate a maze underwater to retrieve various items. Yuko asked why she had to do it, and Okamura said “Don’t you know Amachan?”(a hit drama series in 2013 based on a female diver.) “Don’t you want to appear in Season 2? You might have a chance you know?” Yuko had no choice but to agree…
Unfortunately it was pretty hard for her to continue holding her breath while maneuvering the maze, so it took a few tries before she was able to succeed. The difficulty of her challenge was increased later as they switched the fish to a bowling ball. By this time Yuko was already too tired to succeed so the comedians brought in Minegishi Minami to cheer her up. Without a word, she burst into a dance version of Ayame Gouriki’s “Tomodachi Yori Daiji na Hito”, which she has been getting popular for over the past year. Yuko was considerably energized and even joined in the dance. After that, Yuko returned to her challenge. She was unable to lift the dumb-bells from the water so Miichan climbed up the water tank to dance for her again. Unfortunately, she did not realise she was stepping on styrofoam floorboards, so she broke through the floorboards and fell into the water. Since the tank was destroyed, they decided to abandon this game.
In the bus, they asked Yuko about her acting experience in “Ando Lloyd ” with Kimura Takuya. Yuko said she admires Kimura for taking on such a difficult character so the comedians asked if she would like to become an “Ando Lloyd”(a robot). By know Yuko knew what she was getting into but had no choice but to say yes. She was brought into a room to watch 2 comedians acting out the role of a elderly man and his robot girlfriend. The elderly man tries to persuade his robot girlfriend to go to the hotsprings with him, but the only words which the robot girlfriend can say is “Dame yo! Dame Dame!”(which means no). Eventually the robot girlfriend goes haywire. Yuko was informed that she’d need to act out the same role as the robot girlfriend. Unglamorous yes but Yuko did it all the way. In the end she got so into the role that she competed with the comedian to see who is better at going haywire.
In the 3rd segment, Yuko was tasked to buy crepes in public dressed in her robot costume. She found it very embarrassing but had no choice. Suddenly, this comedian(i suppose) who won the title of “dumbest member” in an academic test on a previous episode of Mecha Mecha Iketeru, appeared and started laughing at her, taking photos of her and sending it to Okamura. Kawaei Rina, who was also crowned the “dumbest center” in another episode, appeared too and both took great delight in ridiculing Yuko’s looks. Kawaei even tried to send a picture of Yuko to Akimoto Yasushi. Yuko then returned to the bus, only to find it driving away without her. She was forced to run after the bus with a handful of crepes in her arms, terrorizing strangers along the way with her zombie makeup.
The night is about to come to an end. Yuko and the comedians were asked to alight from the bus and take a taxi to a nearby hotel instead. In the taxi, Yuko talked about a time when she wondered if it was right to pursue a singing and acting career at the same time. Akimoto Yasushi gave her a piece of advice – between the tough and easy road (to success), she should choose the tough one. At this point, the taxi driver suddenly asked “Excuse me, there is a tough road and a easy road ahead, which one will you choose?” I think you guys know which she was forced to choose now. Yuko was taken on the most terrifying ride of her life, which caused her to break into tears. Okamura commented “That was definitely a tough road!”.
Next morning, the comedians decided to enter Yuko’s hotel room secretly and film her while she was still sleeping. They invited Kentaro, Yuko’s fan to join in. Kentaro is quite funny because he admitted that he had actually switched oshimen to Yuko after Shinoda Mariko graduated. Yuko was then woken by the smell of Kawaei Rina’s shoes…ewww. She was quite shocked to find a stranger (Kentaro) in her room, but after finding out then he was a fan who had never been to handshake sessions, decided to fulfill his wish.
On the way to breakfast, Yuko looked out the window to find Watanabe Mayu and Kato Koji(another comedian) involved in a brawl. (This segment is another followup to the long-running “feud” between Kato and Mayuyu, which started when Kato kicked Mayuyu in the head while filming for another variety show.) Turns out they were arguing over whether to serve Yuko a western or Japanese breakfast. Whilst arguing, Kato also made digs at Mayuyu’s idol image, accusing her of having a ugly face in the morning, and spending too much time in the toilet. Mayuyu went ballistic upon hearing these and started sending invisible attacks to Kato. Yuko approached the 2 to stop them, but Mayuyu caught her by the head and pushed her face into a cake. They finally managed to stop violent Mayuyu after showing her a pic of cute babies.
Back in the bus, Yuko decided to give up on breakfast and requested to remove the cream from her face. Her wish was granted as her bus seat suddenly tipped backwards, into a pool of water. The expression on her face was priceless! I truly believe she didn’t expect that coming. Whats worse, she was made to promote herself as an actress later, looking all wet and messed up.
The bus reaches National Olympic Stadium, where Yuko was to hold her graduation concert. Here Yuko is welcomed by the rest of AKB48 members. Team K also showed up to express thanks to their leader. I will just translate the most touching part here.
Kobayashi Kana: I came into AKB48 in the same generation as you. I was also once the center before you took the position away from me. The fans and staff talked about us and thought we were on bad terms. Last year’s October, i called you for the first time. I thought you looked depressed. “How did you know?” you asked. Of cos i knew. My eyes have followed you more than others ever since my position was taken by you. That was the first time you talked about graduating. At the end of the call, you said you were worried about Team K. You said sorry and told me to work hard.I thought it was very like you to worry about others. But the one suffering is actually Yuko. People may think i have lost to you. But while you were working on your movies and dramas, i stood on stage and danced and sang more than others. I will not lose to you. So leave the rest to me. Look forward and realise your dreams.
Yuko: I think you guys will really work hard without me. Thank you for creating this opporunity for me!
AKB48 member Oshima Yuko’s graduation ceremony at the National Olympics Stadium was cancelled on the 30th March as a result of bad weather.
Shocked by this decision, Oshima started crying and could not face anyone as she struggled to take in this piece of news. However,as scores of fans were waiting outside chanting “Yuko!Yuko!”, she made a surprise appearance to address her fans, promising to deliver the best of herself in the next concert.
Whilst details have not been announced on where and when her graduation ceremony will take place, it seems difficult for them to return to National Olympics Stadium for various reasons.
Firstly, the members’ schedules have already been decided till May, and the next possible date where all could participate is in June, when the stadium is about to be closed down for renovations. Secondly, National Olympics Stadium is considered a holy ground by Arashi fans as “Ara-Fest” is held there every year. Arashi has long been reported to be the last guests to hold a concert there, so no doubt some mediation would need to take place if AKB wants to “takeover” this privilege.
Seems like the management will have to consider alternative locations like Nissan Stadium or Ajinomoto Stadium if everything doesn’t work out.
Update: It has been announced that the rescheduled concert will take place on 8th June at Ajinomoto Stadium, one day after the general elections.
Update: It has been announced that the concert has been rescheduled to 9th June at Ajimoto Stadium. Not sure why there’s so many changes but probably due to weather forecasts.
Not Yet, one of AKB48’s subunits consisting of Sashihara Rino, Oshima Yuko, Yokoyama Yui and Kitahara Rie, will be back with their first album on 23 April.
Their first album features songs from their past 5 singles, and will be available in 4 editions.
Regarding the album title, producer Akimoto Yasushi commented “Not yet girls have grown while i didn’t know that. I came to think that time is ripe, so i gave the word “already” for the album title.”
In addition to the album release, the girls will hold a concert at Ariake colosseum on May 10.
Type A [Purchase Here] [CD]
01. Shuumatsu Not yet(1st single)
02. Naminori Kakigoori (2nd single)
03. Pera Pera Perao (3rd Single)
04. Suika Baby (4th single)
05. Hiri Hiri no Hana (5th single)
06. Hirahira (1st single coupling)
07. Hug Tomo (2nd single coupling)
08. Uminari yo (3rd single coupling)
09. Tsugi no Pierce (5th single coupling)
10. Aikata (3rd single coupling)
11. Moto Kare ga Kekkon Suru Toki (3rd single coupling)
12. Kibou no Hana (4th single coupling)
13. Bakuhatsu Professor (5th single coupling)
14. guilty love (4th single coupling)
15. May (Yokoyama Yui solo, 4th single coupling)
16. Sekai no Kaze wo Bokura wa Ukete (new song)
17. Title TBA [DVD]
Sekai no Kaze wo Bokura wa Ukete (MV) + special footage
Type B [Purchase Here] [CD]
01. Shuumatsu Not yet(1st single)
02. Naminori Kakigoori (2nd single)
03. Pera Pera Perao (3rd Single)
04. Suika Baby (4th single)
05. Hiri Hiri no Hana (5th single)
06. Hirahira (1st single coupling)
07. Hug Tomo (2nd single coupling)
08. Uminari yo (3rd single coupling)
09. Tsugi no Pierce (5th single coupling)
10. Fumou no Yoru (3rd single coupling)
11. Warau ga Ii (1st single coupling)
12. Girisha no Kamotsusen (2nd single coupling)
13. Moshimo Te wo Tsunaideitara (5th single coupling)
14. Mienai Sora wa Itsudemo Aoi (Yokoyama Yui with friends (from AKB48, 5th single coupling)
15. Bokutachi no Offshore (2nd single coupling)
16. Sekai no Kaze wo Bokura wa Ukete (new song)
17. Title TBA [DVD]
Sekai no Kaze wo Bokura wa Ukete (MV) + special footage
Type C [Purchase Here] [CD]
01. Shuumatsu Not yet(1st single)
02. Naminori Kakigoori (2nd single)
03. Pera Pera Perao (3rd Single)
04. Suika Baby (4th single)
05. Hiri Hiri no Hana (5th single)
06. Hirahira (1st single coupling)
07. Hug Tomo (2nd single coupling)
08. Uminari yo (3rd single coupling)
09. Tsugi no Pierce (5th single coupling)
10. Sunao ni Naritai (1st single coupling)
11. Fuusha ga Mieru Machi (3rd single coupling)
12. Sasayaka na Boku no Teikou (5th single coupling)
13. Vermeer no Tegami (2nd single coupling)
14. Nakinagara Hohoende (Not yet version, 1st single coupling)
15. Aisareru to Iu Koto (Not yet version, 4th single coupling)
16. Sekai no Kaze wo Bokura wa Ukete (new song) [DVD]
Sekai no Kaze wo Bokura wa Ukete (MV) + special footage
Type D (Playbutton) [Purchase Here] [CD]
01. Shuumatsu Not yet(1st single)
02. Naminori Kakigoori (2nd single)
03. Pera Pera Perao (3rd Single)
04. Suika Baby (4th single)
05. Hiri Hiri no Hana (5th single)
06. Hirahira (1st single coupling)
07. Hug Tomo (2nd single coupling)
08. Uminari yo (3rd single coupling)
09. Tsugi no Pierce (5th single coupling)
This time round, i think the covers are more appropriate, as in they really show the girls as grown up women. The covers for previous singles are really too bleh…
In today’s 3-hour special on Music Station, Oshima Yuko performed on stage for the last time. As per previous graduation stages, she sang a medley of songs which she had centered for (“Mae Shika Mukanee” and “Heavy Rotation”), as well as a solo song “Ima Made no Melody” which was specially written for her by Akimoto sensei.
In the solo song, Yuko basically reflects on the journey with her members and concludes that she has done everything under AKB48, with no further regrets. Her last performance stays true to her personality, full of energy and positivity.
Now if you’re asking whether Yuko will continue singing (either as a solo artiste or as part of Not Yet), i can tell you the answer’s a NO, cause she addressed the question in the interview segment.
“I won’t be singing or doing a solo debut. Compared to expressing myself through singing, i want to express myself through acting. I have already done alot of singing through AKB.”
She also talked about when she first thought about graduating.
“When i was 19. I filmed alot of music videos in AKB and found it interesting. So i thought about furthering myself in acting then.”
The MC then commented that she’d have alot of time after she graduates, so Yuko asked the MC what she should learn/experience. The MC said he’d be very free too(as one of the regular programme he hosts is getting cancelled) so Yuko invited him to do something together.
For starters, Yuko revealed that she’d be interested in picking up Japanese traditional dancing/sparring, which would help her in action scenes later. She wants to do something which makes use of the body.
At the end of the show, Fukuyama Masaharu congratulated her and said “Can i call you the phoenix of AKB?”, making everyone laugh. Yuko is well-loved by everyone!
Yuko’s official last day as a member of AKB48 will be on 2nd June, which is the day when a special performance will be held in Akiharaba’s AKB Theater. Till then, she’ll continue to attend handshake events. Her graduation ceremony will be held end of March during the group’s concert in the National Olympic Stadium.
It seems fans of Oshima Yuko have already decided that the person who should takeover Oshima Yuko after she graduates should be Yamamoto Sayaka, captain of NMB48 and newly appointed AKB48 Team K member.
Appearing at a PR event on the 5th March, Yamamoto Sayaka said “It’s a pity i had to enter Team K when Yuko is not there.She taught me alot. I will work hard and not cause their spirits to drop.”
It seems like she has inherited the Yuko spirit, but many fans also agree that Yamamoto is the successor to Yuko.
A publisher said “As the center of ‘Mae Shika Mukanee’ single, Oshima Yuko is of course the highlight of the jacket covers, but if you look inside, the center is Yamamoto. Also, there is significance looking at how Yamamoto’s been appointed to concurrent in Oshima’s team. Fans are wondering if this is a conspiracy by the management.”
In addition, the first singer in “Mae Shika Mukanee” is Oshima Yuko, followed by Yamamoto Sayaka. Is Yamamoto really the successor to Yuko?
Shimazaki Haruka was said to be the successor to Maeda Atsuko, as to how Yokohama Yui is to Takahashi Minami. There is certainly no end to the guesses on the topic of successors.
Update: In another article, it is mentioned that Yuko was surprised when she saw Yamamoto taking the center position for the inner pages of the jacket cover. Even though she had a clear idea of who should succeed her(Muto Tomu i guess), it seems that management decided to choose Yamamoto instead since Yuko had also praised her as a good leader.
Yamamoto Sayaka indeed has a similar vibe to Yuko, but I always thought Jurina was the one since they’ve always been paired together. And how did Paruru become successor to Acchan?? Isn’t it Mayuyu? O_O
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