AKB48 Group to draft their very first overseas member

AKB48 group will be drafting their first overseas member from Taiwan. This piece of news was announced suddenly during HKT48’s overseas concert in Taiwan.

While doing her MC, HKT48 Sashihara Rino was handed a letter from a Taiwanese staff, which she proceeded to read out loud.

“As yesterday’s event at Taipei 101 was a great success, this was decided in a hurry last night. Somehow, AKB48 Group will be looking for a member from Taiwan. Those who are interested can audition.”

Even though there is a language barrier, the audience seemed to understand and gave a loud “Whoa!”.

AKB48 has recruited 47 members from 47 provinces in Japan this year, forming Team 8. According to a related personnel, since AKB48 has won over Japan, it’s time to recruit overseas members. In Taiwan where the AKB fandom is rather strong, they are looking forward to the appearance of many idol wannabes.

Today also happens to be AKB48 Group’s first overseas full concert, which saw an attendance of…………….800.

Source

Just to add on, AkiP plans to set up sister groups in Manila and Okinawa, on top of previously discussed Taipei and Sapporo. When these groups will really materialise is really a question mark though. Anyway, happy for Taiwan. Their fanclub is certainly very dedicated in sharing resources about AKB48 so it’s good they get a chance to be represented in the 48 group.