Maeda Atsuko to make a comeback with AKB48 in Sapporo Dome Concert

It has been announced in one of AKB48’s handshake sessions that Maeda Atsuko will be reuniting with the group for a one-night concert in Sapporo Dome on 31st July 2013. As she will be releasing her 3rd solo single in September, the new song will also be revealed in the concert. This is the first time Acchan will be performing with the group ever since her graduation, and the news was met with fans’ loud cheers.

Acchan has been concentrating on acting work so far but she has always shown concern for AKB48’s activities. Despite having just returned from overseas, she visited Nissan Stadium during the AKB48 5th General Elections this year to show support for the group. When asked about her upcoming performance with the group, she said “I’m looking forward to it.”.

In addition, graduation dates for Shinoda Mariko, Akimoto Sayaka and Itano Tomomi were officially announced. Shinoda Mariko will be graduating in Fukuoka Dome on 21st July, while Akimoto Sayaka and Itano Tomomi will be graduating in Tokyo Dome on the 22nd and 25th August respectively. This also means that the Sapporo Dome concert will be the last time Itano, Akimoto and Acchan will stand on stage together.

Source

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Netizen Reactions

“I can accept it if it’s Maeda. Just don’t call Kasai.”
“Its better for her not to get involved with AKB!”
“Maeda is so cute. Her fashion sense is good too!”
“She’s so glamorous! On the other hand, if you compare her to the one who got No.1 a few days back..”
“I want to go to Sapporo!”

Itano Tomomi compilation of “1%” performances

Itano Tomomi is releasing her 4th solo single “1%”  today and she’s starting to promote the song on TV.
For this comeback, she’s returning to her roots as a dancer by choosing a mid-tempo dance number.
Check out the catchy tune and choreography below.

To be updated..

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Itano Tomomi’s 4th solo single “1%” will be released for sale today.
If you’re interested in purchasing her single “1%”, click on the pictures below.

 Type A(CD+DVD)

 Type B(CD+DVD)

 Regular (CD)

Itano Tomomi aims for No.1 with “Sayonara Crawl” single

On the latest episode of “Kayou Kyouku”, the girls were interviewed about their 31st single “Sayonara Crawl”, set to release on 22nd May.

MC Nakai: I thought Itano is quitting?!
Tomochin: It’s my last election, so i’ll take part in all the activities in the meantime.
MC Nakai: What are you aiming for in this election?
Tomochin: My target…is getting No.1! (Everyone claps)
Tomochin: I’m joking!!!

Itano Tomomi to release 4th solo single, 1%

AKB48’s  Itano Tomomi(21) is set to release her 4th solo single titled “1%” on June 12th. This is long awaited news for many fans since her previous solo release was 1 year and 2 months ago. The music video for this single was shot on the rooftop of a skyscraper in New York, with the night view of NYC as the backdrop. The song is a dance number which talks about the love you’ll go for even with only 1% of success.

“I’ve always wanted to shoot in New York. I had many meetings for the clothes and PV, so it should have turned out well. Pls look forward to it!” she said.

During her stay in New York, Tomochin also co-starred with Taylor Momsen in Samantha Vega’s new CM, attracting lots of paparazzi. The CM will air in end May.

Source

Itano Tomomi’s Twitter

I’m glad she’s coming back with a dance song! Dear J really defined her so she should continue with that style. Her 2nd/3rd singles were practically career suicidal!

Itano Tomomi in Samantha Tiara’s Spring 2013 CM

As the CM queen in AKB48, Itano Tomomi never ceases to surprise us with what she’s endorsing next. One brand which she’s been endorsing for a long time is Samantha Thavasa, well known for their pastel colored handbags aimed at working females in their 20s. Recently, Tomochin has branched out to endorsing their jewellery line – Samantha Tiara.

This CM totally fits her since she always wears rings on her fingers during AKB48’s performances. (Or was that a ploy to promote Samantha Tiara?) Anyways, i like this brand because their designs are original, feminine and eye-catching. However, just checked out their online store and couldn’t help but gulp at the prices. Anyone knows if Samantha Tiara is selling in Singapore?

Itano Tomomi’s graduation talk and “So Long” performance on Music Japan

The center of today’s interview is Itano Tomomi as the members talk about their impressions of Tomochin. Honestly, I’m quite curious about this girl too since she doesn’t talk too much on shows. Below is a rough summary of the interview.

What is one thing you have to say when it comes to Itano?
Yuko: She’s the daughter of a teacher(mum). You would think that a teacher wouldn’t allow her children to dye their hair, but Tomochin is unexpectedly well-mannered and has general knowledge, so you can really call her the daughter of a teacher.
Takamina: She’s aggressive and doesn’t like to lose.
Kojima Haruna: She’s always one step behind the others. There was once i praised her in an interview for a overseas drama, but she only came to know about it one year later.
Mariko: Innocent. (She drew an ugly face of Tomochin as well, which Tomochin jokingly said it was drawn with bad intentions.) There was once i mentioned her in a blog, and she actually sent me a msg to thank me for mentioning her. She’s cute like that.
Shimazaki Haruka: Kind. There was once when she dressed up as a Santa to give me a Christmas present. (At this point, the members declared they didn’t receive any.)

What is one episode you know about her?
Yukirin: She’s unexpectedly a gamer.
Tomochin: Yes, i have to continue playing until i win the enemy.
Mayuyu: She’s good friends with Dale – the chipmunk from Disney. I saw her being very friendly with Dale at the backstage when we were rehearsing for Kouhaku.
Takamina: Yes, she even wore a Mickey t-shirt to the rehearsal.
Tomochin: I thought that Mickey and the rest would be very happy if they see my shirt, but in the end we had to wear costumes to rehearse. =P
Yokoyama Yui: When Tomochin came to Team K, she came to talk to me and i was very happy.
Tomochin: What did i say to you?
Yokoyama Yui:….I can’t remember.(Everyone laughs.) Probably something like “let’s work hard”!

Tomochin ended by saying she’s happy but embarrassed hearing all the comments from her members, to the extent she’s sweating on her seat!

Itano Tomomi takes center position for “Yuhi wo Miteiru ka?”

After the announcing her gradation, Itano Tomomi performs as the center for what could possibly for the 1st time since she joined AKB48 7 years ago. This song, titled “Are you watching the sunset?” was released in 2007 when AKB wasn’t this popular and became the lowest selling single in their history. Despite it’s poor sales, many AKB members have claimed it to be their favorite song and different members take turns to do the opening speech before they start to sing.

What Tomochin said was something like “When will i see the most beautiful sunset in this life? I thought that the sunset i saw the other day was pretty, but I will live tomorrow believing that a more beautiful one will appear.”

She looks positively brighter! Somewhat like the cheerful Acchan during her last days in AKB…
But look at what’s left of the 1st generation members in AKB, sighs.

Itano Tomomi defends picture of Minegishi Minami on Twitter

On yesterday’s All Night Nippon radio show, Itano Tomomi defended a picture of Minegishi Minami that was uploaded to Twitter after her scandal erupted. In the picture,  a smiling Miichan is seen surrounded by the 1st generation members. Shinoda Mariko’s tweet later revealed that they have gathered around her for a hotpot session.Some netizens have expressed their doubt about Miichan’s sincerity in repenting, since she looks happy at a time when she should be repenting.

Tomochin explained that the 1st generation had wanted to do something for Miichan as she’s going through a tough time, so they had a meal and chatted. Later, as they knew that the fans were worried for Miichan, they decided to take a cheerful photo to show fans that Miichan was doing well.

A picture speaks a thousand words. Seeing the great aces of 1st generation AKB supporting her like this certainly makes her mistake seem so much smaller.

Flashback to the past scandals of 48 Group Members

Kikuchi Ayaka

Was originally a 3rd generation member in 2006, was forced to leave the group when she was caught dating a fan in 2008. Reauditioned and became a research student of the 7th generation in the same year. Promoted to Team K in 2009, climbed back to popularity and has been ranking in elections these years. In 2014, she denied a transfer to NMB48 and subsequently announced her graduation.

Akimoto Sayaka
Was embroiled in a scandal with director Oji Hiroi in 2010, who stayed overnight in her apartment. She later explained that she simply gave him a place to sleep as he had dozed off after watching a movie. She resigned as captain of Team K, but was reinstated later. She graduated from AKB48 in August 2013 and is active as an actress.

Watanabe Miyuki
Rumoured to have invited some male fans to hotel room for a dating party in 2011. Some other girls in NMB48 were involved and they were suspended. Miyuki was removed from Senbatsu for one of their singles but bounced back quickly later.

In 2014, Shunkan Bunshun exposed her sleepover with male model Fujita Tom. There was no official reply from Miyuki or her agency on this matter. She lost fan votes and dropped out of Top16 during the 6th General Elections, but returned to senbatsu in 7th General Elections.

Hirajima Natsumi, Yonezawa Rumi
Pictures of them with guys were leaked from their private Twitter accounts in early 2012. They resigned and have moved on with their solo careers. Hirajima Natsumi made a return to AKB48’s 2013 General Elections by participating as a graduated member, and managed to rank in at 62.

Sashihara Rino
Shunkan Bunshun exposed her alleged relationship with a fan. She was at the height of her popularity when this scandal occurred, and was transferred to HKT48. One year later, she placed first in the 2013 AKB48 General Elections. In 2015, netizens discovered signs of a relationship with Kis-My-Ft2 member Senga Kento.

Oba Mina & Mori Anna

Pictures of Oba Mina’s blog revealed possible evidence of underage drinking and dating. She resigned from being captain of Team 4 and went through a period of suspension. Her teammate, Mori Anna, also had an episode with an ex-boyfriend exposed. She left the group in 2011 but announced her comeback to the entertainment industry in 2013.

Masuda Yuka
Shunkan Bunshun exposed her alleged relationship with Da Pump singer ISSA in November 2012. She was caught spending the night at his place. She announced her resignation and continues to be active as an actress/singer/talent.

Minegishi Minami
Following the footsteps of Masuda Yuka, she was also caught sleeping over at idol group member Shirahama Alan’s apartment. She shaved her head in an attempt to express her remorse and was reverted to a research student. Later she was restored as captain of Team 4.

Kashiwagi Yuki

Joined a dating party with Minegishi Minami, an av star and some soccer players which lasted overnight. She explained that she thought it was going to be an all-girls party. In 2015, pictures of her with NEWS Tegoshi Yuya were published by Bunshun days after the 2015 General Elections, in which she placed 2nd. No official response was ever given.

Kasai Tomomi
Reported to have been in a relationship with a management of AKB48 for some time. The secret was exposed when paparazzi caught her entering the guy’s place after midnight and leaving the next morning. She was about to graduate anyway.

Itano Tomomi
Rumored to be in a relationship with EXILE’s vocalist Takahiro back in early 2012. They are said to be living in the same apartment building and have been spotted having dinner dates together. However, both their agencies denied their relationship and she graduated in 2013. After that, netizens spotted both of them wearing Cartier love bracelets on various TV shows. However, they “broke up” after Takahiro was rumored with Takei Emi.

Miyazawa Sae
Rumored to be in a relationship with Johnny’s Fukusawa Tatsuya(from unit Snow Man) because paparazzi caught the guy staying overnight at her family home. Both sides’ agencies have denied their relationship, and reasons like Fukusawa is a friend of Sae’s brother was given.

Yamamoto Sayaka
Reported to be in a relationship with ONE OK ROCK vocalist Takahiro.  She denied the rumors on her blog, saying she’s never met Takahiro.

Kito Momona
Identified to be the girl kissing Johnny’s Tegoshi after a drinking party late at night. Incident died away and she eventually graduated from SKE48 in 2014.

Murashige Anna
In mid 2014, paparazzi caught her sneaking out of her hotel after curfew hours to join Johnny’s Junior Abe Aran for a midnight walk, which lasted till 3am. No explanations were given although she had initially posted a SNS message apologising to fans. The message was later deleted.

Murashige was dropped from HKT48’s 4th single lineup in Aug 2014 and fell out of Sousenkyo in 2015.

Shimazaki Haruka
Not really a scandal but she was captured interacting with Johnny’s Junior member Yasui Kentaro on her instagram account. Deleted all posts from her IG the next day and kept it on private mode.

 
Takajo Aki
Bunshun discovered her sleepover date at J-league soccer coach’s house. No official response from management.

Kinoshita Haruka
Embroiled in an extramarital affair with CEO some 10+ years older than her. No response from management.

Itano Tomomi announces her graduation from AKB48

At today’s press conference for the screening of AKB48’s new documentary “NO FLOWER WITHOUT RAIN Shoujo tachi wa Namida no Ato ni Nani wo Miru?”, Itano Tomomi announced her intentions to graduate within the year. She explained that even though Acchan’s graduation last year did make her think about leaving, this is not a hasty decision and she’s ready to take the next step forward.

Takahashi Minami: I have heard from several people that Tomochin is going to graduate, but the rest of the members only knew when Tomochin announced it in their restroom before the press conference. Honestly, it’s going to be lonely, as we’ve been together since the start of AKB. But we’re going to support her decision.”

Kojima Haruna: We’ve been together since the start of AKB, it’s going to be lonely. I have thought about my graduation as well, but that requires alot of courage. I think she’s cool for making this decision.”

Watanabe Mayu: Graduating is something everyone will have to do in future. We will send Itano san off with a smile. I will also support her in future.

Shinoda Mariko: I’ve heard her talking about it a number of times, so it’s a sooner or later issue. But it’s going to be lonely. They have paved the way for us like this, so we’ve got to work harder on our side.

Tomochin’s words for Takamina: I think you’re great for always supporting and leading the team. Please continue to do so after i leave.”

Actually i think it’s about time for her to graduate. Her image no longer matches with the cheerful/girly/sometimes childish songs that AKB48 likes to release. She would be able to BE HERSELF by continuing with her solo/fashion work. Furthermore, despite her Sousenkyo ranking staying at #8 the past 2 years, she mentioned last year in her acceptance speech that she will continue to be her cool self. Isn’t this a hint that she no longer wants to bother about popularity and is ready to go her own route?

On a side note, i have a feeling this announcement came early so that Miichan’s scandal can be covered up.