A Promise Fulfilled : AKB48 10th Year Anniversary Festival Photo Report, 23 Graduated Members Gathered!

| 48 / 46 Group | Posted by 76do_ on Dec.08.2015

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In 2008, the group released “AKB48 2nd Anniversary Special Photo Album” with a special ticket to its 10th Year Commemorative Event. After almost 8 years, the ticket was finally used, and the group fulfilled its promise to long-time fans, as the special event was held on December 6th, 2015.

A total of 800 fans were treated to the event – 500 of them had bought the photo book almost 8 years ago (but they still had to apply for attendance), and the remaining 300 were lottery winners from the newest album “0 to 1 no Aida.”

Members welcomed the 500 fans into the venue, as they are considered “Legendary Fans.” Greetings like “Long time no see” and “How have you been” could be heard between fans and members that have not met for a long time.

“To everyone here who believed in the group’s future and did not throw away the tickets (to today’s event), you are the best!” Minami Takahashi greeted the fans and expressed her joy from meeting these legendary fans and making this event happen.

The event started with current members performing the group’s newest single, “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby”, as well as other recent singles. Then “Iiwake Maybe”, “Flying Get” and “Heavy Rotation” were performed by the original members at the time of release, with Atsuko Maeda and Yuko Oshima standing in center position. Some of the graduate members were out of breath from not having danced for a while, some stood in wrong positions or forgot the choreography, and they were promptly pointed out by current members.

During talking segments, there was also a list of “Top 5 Failures of AKB48 Management”, which included the MVP System, which was gone after one day, or the “Live Feed of Gold Fish Bowl”, which disappeared at some point in time. Members and fans alike shared laughter as they remembered and rediscovered these things.

Graduated 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation members at the time of the photo book release then took the stage with the current members and performed a few songs, followed short talks of their memories from that time and how they are doing now.

The event ended with a photo of Legendary Fans and members – a promise made 8 years ago was finally fulfilled.

AKB48 will also hold its 10th Year Anniversary Special Setlist on December 8th, 2015.

Members at the Commemorative Event
Current Members:
Haruna Kojima, Minami Takahashi, Minami Minegishi, Kana Kobayashi, Ayaka Umeda, Sae Miyazawa, Aika Ota, Yuki Kashiwagi, Mayu Watanabe, Rie Kitahara, Rino Sashihara, Yui Yukoyama, Anna Iriyama, Rena Kato, Juri Takahashi, Jurina Matsui, Yuria Kizaki, Sayaka Yamamoto, Sakura Miyawaki, Miku Tanabe, Haruka Nakagawa

1st Generation Graduates:
Tomomi Itano, Kazumi Urano, Tomomi Ooe, Mai Oshima, Hitomi Komatani, Yukari Sato, Mariko Shinoda, Hana Tojima, Risa Narita, Atsuko Maeda

2nd Generation Graduates:
Sayaka Akimoto, Yuko Oshima, Megumi Ohori, Tomomi Kasai, Natsuki Sato, Kayo Noro, Yuka Masuda, Natsumi Matsubara

3rd Generation Graduates:
Naru Inoue, Haruka Katayama, Ayaka Kikuchi, Reina Noguchi, Yuki Matsuoka

Greeting from Takahashi (abridged)
To everyone here that believed in the group’s future and did not throw away the tickets (to today’s event), you are the best! Dear Legendary Fans, thank you for coming to AKB48’s 10th Year Anniversary Festival. I am Minami Takahashi.

AKB48 will reach its 10th Anniversary in 2 days. 10 years ago, with only 7 guests at our first show, we spent our time wondering how it would turn out. But today, after seeing all of you here, we are very moved, but it is also a bit funny, because looks like everyone’s gotten a little older. Thank you so much for coming, though, we are very happy to see you.

AKB48 has been around for 10 years. Some have left to pursue their dreams; some have gone on to become great women, and some are still here. But no one has forgotten your support, not even for a moment. Your support is our treasure for life. We would not be here if not for your support when we were worried. We are very blessed to be here today celebrating with all of you.

With gratitude, we would like to repay our fans by working hard going forward, and we hope you will keep supporting us. Welcome to our 10th Year Anniversary Festival.

Related link
AKB48 official website : http://www.akb48.co.jp/

Author

76do_

An overseas 46/48 fan who used to translate under the name of bilingual48. Can also be found at Nogizaka46 handshakes once every 2-3 months near Karin Ito’s lane – just look for the guy with purple sunglasses. Also, apparently I look like Akimoto-sensei, especially when wearing a suit.