JKT48 Rena Nozawa to Join in AKB48 Concurrently, For the First Time from Overseas Sister Group

On June 18th, JKT48 Operational Team officially announced that their 1st generation member, Rena Nozawa, is going to hold a concurrent position in AKB48 due to the situation that her parents have to return to Japan for reasons related to their work.

This time, it is the first time that members of overseas sister group to serve concurrently as AKB48. Details such as the date to join AKB48 and her belonging team will be announced later.

Announcement of Rena Nozawa’s double position [sic] in both JKT48 and AKB48

Due to the fact that JKT48 Team J Rena Nozawa has to return to Japan, on Tuesday 18th of June 2013, it was announced in JKT48 Theatre that she will be holding a concurrent position in both JKT48 and AKB48. This would be the first time in the history of 48Group that an overseas sister group member is able to hold a concurrent position in both her original team and AKB48. Under these circumstances, Rena will also continue her activities as a member of JKT48 Team J.

Rena Nozawa, whose parents hails from Japan, successfully passed the audition for JKT48′s 1st Generation in November 2011, and became one of the only Japanese member among all the Indonesian members. Together with Takajo Aki and Nakagawa Haruka, she became a member of JKT48 Team J

Because Rena thinks that it’s of the utmost importance that this news is announced personally, on Tuesday 18th of June she directly announced this news to the fans at the JKT48 Theater

Information regarding which team (in AKB48) she will be participating as a member in and her activities as a concurrent member of both groups will be announced shortly

JKT48 Operation Team

Source: JKT48 Official Website

Maeda Atsuko to return one-night-only at AKB48′s concert!

It has been revealed that AKB48′s former member Maeda Atasuko to make appearance at AKB48′s concert held at Sapporo Dome on July 31st.
This was announced during the hand shake event held at Makuhari Messe, Chiba on June 15th, it surprised the fans in the venue and received loud applause.
After Acchan graduated at AKB48 theater (Akihabara, Tokyo) on August 27, 2012, it is her first time to appear on concert of AKB48.

During the event, the trailer for “AKB48 2013 Manatsu no Dome Tour – Mada Mada, Yaranakya Ikenai Koto ga Aru -” was projected on the screen. After that, the word “Eien no Nakama Tachi (= forever friends)” was flashed on the screen. Then, it was also announced  the graduation ceremony for Shinoda Mariko will be held at FUKUOKA YAFUOKU! DOME on July 21, and for Akimoto Sayaka will be held at Tokyo Dome on August 22, for Itano Tomomi will be held at Tokyo Dome on August 25.

Furthermore, there was an additional narration, “There is another eternal friend of us, we also want to perform with her on the same stage again.”
Then, “Maeda Atsuko will appear at Sapporo Dome on July 31″ was announced.
She participated in a video at live events after graduation, and also appeared at the venue of  General Election, but to appear on AKB48′s concert is the first time.
It was also revealed that a new unit will be unveiled in the concert.

The trailer was concluded that “This summer, PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE will be all together in 5 Dome.” This summer will be hottest for fans.

source : http://tokyogirlsupdate.com/2013/06/maeda-atsuko-is-back.html

Cover for AKB48 Idol Mayu Watanabe’s new single chosen

The jacket illustration for AKB48 idol Mayu “Mayuyu” Watanabe’s new single, Rappa Renshuuchuu— on sale July 10 —has been confirmed.
The picture below, created by artist “Miyoro,” won the honor of being the jacket illustration. It also won Watanabe’s praise.

“Anyhow, it’s very lovely, and pleasing to the eye,” Watanabe said. “Overall, as far as the touch of the art and the use of color, it’s splendid!!”

 

The winning image, by the artist “Miyoro.”

The jacket image was chosen as part of a public contest. It was announced with this description: “Commemorative illustration contest for the release of Mayu Watanabe’s 4th single~ Your illustration becomes the new song’s jacket cover.”

The theme for these submissions— amusement park —was announced on the illustration submission site, pixiv. In about 3 weeks, over 1,200 illustrations were submitted! Of those submissions, 150 of them— that’s over 10% —were from foreign users.

 

Mayu “Mayuyu” Watanabe of AKB48

Of course, there could only be one winner. But 13 other excellent works, impartially judged by Watanabe herself, will be enclosed in a publication book with the CD.

“In spite of the short time, I received over 1,200 submissions. I’m honestly very thankful!! Getting to see everyone’s charming work, overflowing with individuality, made me happy♪” Mayuyu wrote in a recent thank-you message.

 

Source: Mantan

http://sgcafe.com/2013/06/cover-image-akb48-idol-mayu-watanabes-4th-single-chosen/