01
Forum
Jul 22, 2010 11:48PM EDT
Peeking my head into the medium sized conference room at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel on a sunny Wednesday afternoon I didn't know what to expect. Suffering from Jet-lag, clumsily carrying photography equipment, and getting lost within the labyrinth of the hotel earlier in the day had given me the impression it was going to be a bad day. I can't say for certain that meeting the girls of AKB48 for an interview helped turn it around, but it certainly didn't hurt.
AKB48 is an all-female Japanese Pop Idol group which currently boasts 48 members and is considered one of the hottest musical acts in Japan. On their home turf, this Tokyo-based media juggernaut commands the airwaves hosting a total of six television shows, appears as guest stars in a variety of shows, and are currently the energetic pitch-girls for the 7-11 chain of convenience stores and Kagome's line of vegetable juices. The group latest single, Ponytail to Shushu (ポニーテールとシュシュ), hit the number one spot on the weekly Oricon Chart and the Billboard Japan Hot 100 by managing to go Double-Platinum within a week. Their success is due in no small part to aggressive promotional tactics and taking full advantage of their private theatre located in Akihabara, Tokyo which boasts the ability to hold nine live concerts on a weekly basis.
Their producer Yashushi Akimoto, whose resume had previously included The Onyanko Club which was extremely popular in the mid-80's, had debuted AKB48 in December of 2005 with only 20 members. His idea was to create a group of relatable idols, a group of girls who could be accessible by way of numerous public appearances and fan gatherings . In other words, idols you could meet. So far his plan seems to be working as his empire now spans control of over 100 Japanese Idols spread throughout several groups in several territories of Japan including Nagoya and Osaka. His next step is to share his "48" business model with the world, which is what brought him to the New York Anime Expo in 2009, and what brings him to Los Angeles for the Anime Expo today.
As I entered the room for the interview, it felt as if the tables were turned. I found myself in the spotlight as if I were the one about to be interviewed. I was greeted by a handful of cheerful Japanese interpreters, several management staff, and a small Japanese television crew which buzzed around me as I set down my gear and got my papers out. I did my best to ignore the cameraman who seemed intent on getting a full 360 degree view of me, for reasons I may never find out. I have a feeling that somewhere in Japan there might be footage of me played against sinister sounding music.
I was cordially greeted by 12% of AKB48 which included Rie Kitahara (June 24, 1991), Moeno Nitō (July 22, 1992), Asuka Kuramochi (September 11, 1989), and Rino Sashihara (November 21, 1992). They were dressed in their costumes from their Gold certified single Iiwake Maybe (言い訳Maybe) which was released in August of 2009. The diminutive girls were exceptionally lively as we shook hands and exchanged friendly pleasantries. The following questions were submitted online by their English speaking fans at nihongogo.com.
What do you think was the biggest sacrifice you made when becoming an idol?
Asuka Kuramochi: Being able to just be a regular student.
Moeno Nito: I don’t have enough time to go have fun with friends and family.
Rie Kitahara: Moving from my hometown. (Kitahara was raised in Aichi which is roughly 165 miles from Tokyo)
Rino Sashihara: Being away from my hometown. (Sashihara was raised in Ōita which is roughly 600 miles from Tokyo)
What do you experience as the hardest aspect of being an idol?
Nito: I don’t have much time to sleep.
Kitahara: Singing.
Sashihara: Doing cute things. I can’t get used to it…
Where was your favorite venue to perform?
Kuramochi: Our AKB48 Theatre in Japan ♡
Kitahara: Outdoors.
Sashihara: Everywhere!
Where was the least favorite venue to perform?
Kuramochi: As long as people come to see our concert, anywhere is ♡. Right now, none. (・ω・)ノ
Nito: There hasn’t been a single place I disliked so far.
Sashihara: None.
Do you collect your own Idol merchandise? What do you collect?
Kuramochi: I have my pictures and pictures of members I’m friends with in an album.
Nito: I don’t collect a lot.
Sashihara: I don’t.. it’s embarrassing.
How many hours in a week do you work for AKB48?
Kuramochi: All of them!
Nito: Pretty much everyday!
Kitahara: Pretty much everyday, all the time.
Sashihara: Pretty much everyday.
Do you think the recent election adds unwanted / unneeded pressure to an already high pressure job?
Kuramochi: (・ω・)ノ
Sashihara: I think it’s needed.
What is the most stressful thing about the election?
Kuramochi: (・ω・)ノ
Which member works hard, but doesn’t receive enough recognition?
Kuramochi: If they work hard, it will be acknowledged.
Nito: I think everyone works hard.
Sashihara: Everyone works hard, I think that’s acknowledged.
What most affects an understudies ability to be promoted into a team?
Kuramochi: Taking on anything with full ability to see how hard they can work.
Nito: Just working hard during shows. Always with full power!!
Kitahara: Just doing everything to the best of your ability.
Sashihara: Just plain, honest effort.
In the future, what do you see yourself using your fame for?
Kuramochi: I’ll be making my unit debut, so I want to travel the world someday!!
Kitahara: An actress.
Sashihara: I want to be an entertainer, so of course I want to put my fame to use!
How many years can you see yourself in show business?
Kuramochi: As long as I can!!!
Nito: Forever!!
Kitahara: Forever… maybe.
Sashihara: Forever FOREVER!
What is a major concern of your parents regarding your job?
Kuramochi: I suppose that I tend to keep my worries to myself.
Nito: Taking care of my health.
Kitahara: Since I live alone, my lifestyle.
Sashihara: They’re worried about everything.
Do you find hardcore fans intimidating or does it flatter you?
Kuramochi: It makes me really happy!!!
Nito: Happy ♪
Kitahara: Really happy!!!
Sashihara: I love them, so they’re an important presence.
It’s easy to see how these girls have become media darlings in Japan however it remains to be seen whether or not this formula could be successfully adapted throughout the world. With homegrown groups to compete against who don’t necessarily share the same thoughts on group participation (look at how many western musical acts have disbanded due to creative differences) this may have to remain a truly unique Japanese experience, and I don’t mind that.
AKB48 were the official guests of honor at the Anime Expo held in Los Angeles, the nation’s largest anime convention, and held their concert on July 1st, 2010 at Nokia Theatre.
Related Stories:
• Purchase AKB48 Merchandise At CDJapan.
Most Popular
-
-
02 Forum
-
03 List
REVIEWS
Featured
Wenner Media Websites:
Rolling Stone
Us Weekly
Men's Journal
Jann S. Wenner
Copyright 2010 Rolling Stone; Jann S. Wenner, editor and publisher
Comments (1)