AKB48

AKB48 is a Japanese idol girl group formed in 2005 by Yasushi Akimoto and produced by AKS. Named after its home base in Akihabara, Tokyo, the group operates a theater-based system in which members perform daily in front of fans. The concept, described as “idols you can meet,” combines live stage performances with fan events and media appearances.

AKB48’s lineup is divided into teams, originally Team A, Team K, and Team B, with kenkyuusei (trainees) who may be promoted to teams. Over time, additional teams such as Team 4 and Team 8 were introduced as membership grew. Regular theater performances are complemented by national media releases, handshake events, and annual elections to select the lineup for each single.

Since its early releases, AKB48 has been a dominant force in J-pop, achieving high-selling singles and widespread media coverage. The group helped popularize a model of large rotating lineups, fan participation, and regional sister groups.

AKB48 operates multiple sister groups in Japan, including SKE48, NMB48, HKT48, NGT48, and STU48, as well as international sister groups such as JKT48 (Indonesia), BNK48 (Thailand), and MNL48 (Philippines).

Through theater performances, media appearances, and global expansions, AKB48 has left a lasting influence on the idol industry and continues to field new members and releases, maintaining a presence in Japanese pop culture.