The AKB48 Group Thread

[JessicaRabbit123]

In terms of management, NMB is the standard imo. I don't even follow that unit but from what I've seen, they do a far better job at highlighting as many members as possible. And despite losing their bigger names, they always manage to balance their relevancy with the fandom.

HKT sales were actually improving every comeback since they dropped with that "kiss something something" single but 3-2 tanked and while I do think that was due to multiple factors, it says a lot about the group that in 2020, they were beat out by their rookie sister STU (with the second single they dropped this year) and even NGT managed to hit 100k sales despite the lack of promotion and the scandal (HKT sold less than 200k at the time).

They'll need more than SakuNako or a 6th gen recruitment to remedy their situation. I do think that when SakuNako returns, sales will increase because the two of them have secured a massive oversea fandom (IDK if it'll show on the Oricon but Chinese fans are no joke. They alone bought more than half a million copies of BlackPink's album this month which accounts for their "1st Korean GG to sell a million records" reputation. And Korean fans can be as possessive as the Wotas.)

But if they become too dependent on SakuNako (again), it'll only tank their future when they graduate (Nako said she'd definitely return but I don't see more than 2 years with Sakura, if even that). A 6th gen is a nice idea but they haven't done shit with their 5th gen who are all still in Kenkyuusei. I think a team shuffle amongst the groups will be the saving grace for HKT (and NGT). I think the last shuffle was in 2017, right??

^ I know this is a contentious opinion but I don't know any other way for HKT or NGT to survive in the long haul. I think it's about time some of the girls in SKE (team E) and AKB (team 8) got more spotlight, and could possibly do so by being in a new group. Possibly spike up some graduation announcements at the shuffle as well because I know a lot of the girls are feeling the effects of Covid-19 and might be reconsidering where it is they want to be.

 

[JessicaRabbit123]

I don't follow HKT so I can't say anything but I haven't heard of any new popular members from them. At least Mikurin is young and I like Hana but she's hardly a new face. Maybe they'll do a draft some time next year.

I agree that AKB had more memorable and better songs before but it's not like they're particularly bad now or that it's the only reason AKB aren't doing as well. The only top group that had good songs in recent years was Keyaki imo.
AKS/Aki-P has a lot of connections and power in the industry so they can get on TB and have their own shows but getting their own shows is much harder for them after the NGT scandal as brands are less likely to want to sponsor them.
But I think AKB has done a decent job of pushing young members. They've put Yuiyui, Moeka and now that other girl as the center recently.

FAAAAAACTS. They never missed. Even the B sides were a blessing. I was devastated to have them rebranded because I knew that their sound would too. I'm biased AF but SKE is the only one whose sound isn't completely disintegrating and I think that's because they keep their image fresh by changing their concept and sound each single.

 

[abra]

In terms of management, NMB is the standard imo. I don't even follow that unit but from what I've seen, they do a far better job at highlighting as many members as possible. And despite losing their bigger names, they always manage to balance their relevancy with the fandom.

HKT sales were actually improving every comeback since they dropped with that "kiss something something" single but 3-2 tanked and while I do think that was due to multiple factors, it says a lot about the group that in 2020, they were beat out by their rookie sister STU (with the second single they dropped this year) and even NGT managed to hit 100k sales despite the lack of promotion and the scandal (HKT sold less than 200k at the time).

They'll need more than SakuNako or a 6th gen recruitment to remedy their situation. I do think that when SakuNako returns, sales will increase because the two of them have secured a massive oversea fandom (IDK if it'll show on the Oricon but Chinese fans are no joke. They alone bought more than half a million copies of BlackPink's album this month which accounts for their "1st Korean GG to sell a million records" reputation. And Korean fans can be as possessive as the Wotas.)

But if they become too dependent on SakuNako (again), it'll only tank their future when they graduate (Nako said she'd definitely return but I don't see more than 2 years with Sakura, if even that). A 6th gen is a nice idea but they haven't done shit with their 5th gen who are all still in Kenkyuusei. I think a team shuffle amongst the groups will be the saving grace for HKT (and NGT). I think the last shuffle was in 2017, right??

^ I know this is a contentious opinion but I don't know any other way for HKT or NGT to survive in the long haul. I think it's about time some of the girls in SKE (team E) and AKB (team 8) got more spotlight, and could possibly do so by being in a new group. Possibly spike up some graduation announcements at the shuffle as well because I know a lot of the girls are feeling the effects of Covid-19 and might be reconsidering where it is they want to be.

NMB's management has been good, I agree. But they are in a complex situation where they've also lost the most popularity/sales out of all 48-groups since they haven't been able to replace their first gen. NMB members don't sell handshakes that well, and they've even had a couple young center candidates graduate in the last few years (Yuuri, Riripon). What NMB has had is some members who hit it huge with side activities like Akarin (YT), Nagisa (TV) and Saeppi (fashion/modelling/produce48) which increased their popularity with non-wota.

They have also had great young members including Umeyamamoto, 6th gen and third draft gen. But I think only Suuchan is doing well in handshakes with also some interest in Cocona.

I don't want a shuffle. Just let NGT disband already and move the second gen to other groups if they want.

FAAAAAACTS. They never missed. Even the B sides were a blessing. I was devastated to have them rebranded because I knew that their sound would too. I'm biased AF but SKE is the only one whose sound isn't completely disintegrating and I think that's because they keep their image fresh by changing their concept and sound each single.

Can't have a disintegrating sound if you don't have a sound in the first place
NMB is like that too. They had some pretty bad releases but the last two were good at least.

 

[Yun]

NMB48 and STU48 (Takao Sayaka!!) have the best ''new'' gens in all of 48G , like its not even fair for the other sister groups lol... akb has the worst ''cough'' 3rd draft ''cough''

Sadano Haruka is so good on stage , I hope nmbs management doesnt ignore her

Transfer Hinatan to AKB when

 

[JessicaRabbit123]

 

[GrandVizier]

In terms of management, NMB is the standard imo. I don't even follow that unit but from what I've seen, they do a far better job at highlighting as many members as possible. And despite losing their bigger names, they always manage to balance their relevancy with the fandom.

HKT sales were actually improving every comeback since they dropped with that "kiss something something" single but 3-2 tanked and while I do think that was due to multiple factors, it says a lot about the group that in 2020, they were beat out by their rookie sister STU (with the second single they dropped this year) and even NGT managed to hit 100k sales despite the lack of promotion and the scandal (HKT sold less than 200k at the time).

They'll need more than SakuNako or a 6th gen recruitment to remedy their situation. I do think that when SakuNako returns, sales will increase because the two of them have secured a massive oversea fandom (IDK if it'll show on the Oricon but Chinese fans are no joke. They alone bought more than half a million copies of BlackPink's album this month which accounts for their "1st Korean GG to sell a million records" reputation. And Korean fans can be as possessive as the Wotas.)

But if they become too dependent on SakuNako (again), it'll only tank their future when they graduate (Nako said she'd definitely return but I don't see more than 2 years with Sakura, if even that). A 6th gen is a nice idea but they haven't done shit with their 5th gen who are all still in Kenkyuusei. I think a team shuffle amongst the groups will be the saving grace for HKT (and NGT). I think the last shuffle was in 2017, right??

^ I know this is a contentious opinion but I don't know any other way for HKT or NGT to survive in the long haul. I think it's about time some of the girls in SKE (team E) and AKB (team 8) got more spotlight, and could possibly do so by being in a new group. Possibly spike up some graduation announcements at the shuffle as well because I know a lot of the girls are feeling the effects of Covid-19 and might be reconsidering where it is they want to be.

i don't think nmb is doing better, is just that with Akarin graduation they had more opportunity to perform, have a single, etc... but on a big scale they didn't do anything interessing or buzz worthy, unless i missed things.

imo a shuffle amongst the groups is unnecessary but HKT needs to promote their kks, since their teams lack members, especially Team H and K.
same for NGT, since they will keep it, promote the kks and re-form Team N and G.
AKB needs to promote their kks has well and decide what they want to do with Team 8 and the members.

and honestly, all groups should do more performances, theater is good but they could have online concerts once in a while.

 

[JessicaRabbit123]

Speaking of HKT... this is a surprise! Five members will be joining CGM48 for a joint livestream tomorrow.

 

[JessicaRabbit123]

So Gratz is going to be an (online) gaming unit.

 

[JessicaRabbit123]

I feel kind of bad that I never knew she even existed...

 

[Yun]

​

 

[JessicaRabbit123]

This was GOOD

 

[JessicaRabbit123]

​

You guys don't event have to watch the MV. Just skip to 3:33 and look at these visuals. They all looked amazing in the street shots (iAM is the best 48 management in terms of outfits and styling. I said what I said). Fortune was a fucking babe! Marmink's shot at 2:17 was gorgeous! Honestly, BNK's (unnecessary) 3rd gen doesn't stand a chance at gaining fans with CMG dominating like this.

This single had WCenter but all I saw was Sita. She outshined Kaning. Kaning is one of the most popular in CGM48 (definitely in their top 7) but she never shined onstage for me. Versus BNK, I haven't watched any of CGM's non performance/MV videos, so maybe the appeal is within her personality, though I think her Cherprang like visuals is what drove her to CGM Kami7.

 

[JessicaRabbit123]

Can't believe they wanted Mariko to center the OG version of this song (though I do like it better than Ue Kara Mariko).
Kaimook was an adorable center.

 

[JessicaRabbit123]

I really enjoyed this single and was kind of miffed when iAM released it as a side song for the Elections. The music video was nice since it matched the lyrics versus close up and dance shots but I wanted CGM to have sang this as a promotional track. I love their high energy and it would have matched much better than the Next Girls media choices. And of all the times to NOT be colorful with the outfits... I loved HKT's vibrant colors, even if it was sort of tacky. It had character.








^ Somebody take a shot for every time they winked in the MV.

 

[Some]

The oldest 3 out of the new eitos that joined last october made twitter accounts here they are if anyone is intrested

 

[Some]

I don't follow HKT so I can't say anything but I haven't heard of any new popular members from them. At least Mikurin is young and I like Hana but she's hardly a new face. Maybe they'll do a draft some time next year.

I agree that AKB had more memorable and better songs before but it's not like they're particularly bad now or that it's the only reason AKB aren't doing as well. The only top group that had good songs in recent years was Keyaki imo.
AKS/Aki-P has a lot of connections and power in the industry so they can get on TB and have their own shows but getting their own shows is much harder for them after the NGT scandal as brands are less likely to want to sponsor them.
But I think AKB has done a decent job of pushing young members. They've put Yuiyui, Moeka and now that other girl as the center recently.

honestly i hardely beleive the ngt scandal is the reason the show was 10 years+ which is Quite long for an idol show plus ngt's activities were reduced but they still got a new company , theater performances, and solo schedules for even the members that were likey part of the scandal they affected but they are still active especially now their draft and second gen are everywhere maybe at that time it was an excuse but they couldve made a show with just akb akb itself is still doing good. By pushing young people i meant the whole senbatsu nit just the center plus they change the center alot thats wrong they just choose one push her for a few sing

In terms of management, NMB is the standard imo. I don't even follow that unit but from what I've seen, they do a far better job at highlighting as many members as possible. And despite losing their bigger names, they always manage to balance their relevancy with the fandom.

HKT sales were actually improving every comeback since they dropped with that "kiss something something" single but 3-2 tanked and while I do think that was due to multiple factors, it says a lot about the group that in 2020, they were beat out by their rookie sister STU (with the second single they dropped this year) and even NGT managed to hit 100k sales despite the lack of promotion and the scandal (HKT sold less than 200k at the time).

They'll need more than SakuNako or a 6th gen recruitment to remedy their situation. I do think that when SakuNako returns, sales will increase because the two of them have secured a massive oversea fandom (IDK if it'll show on the Oricon but Chinese fans are no joke. They alone bought more than half a million copies of BlackPink's album this month which accounts for their "1st Korean GG to sell a million records" reputation. And Korean fans can be as possessive as the Wotas.)

But if they become too dependent on SakuNako (again), it'll only tank their future when they graduate (Nako said she'd definitely return but I don't see more than 2 years with Sakura, if even that). A 6th gen is a nice idea but they haven't done shit with their 5th gen who are all still in Kenkyuusei. I think a team shuffle amongst the groups will be the saving grace for HKT (and NGT). I think the last shuffle was in 2017, right??

^ I know this is a contentious opinion but I don't know any other way for HKT or NGT to survive in the long haul. I think it's about time some of the girls in SKE (team E) and AKB (team 8) got more spotlight, and could possibly do so by being in a new group. Possibly spike up some graduation announcements at the shuffle as well because I know a lot of the girls are feeling the effects of Covid-19 and might be reconsidering where it is they want to be.

thats what i meant hkt's 5th gen needs promotion asap and an actual push but thats weird i heard 3-2 did well? They also need to push unjo more and rotate center between her and miku

NMB48 and STU48 (Takao Sayaka!!) have the best ''new'' gens in all of 48G , like its not even fair for the other sister groups lol... akb has the worst ''cough'' 3rd draft ''cough''

Sadano Haruka is so good on stage , I hope nmbs management doesnt ignore her

Transfer Hinatan to AKB when

i agree nmb and stu's new gen's are doing really well i saw a takao interviewin a magazine the other day she's a cutie i personally prefer rinko though. I know utsumi rine, osaki serika, kudo riko, kojima aiko, taguchi reika, tanaka miho are popular with fans and i think not sure manegment's fave rissen momoka too. In my opinion it wouldve been better to do a 1ki+2Ki senbatsu instead of a single that has two version to establish 2nd gen and make them well known but it worked

i don't think nmb is doing better, is just that with Akarin graduation they had more opportunity to perform, have a single, etc... but on a big scale they didn't do anything interessing or buzz worthy, unless i missed things.

imo a shuffle amongst the groups is unnecessary but HKT needs to promote their kks, since their teams lack members, especially Team H and K.
same for NGT, since they will keep it, promote the kks and re-form Team N and G.
AKB needs to promote their kks has well and decide what they want to do with Team 8 and the members.

and honestly, all groups should do more performances, theater is good but they could have online concerts once in a while.

what we meant is nmb mangemnt is treating the girls well and giving them more oppurtunaties not just the popular ones everyone plus they had 2 singles this year not just akarin's i dont know if you know that? It was centered by cocona and ayaka and i think it did quite well they are back in the theater for a while now they have group variety shows they do modeling,gravure they appeared in tif and im sure they did some performances to promote their last single im just not that familiar. A 48G shuffle isnt necssary i agree but seperate shuffles need to happen

 

[Yun]

Best girl center incoming

 

[JessicaRabbit123]

Best girl center incoming

70k in this economy?? They better make you center something now, even if it's just a B side. But congratulations Feni!! She went from a nobody, never ranking to #2 last year! (I think she ranked for the first time the ear before).

Nobody is suprised to see Nian bodying the competition. I am surprised that her votes at the second pre-lim were only 11k though. I figured her fanbase would have funneled the rest of their produce camp 2020 funds into securing her place like SNH fans did. Also surprised that YuDuo didn't participate. Nian, YuDuo, Weijia, and Shen Ying were the girls I definitely expected to be Kami7.

 

[JessicaRabbit123]

Why hasn't JKT introduced next girls in their general elections? And shouldn't SNH48 open future girls ranking? They have 200 girls altogether (in 2020). Why not allow more room for fandoms to spend money?

 

[abra]

48G average age


Who would have thought that HKT would end up being the second oldest group one day