Society | Jun 18

SKE48's Matsui wins first AKB48 popularity contest to include sister groups

Jun 18 (Japan Times) - Jurina Matsui of SKE48, one of the AKB48 family of all-female idol groups, has taken the No. 1 spot in the franchise’s annual popularity contest, which was the first to let its Thai and Taiwanese members join the 10-year-old event.

Fans voted Matsui to the top of the group’s list of the 100 most popular members on Saturday after four-time winner Rino Sashihara opted not to run this year.

Two members from Bangkok-based BNK48 made the list as well: Cherprang Areekul at No. 39 and Praewa Suthamphong at No. 72.

A record 339 members ran in the 10th so-called General Election. The top 16 will get to record the next single for AKB48.

AKB48, named after the Akihabara electronics and anime district in Tokyo, is known for having churned out consecutive million-seller singles. It has also boosted its presence overseas by forming sister groups in other parts of Asia.

BNK48 has had great success with its cover of AKB48’s “Koisuru Fortune Cookie” (“Fortune Cookie in Love”), a hit originally released in 2013.

MORE Society NEWS

Princess Aiko Visits Imperial Tombs Solo

Princess Aiko, the eldest daughter of the Emperor and Empress, made her first solo visit to the tombs of the Showa Emperor and Empress Kojun on Thursday, to report her graduation from Gakushuin University and her new employment at the Japanese Red Cross.

Mysterious Black Animal Spotted in Tokyo

There have been multiple reports of a mysterious black animal in downtown Tokyo, with the enigmatic creature captured on video looking around nervously before noticing the camera and staring it down for about 15 seconds, then running away.

Former Host Pleads Guilty to Receiving 25 Million Yen from "Riri-chan"

A former host admitted to knowingly receiving approximately 25 million yen that had been deceitfully obtained by convicted scammer "Riri-chan," in a trial held on April 23.

POPULAR NEWS

Unpacking Japan's Lavish School Lunch

The Cabinet Office's Government Public Relations Office recently stirred controversy with a social media post showcasing an overly lavish depiction of school lunches, leading to a public outcry over the authenticity of the meals presented.

Gotanda JP Building Opens Doors with Hoshino Resort on High Floors

Tokyo's Shinagawa district welcomes a new landmark with the grand opening of the Gotanda JP Building on Friday, April 26, featuring a dog-friendly hotel by Hoshino Resort, co-working spaces, and a vibrant culinary scene.

'SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024' Opens in Tokyo, Highlights Future Technologies

Starting this Saturday, 'SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024' begins a month-long showcase of Japan's advanced technologies, featuring attractions such as self-driving carts styled as futuristic floats and projection mapping installations, all available to the public for free.

BBC Accused of Distorting Smile-Up President's Comments

Japanese company Smile-Up, the former talent agency known as Johnny & Associates, says it has sent a letter of protest to Britain's public broadcaster BBC over its program on sexual abuse by its late founder. (NHK)

Japan's Population Crisis: 744 Municipalities Could Disappear by 2050

A private organization has revealed that approximately 40% of the national municipalities, totaling 744, could potentially disappear by 2050 due to declining populations.

FOLLOW US