AKB48#Members

File:AKB48 theater.jpg

AKB48 was founded as "idols you can meet". Japanese idols are entertainers/performers who appeal directly to fans for support. Close interactions between fans and idols allow idols to cultivate and maintain loyal fan followings.{{Cite book|last=Galbraith|first=Patrick|title=AKB48|publisher=Bloomsbury Academic|year=2020|isbn=978-1-5013-4111-3|location=US|pages=21}} The group's chief producer, Yasushi Akimoto, said that his goal was to create a unique idol group which, unlike other idol groups which perform occasional concerts and appear primarily on television, would perform regularly in its own theater.{{cite press release|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2009/07/28/idUS219130+28-Jul-2009+BW20090728| title=Japanese Idol Group AKB48 to Perform at MIPCOM| work=Reuters| date=July 28, 2009| access-date=June 29, 2011|url-status = dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112144223/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/07/28/idUS219130+28-Jul-2009+BW20090728| archive-date=November 12, 2012| df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98f2J7h-Ya0| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/98f2J7h-Ya0| archive-date=2021-11-07 | url-status=live|title=What is AKB48? / AKB48 [Official]| work=AKB48 | date=February 14, 2011| access-date=June 29, 2011}}{{cbignore}}Although AKB48 performs at the theater daily, tickets are distributed via a lottery only due to the high demand. (The theater offers 145 seats and 105 standing) The AKB48 Theater is in the Don Quijote store in Akihabara, Tokyo.

The group is split into several teams, reducing its members' workload (since the theater's near-daily performance is by only one team at a time) and enabling AKB48 to perform simultaneously in several places.{{cite web|url=http://purpleskymagazine.com/2009/11/interview-akb48-a-classic-fantasy-for-the-21st-century/|title=(interview) AKB48: A classic fantasy for the 21st century|author=Victoria Goldenberg|publisher=Purple Sky magazine|date=November 30, 2009|access-date=June 2, 2012}} "Because the teams rotate performances, AKB48's two theaters, four TV shows and four radio programs always have a group to fill them. Like if it's Team A today, Team K and Team B will go next, so those two teams can be on TV or go to other places." According to former member Misaki Iwasa, each team has its own theme. Team A represents freedom; Team B is idol-like, with cute costumes, and Team K has a strong, powerful image.{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs4DzZeCAM4 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/fs4DzZeCAM4| archive-date=2021-11-07 | url-status=live|title=Rivalry among 61 girls? (AKB48 Concept Store Part 3) |date=July 25, 2013 |author=SPH Razor }}{{cbignore}} – video originally posted with article {{cite news|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527135702/http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%20News/Showbiz/Story/A1Story20110523-280307.html |archive-date=May 27, 2011 |url=https://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Showbiz/Story/A1Story20110523-280307.html |work=Asia One |agency=RazorTV |date=May 23, 2011 |last=Tanu |first=Elrica |title=AKB48 to perform in Singapore monthly |url-status = live }} According to an early press release, the group was intended to have 16 members on each of three teams, for a total membership of 48;{{cite web|last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |url=http://kotaku.com/5637405/a-pricey-psp-bundle-with-48-girl-kisses |title=A Pricey PSP Bundle With 48 Girl Kisses |date=September 14, 2010 |publisher=Kotaku.com |access-date=April 25, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyohive.com/2011/02/changes-coming-to-akb48-akimoto-yasushi-to-kick-8-halfhearted-members/ |title=Changes coming to AKB48, Akimoto Yasushi to kick 8 halfhearted members? |publisher=Tokyohive.com |date=February 4, 2011 |access-date=April 25, 2013}} but its membership has varied over time, and has exceeded 120 people.{{cite web|url=http://www.akb48.co.jp/about/members/|script-title=ja:メンバー情報 |trans-title=Member List |language=ja| work = AKB48 | access-date = May 24, 2022}} List is subject to change from graduations and transfers. New members are called {{Nihongo|trainees|研究生|kenkyūsei}} who are understudies for the group,{{cite web|url=http://www.akb48.co.jp/english/akimoto/ |title=What is AKB48? |work=AKB48 official website |year=2008 |access-date=April 25, 2013 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603162624/http://www.akb48.co.jp/english/akimoto/ |archive-date=June 3, 2013 }} performing occasionally in the theater as a team.

The group members' ages range from their early teens to over 30,{{cite news|author=Akiko Fujita|url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/02/pop-star-shaves-head-in-remorse-for-dating/|title=Pop Star Shaves Head in Remorse for Dating|date=February 1, 2013|work=ABC News}}{{Cite web |title=「30歳」アイドル卒業の節目？柏木由紀＆須田亜香里がどこまで押し上げる - ＡＫＢ４８ : 日刊スポーツ |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/akb48/news/202111220001147.html |access-date=2022-09-05 |website=nikkansports.com}} and they are selected from regular auditions. Members are not allowed to date, and must be well-behaved;{{cite web|url=http://multimedia.asiaone.com/Multimedia/LifeStyle/Story/A1Multimedia20101115-11417.html |title=No dating for the girls (AKB48 Part 2) |publisher=Asia One |date=November 15, 2010 |access-date=April 21, 2012 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529044126/http://multimedia.asiaone.com/Multimedia/LifeStyle/Story/A1Multimedia20101115-11417.html |archive-date=May 29, 2012 }} any violation of these restrictions is to be punished,{{cite web|last=Martin |first=Ian |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2013/02/01/music/akb48-members-penance-shows-flaws-in-idol-culture/#.UW3uNXBki0s |title=AKB48 member's 'penance' shows flaws in idol culture |date=February 2013 |publisher=The Japan Times |access-date=April 25, 2013}} possibly by expulsion from the group. AKB48 has a system that allows members to "graduate" from the group when they are older and are replaced by trainees who are promoted. Monica Hesse of The Washington Post described the AKB48 audition process as "rolling American Idol-esque".{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/japanese-girl-group-akb48-breezes-through-dc-in-whirlwind-of-cuteness/2012/03/26/gIQAmhwReS_story.html|title=Japanese girl group AKB48 breezes through D.C. in whirlwind of cuteness|newspaper=The Washington Post|first=Monica|last=Hesse|date=March 27, 2012|access-date=April 9, 2012}}

In July 2005, Yasushi Akimoto held an audition for a new theater-based idol girl group.{{Cite episode| title=AKBingo!|url=http://www.ntv.co.jp/AKBINGO/| series=AKBingo! | network=Nippon Television | location = Japan | air-date=July 7, 2010 | season=4 | number=91}} Of the 7,924 who auditioned, 24 were chosen as first-generation group members. On December 8, 20 members debuted as Team A in the AKB48 Theater{{cite web |url=http://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-10005708848.html | script-title=ja:今月も | publisher = AKB48 Official Blog | date = November 1, 2005 |language= ja}} performing {{Nihongo|"Party ga Hajimaru yo"|PARTYが始まるよ}}{{cite web|url=http://www.akb48.co.jp/about/discography/detail_cd/?media_id=47/Team_A_1st_Stage |title=Team A 1st Stage – Official AKB48 website |publisher=akb48.co.jp |access-date=August 26, 2015}} to an audience of seven; attendance quickly increased.{{cite interview|url=http://edition.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1201/13/ta.01.html |title=Interview with Japanese Music Producer Yasushi Akimoto | subject-link = Yasushi Akimoto | last = Akimoto | first = Yasushi | interviewer = Anna Coren | work = Talk Asia | publisher = CNN | date=January 13, 2012 |access-date=March 31, 2014}}AKBingo! July 7, 2010 In January 2006, AKB48 cafe waitress Mariko Shinoda joined Team A as a "1.5 generation" member when her popularity with patrons prompted Akimoto to give her a special audition.{{cite web |url=http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/2622381/ | title = インタビュー：AKB48「天然が多いんです」 | publisher = livedoor Co., Ltd. | date = October 25, 2006 |language= ja}}{{cite web|date=July 22, 2013 |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/2026850/full/ |title=篠田麻里子、涙と笑顔でAKB卒業 7年半の活動に幕 (AKB48) ニュース | work = Oricon Style | language = ja |access-date=August 26, 2013}}

The group's second audition was held in cooperation with telecommunications company NTT DoCoMo in February 2006, with applicants submitting audition videos on mobile phones.AKBingo! July 14, 2010{{in lang|ja}}[http://akibamap.info/archives/50352101.html AKB48's first CD "Sakura no Hanabiratachi"] (accessed on March 9, 2011) File:AKB48‐桜の花びらたち.jpg Of 11,892 applicants, 19 were selected, and 18 joined AKB48 as Team K in April.{{Cite episode|title=AKBingo!| series=AKBingo! |url=http://www.ntv.co.jp/AKBINGO/ | network=Nippon Television | location=Japan | air-date=July 14, 2010}} Team K performed Party ga Hajimaru yo and Team A moved to a new stage program, Aitakatta.{{cite web|url=http://www.akb48.co.jp/about/discography/detail_cd/?media_id=47&po=2/Team_A_2nd_Stage |title=Team A 2nd Stage – Official AKB48 website |publisher=akb48.co.jp |access-date=August 26, 2015}}

AKB48 released its first independent-label single, "Sakura no Hanabiratachi", in February 2006. It entered Oricon's weekly Top 10 chart, with first-week sales of 22,011 (a rarity for an indie-label group).{{cite web | title=AKB48、デビュー作が初登場TOP10入り！モー娘。以来の快挙達成！ |publisher=Oricon |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/ranking/11500/ |language=ja | date=February 6, 2006 | access-date=May 17, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507132856/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/ranking/11500/| archive-date= May 7, 2010 |url-status = live}} On March 31, Yuki Usami became the first member to "graduate" from the group.{{cite web|url=http://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-10010521916.html|script-title=ja:宇佐美友紀卒業 |publisher=AKB48官方Blog |language=ja |date=March 31, 2006|access-date=June 25, 2011}} On June 7 AKB48 released its second independent single, "Skirt, Hirari",「会いたかった」初回生産限定盤付属DVD『AKB48 History〜メジャーデビューへの軌跡〜』 which sold 13,349 copies on its first day.{{cite web |url=http://www22.atwiki.jp/akb48uriage/pages/17.html | title=AKB48 売上 – スカート、ひらり | access-date=March 28, 2014 |url-status = dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316123742/http://www22.atwiki.jp/akb48uriage/pages/17.html | archive-date=March 16, 2014 | df=mdy-all }} The group made its first television appearance two days later, and signed a contract with DefStar Records (a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment) in August.{{cite web |url=http://rn.oricon.co.jp/news/music/32112/ |title=AKB48、ついにメジャーデビュー決定！！ |access-date=April 24, 2012 |work = Ranking News |date=August 21, 2006 | publisher = Oricon |language=ja}}

File:AKB48 Logo.svg

In October 2006 AKB48 announced auditions for Team B,{{cite web |url=http://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/archive70-200610.html#main | title = チームBオーディション締め切り決定！ | publisher = AKB48 Official Blog | date = October 5, 2006|language= ja}} and 13 girls were chosen out of 12,828 applicants in December.{{cite web |url=http://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/archive16-200612.html#main | script-title=ja:来年からの新体制について | publisher = AKB48 Official Blog | date = December 19, 2006 |language= ja}} The group's first DefStar Records single, "Aitakatta", was recorded by 20 members of Teams A and K and released on October 25.{{cite web|url=http://supermerlion.com/aitakatta/|title=AITAKATTA AKB48's own anthem|publisher=supermerlion|access-date=April 24, 2011|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006154711/http://supermerlion.com/aitakatta/|url-status=dead}} It debuted at number 12 on the Oricon weekly singles chart, selling 25,544 copies in its first six weeks,{{cite web|url=http://ranking.oricon.co.jp/free_contents/search/ranking_list.asp?itemcd=677995&samecd=1&linkcd=40404500&chart_kbn=111&p=1|script-title=ja:アーティスト&楽曲検索 会いたかった|publisher=Oricon |language=ja|access-date=April 24, 2011}} and remained on the chart for a total of 65 weeks.{{cite web |url=http://www22.atwiki.jp/akb48uriage/pages/17.html | title=AKB48 売上 – AKB48シングル | access-date=March 28, 2014 |url-status = dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316123742/http://www22.atwiki.jp/akb48uriage/pages/17.html | archive-date=March 16, 2014 | df=mdy-all }} On November 3–4 AKB48 performed its first concert, "AKB48 First Concert: Aitakatta ~Hashira wa Nai ze!~" at Nippon Seinenkan in Shinjuku. The group performed "Aitakatta" on the New Year's Eve TV program 58th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen as a part of the "Nihon ga Hokoru Saisentan! Special Medley". At 43 members, the group set a program record for the most people in one group onstage simultaneously. AKB48 made its first lineup change in December, transferring Kazumi Urano, Shiho Watanabe and Natsumi Hirajima from Team A to Team B as supporting members.

AKB48's second major-label single, "Seifuku ga Jama o Suru", was released on January 31, 2007 and debuted at number seven on the Oricon Top 10 chart.{{cite web|url=http://ranking.oricon.co.jp/free_contents/search/ranking_list.asp?itemcd=691726&samecd=1&chart_kbn=111&linkcd=40413742|script-title=ja:アーティスト&楽曲検索 制服が邪魔をする|publisher=Oricon |access-date=April 25, 2011| language= ja}} Its music video and lyrics hinted at the subject of enjo kōsai (compensated dating, remotely related to escort services outside Japan), triggering controversy and negative reviews.{{cite web|url=http://supermerlion.com/seifuku-ga-jama-wo-suru/|title=Seifuku ga Jama Wo Suru The birth of a new type of pop idol?|publisher=supermerlion|access-date=April 25, 2011|archive-date=September 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930045552/http://supermerlion.com/seifuku-ga-jama-wo-suru/|url-status=dead}} On March 18 AKB48 released "Keibetsu Shiteita Aijō"; debuting at number eight on the Oricon chart, it dropped to number 98 in its second week.{{cite web|url=http://ranking.oricon.co.jp/free_contents/search/ranking_list.asp?itemcd=704727&samecd=1&chart_kbn=111&linkcd=40423988|script-title=ja:アーティスト&楽曲検索 軽蔑していた愛情|publisher=Oricon |access-date=April 26, 2011|language= ja}} The group's second concert, "AKB48 Haru no Chotto dake Zenkoku Tour ~Madamada daze AKB48!~" on March 10,{{cite web |url=http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/3069225/ |title=ライブレポート：AKB48、初の全国ツアーが開幕 |access-date=October 2, 2011 |publisher=livedoor Co., Ltd |language=ja}} had poor ticket sales.{{cite book|url=http://www.mzread.com/books/957659| title=AKB48—21世纪的丑小鸭传说| publisher=拇指阅读| author=海尔凯特| year=2014|url-status = dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328134741/http://www.mzread.com/books/957659| archive-date=March 28, 2014| df=mdy-all}}

In April 2007 AKB48 posted its Team B roster on its website, with five fewer members than originally announced; for the first time, its membership numbered 48. The group's fourth single, "Bingo!", was released on July 18.{{cite web|title=AKB48公式サイト｜ディスコグラフィー |publisher=AKS |url=http://www.akb48.co.jp/disc/ |language=ja |access-date=April 25, 2011 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110422015724/http://akb48.co.jp/disc/ |archive-date=April 22, 2011 }} AKB48's sixth single, "Yūhi o Miteiru ka?", was released on Halloween 2007 and sold 18,429 copies{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/385015/products/music/732723/1/ |script-title=ja:夕陽を見ているか？|publisher=Oricon |date=October 31, 2007|access-date=June 25, 2011|language=ja}} (the least of all the group's singles).

File:AKB48 20090703 Japan Expo 35.jpg

On New Year's Day 2008, AKB48 released its first album, Set List: Greatest Songs 2006–2007, a collection of the group's singles and live song lists. The group's seventh major-label single (its ninth overall), "Romance, Irane", was released on January 23{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/4607 |title=AKB48の新年ニューシングル＆AXライブ4daysが決定 |work= Natalie| publisher=Natasha, Inc.|date=December 17, 2007|access-date=April 27, 2012|language=ja}} and reached number six on the Oricon Top 10 chart in its first week.{{cite web|url=http://ranking.oricon.co.jp/free_contents/search/ranking_list.asp?itemcd=747987&samecd=1&chart_kbn=111&linkcd=40453645|script-title=ja:アーティスト&楽曲検索 ロマンス、イラネ|publisher=Oricon |language=ja|access-date=April 27, 2011}}

On February 27, the group released its eighth major-label single, "Sakura no Hanabiratachi 2008", a reprise of its Team A debut single. This version featured ten members from Team A, six from Team K and five from Team B.{{cite web|url=http://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-10075346906.html|title=AKB48劇場「桜の花びらたち2008」購入者特別プレゼント！|date=February 25, 2008|access-date=February 28, 2008|language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228063911/http://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-10075346906.html| archive-date= February 28, 2008 |url-status = live}} The single's CD included a poster, and a promotion was planned in which fans who collected all 44 posters would be invited to a special event. The promotion was later canceled by DefStar Records amid concerns about possible violations of antitrust laws.{{cite web|url=http://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/0802/28/news120.html|title=AKB48「ポスター44種類コンプでイベント招待」企画、「独禁法違反」のおそれで中止|trans-title=AKB48's "invite of the event by collecting all 44 kinds of the posters" was cancelled because of the fear of "violation of the antitrust laws"|publisher=ITmedia News|date=February 28, 2008|access-date=September 4, 2009|language=ja}}

In June 2008, AKB48 announced plans to launch a sister group, SKE48, in Sakae, Nagoya.{{cite web |url=http://www.jpopasia.com/news/akb48-launching-ske48-in-nagoya::917.html| title = AKB48 Launching SKE48 in Nagoya | work = Jpopasia.com | date = June 3, 2008}} In August, the group moved from DefStar Records to King Records.{{citation needed|date=April 2012}} That month Ayaka Kikuchi was the first member to be fired from the group, for "immature behavior" involving a leaked purikura photo of her with a boyfriend.{{cite news|url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/akb48-member-fired-over-leaked-purikura-photo |title=AKB48 member fired over leaked 'Purikura' photo | newspaper = Japan Today |date=August 15, 2008 |access-date=January 7, 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-10127296710.html | script-title=ja:菊地彩香の件について | publisher = AKB48 Official Blog | date = August 14, 2008 |language= ja}} Kikuchi returned to the group after a 2010 audition.{{cite web |url=http://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-10470450824.html | script-title=ja:菊地からファンの皆様へ | publisher = AKB48 Official Blog | date = February 28, 2010 |language= ja}}

On October 22, AKB48's tenth single, "Ōgoe Diamond", was released on King Records' You Be Cool label.{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/10212 |title=AKB48コレクター心を刺激する裏ジャケ19パターン |work= Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|date=October 14, 2008|access-date=April 27, 2012|language=ja}} With 11-year-old SKE48 member Jurina Matsui as the single's center and cover girl, it was the first single featuring a member of AKB48's sister group{{cite web |url=http://www.akb48wrapup.com/2012/09/matsui-jurina-solo-interview-next-center-of-akb48/ | title = Matsui Juina Solo interview: Next Center of AKB48 | date = September 19, 2012 | last =Kono | first = Tommy | work = AKB48wrapup.com}} references {{cite web|url=http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20120918-OHT1T00300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919021924/http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20120918-OHT1T00300.htm|script-title=ja:松井珠理奈＆大島優子！AKB新曲「UZA」はWセンター！！|archive-date=September 19, 2012|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=The Hochi Simbum|language=ja}} and debuted at number three on the Oricon Top 10 weekly chart.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/785316/1/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217142702/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/785316/1/|script-title=ja:大声ダイヤモンド/AKB48|archive-date=December 17, 2008|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=Oricon Inc.|language=ja}}

The group released its 11th major-label single, "10nen Sakura", on March 4, 2009. Also reaching number three on the Oricon charts in its first week, it was the group's first single to sell over 100,000 copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/385015/products/music/804291/1/|title=10年桜 AKB48のプロフィールならオリコン芸能人事典 |publisher=Oricon Inc.|access-date=June 19, 2011|language=ja}} The group's 12th major-label single, "Namida Surprise!", was released on June 24. Promotions included a handshaking-event ticket and a ballot for a member to headline its next single.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/deview/67548/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714045506/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/deview/67548/|script-title=ja:"AKB48選抜総選挙"開票！ トップ当選の前田敦子「AKBに人生捧げる！」|archive-date=July 14, 2009|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=Oricon Inc.|language=ja}} "Namida Surprise!" sold 104,180 copies in its first week on the Oricon charts.{{cite web |url=http://www.musictvprogram.com/corner-ranking-single-syodo.html | title=歴代シングル初動ランキング | access-date=March 9, 2014}} AKB48's 13th single, "Iiwake Maybe", was released on August 26.{{cite web|url=http://www.kingrecords.co.jp/cs/g/gKIZM-37/|title=King Records Official Site 言い訳 Maybe（マキシ＋DVD複合） 音楽|publisher=King Records|access-date=June 18, 2011|language=ja}} Outselling rival SMAP's single, it reached number one on the Oricon Daily Singles Chart{{cite web|url=http://www.cyzo.com/2009/09/post_2791.html|title=止めたAKB48、再開したモー娘。"政権交代"が進むアイドル界の「握手会狂想曲」|date=September 19, 2009|publisher=Excite Japan Co., Ltd|access-date=June 27, 2011|language=ja}} and number two on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/830326/1/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624073518/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/830326/1/|script-title=ja:言い訳Maybe/AKB48|archive-date=June 24, 2011|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=Oricon Inc.|language=ja}}

File:AKB48 20090703 Japan Expo 52.jpg

AKB48's Team A was a guest of honor at the Japan Expo in Paris from July 2–5, 2009, performing an English version of "Ōgoe Diamond".{{cite web|url=http://www.japan-expo.com/nws-371-en-akb48:_japan_expo_music_guest_of_honor.html |title=Come and discover AKB48 pop sensation! |date=February 25, 2008 |access-date=May 12, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427111155/http://www.japan-expo.com/nws-371-en-akb48%3A_japan_expo_music_guest_of_honor.html |archive-date=April 27, 2009 |url-status = dead }} The group made its U.S. debut with a show at Webster Hall in New York City on September 27.{{cite web|url=http://www.newyork-tokyo.com/wp/akb48/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822171735/http://www.newyork-tokyo.com/wp/akb48|title=AKB48 U.S. DEBUT CONCERT|archive-date=August 22, 2010|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=newyork-tokyo.com}}

In October, three AKB48 singles ("10nen Sakura", "Namida Surprise!" and "Iiwake Maybe") were certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.{{cite web |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200909.html |script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2009年9月 |publisher= RIAJ |access-date= October 14, 2009 |language= ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016052206/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200909.html| archive-date= October 16, 2009 |url-status = live}} Its 14th single, "River" released on October 21, debuted atop the Oricon Top 10 weekly chart and was the group's first number one.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/70103/|title=AKB48初のシングル首位、17.9万枚で09年女性アーティスト初動売上トップに|date=October 27, 2009|publisher=Oricon Inc.|access-date=June 27, 2011|language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722073050/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/70103/| archive-date= July 22, 2011 |url-status = live}}

AKB48 released its 15th major-label single, "Sakura no Shiori", on February 17, 2010. In its first week, the single topped the Oricon chart with over 300,000 copies sold, the most by a Japanese female artist in seven years.{{cite web|url=http://yeinjee.com/2010/akb48-climbs-to-the-top-with-choir-song/|title=AKB48 climbs to the top with choir song|publisher=Yeinjee.com|access-date=March 1, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304230654/http://yeinjee.com/2010/akb48-climbs-to-the-top-with-choir-song/| archive-date= March 4, 2010 |url-status = live}} This was the group's last single until the release of their first King Records album, Kamikyokutachi, which would top the Oricon album chart{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/385015/products/music/859144/1/|title=神曲たち AKB48のプロフィールならオリコン芸能人事典 |access-date=June 18, 2011|work=Oricon Style|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/75255/full/|title=AKB48デビュー5年目で初のアルバム首位、秋元氏「長い道のりでした」|language = ja|work=Oricon|access-date=June 20, 2011|date=April 13, 2010}} and be certified double platinum by the RIAJ for sales of over 500,000 copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/201012.html|script-title=ja:2010年12月度 認定作品|publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan|access-date=July 22, 2011|language=ja}}

File:AKB48 at the 2010 Asia Song Festival (4).jpg

AKB48's 16th single, "Ponytail to Chouchou", was released on May 26, 2010. Its sales exceeded those of the previous single, with over 400,000 copies sold on its first day and over 513,000 in its first week.{{cite web|author=オリコン|date=June 1, 2010|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/76755/full/|title=AKB48が初週50万枚超で首位 モー娘。以来9年半ぶり快挙|language=ja|access-date=June 1, 2010}} On April 27, Anime Expo, the largest anime convention in the United States, announced that AKB48 would be a guest of honor, and the group performed on July 1 at the Nokia Theatre.{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100427007007/en |title=Japanese Musical Group AKB48 will be Official Guests of Honor at Anime Expo 2010 |publisher=businesswire.com | date= April 27, 2010 |access-date=March 1, 2010}}

On October 23, AKB48 represented Japan at the seventh Asia Song Festival, organized by the Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange, at Seoul Olympic Stadium.Kofice[http://english.kofice.or.kr/d40_asia/d40_asia_02_2010y.asp 7th Asia Song Festival] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612015209/http://english.kofice.or.kr/d40_asia/d40_asia_02_2010y.asp |date=June 12, 2011 }} October 23, 2010. Retrieved October 12, 2011{{Cite web |title=AKB48、韓国「Asia Song Festival」でKARAなどと競演 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/38135 |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=音楽ナタリー |language=ja}} Four days later the group released its 18th single, "Beginner". It sold 826,989 copies in its first week, the highest first-week sales for a female idol group single.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/81633/full/|title=AKB48、女性グループ歴代最高の初週売上82.7万枚 5作連続シングル首位|date=November 2, 2010|work=Oricon|language=ja|access-date=November 2, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101103011735/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/81633/full/| archive-date= November 3, 2010 |url-status = live}} AKB48 member Mayu Watanabe appeared on the cover of the December issue of the idol magazine UP to boy with Airi Suzuki from the Japanese girl group Cute, the first gravure collaboration between Hello! Project and AKB48.{{cite web|url=http://beauty.oricon.co.jp/news/81459/full/|title=AKB48×ハロプロがグラビア初コラボ！ 渡辺麻友×鈴木愛理が網タイツ姿で表紙飾る|access-date=June 3, 2011|date=October 27, 2010|publisher=Oricon Inc.}}

File:AKB48 performing at Anime Festival Asia 20101113b.jpg

In November 2010, AKB48 participated in several events outside Japan. On November 20, 12 members of the group performed at the Japanese Pop Culture Festival in Moscow.{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/culture/update/1121/TKY201011210321.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123142337/http://www.asahi.com/culture/update/1121/TKY201011210321.html|script-title=ja:AKB48が「スパシーバ」 モスクワで初コンサート|archive-date=November 23, 2010|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=Asahi Simbun|language=ja}} AKB48 performed at the Cool Japan forum in Singapore as part of Anime Festival Asia X, and at the Singapore Toy, Games and Comics Convention.{{cite web |url=http://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-10702311216.html |title=続 AKB48海外公演!! |access-date=October 2, 2011 |publisher=AKB48 Official blog |language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://2010.singaporetgcc.com/special-events |title=Special Events {{pipe}} Singapore Toy, Games & Comic Convention (STGCC) |publisher=2010.singaporetgcc.com |access-date=April 25, 2013 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530211401/http://2010.singaporetgcc.com/special-events |archive-date=May 30, 2013 }} Group graduates in 2010 included second-generation member Erena Ono, who left on September 27 to pursue an acting career overseas.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/entertainment/78053/full/ |title=AKB48・小野恵令奈、卒業後の進路は 「海外留学」＆「女優業勉強」 |publisher=Oricon | date= July 12, 2010 |access-date=March 1, 2010| language= ja}}{{cite web|url=http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/5038178/ |title=AKB48から小野恵令奈が卒業......「明日から自分の夢に向かって」 |publisher=livedoor Co., Ltd. | date= September 28, 2010|access-date=March 1, 2010| language= ja}}

The group's first 2011 single, "Sakura no Ki ni Narō", was released on February 16. It sold 655,000 copies on its first day, surpassing "Beginner's" first-day sales of 568,000.{{cite web |url=http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/w_apa/showarticle.aspx?articleID=16403&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 | title = AKB48 breaks single-day sales records, sells over 655,000 copies | publisher = Asia Pacific Arts | date = February 18, 2011 | access-date = February 19, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413103324/http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/w_apa/showarticle.aspx?articleID=16403&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 | archive-date = April 13, 2016 |url-status = dead| df = mdy-all }} By the end of its first week the single sold 942,479 copies, the group's best and the fastest sales in Japan since 2000.{{cite web |url=http://news.stareastasia.com/2011/03/akb48-sets-record-with-sakura-no-ki-ni-narou/ | title = AKB48 sets record with Sakura no Ki ni Narou | publisher = Stareastasia | date = March 1, 2011 |url-status = dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318221200/http://news.stareastasia.com/2011/03/akb48-sets-record-with-sakura-no-ki-ni-narou/ | archive-date = March 18, 2012 | df = mdy-all }}

On February 21, AKB48 announced its first studio album, {{nihongo|Koko ni Ita Koto|ここにいたこと}}, which would include 11 new tracks and was scheduled for an April 6 release.{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/45991|title=AKB48新アルバムに新曲11曲、SKE・SDN・NMB参加曲も|date=March 5, 2011|access-date=June 20, 2011|work=Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511092838/http://natalie.mu/music/news/45991| archive-date= May 11, 2011 |url-status = live}}{{Cite web |date=2015-03-04 |title=AKB48、初オリジナルアルバムのタイトルは・・・『ここにいたこと』 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/85443/full/ |access-date=2023-12-08 |website=Oricon News}}{{Cite web |title=ここにいたこと（ＣＤ＋ＤＶＤ複合） |url=https://www.kingrecords.co.jp/cs/g/gKIZC-117/ |access-date=2023-12-08 |website=キングレコードオフィシャルサイト |language=ja}} Due to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, the group stopped its AKB48 Theater performances and canceled some of its public events.On March 14, 2011, AKB48 canceled its concert {{nihongo|Takamina ni tsuite ikimasu|たかみなについて行きます||extra=lit. "(We) will follow Takamina"}}, scheduled to be held on March 25–27 at Yokohama Arena, but later refashioned it into a charity event to support victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. AKB48 began the {{nihongo|"Dareka no Tame ni"|誰かのために|lit. "For someone's sake"}} project, collecting donations for earthquake and tsunami relief. One of its concert venues, the Yokohama Arena, was used for a two-day charity event beginning on March 26 and 12 AKB48 members attended the Okinawa International Movie Festival that day for the same purpose. On March 15, AKB48 announced that ¥500 million would be donated by the group, its sister groups SKE48, SDN48 and NMB48 and associates of AKS, its management company.{{cite web|title=AKB48 groups pledge 500 million yen for earthquake relief|url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/akb48-groups-pledge-500-million-yen-for-earthquake-relief/|publisher=tokyograph|access-date=July 4, 2013}} Koko ni Ita Koto{{'}}s release was postponed until June 8, with part of the album's proceeds donated to disaster victims.{{cite web |url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/46958|title=AKB48、新シングル＆選抜総選挙決定！収益一部を義援金に |access-date=May 22, 2011|work = Natalie | publisher=Natasha, Inc.| date=March 29, 2011|language=ja}} On April 1 the group released the charity single {{nihongo|"Dareka no Tame ni (What can I do for someone?)"|誰かのために -What can I do for someone?-}} on the Recochoku website as a digital download, with all proceeds earmarked for earthquake and tsunami relief.{{cite web |url=http://www.akb48.co.jp/darekanotameni-en/ |title=Activities of AKB48's Tohoku earthquake reconstruction support project |access-date=July 3, 2013}}

File:AKB store singapore.jpg

On May 1, AKB48 announced a new sister group: HKT48, based in Fukuoka, Kyushu, with its theater in the Hawks Town Mall of Fukuoka's Chuo ward.{{cite web|url=http://mantan-web.jp/2011/05/01/20110430dog00m200033000c.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503200206/http://mantan-web.jp/2011/05/01/20110430dog00m200033000c.html|script-title=ja:HKT48 ：次は福岡発！ AKB48妹プロジェクト始動|archive-date=May 3, 2011|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=Mainichi Shimbun Digital Co. Ltd|language=ja}} On May 3, The Straits Times reported the opening of AKB48's first overseas theater in Singapore.{{cite news |url=http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Showbiz/Story/A1Story20110503-276871.html |title=S'pore to house Japanese girl idols' first overseas theater |access-date=May 22, 2011|newspaper= The Straits Times | publisher = The Straits Times, Asiaone | date=May 3, 2011}} A reproduction of original article published in The Straits Times on May 3, 2011. The theater, in *scape Youth Park, would host 16 members from AKB48 and its sister groups for two shows a day two days a month. It had an adjacent AKB48 shop for merchandise and an AKB48 Cafe, serving Japanese fusion cuisine and desserts. In June, AKB48 was invited as a perform guest in 22nd Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2011/06/akb48-to-make-a-guest-appearance-at-golden-melody-awards-in-taiwan|title=AKB48 to make a guest appearance at "Golden Melody Awards" in Taiwan|website=tokyohive}}

AKB48 released its 21st major-label single, "Everyday, Kachūsha", on May 25. An "election single", it contained ballots for determining who would headline the group's next single{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/akb48-everyday-kachusha-almost-sells-1-million-in-one-day-oshima-yuko-leads-election |title=AKB48: "Everyday, Kachusha" almost sells 1 million in one day, Oshima Yuko leads election |access-date=May 30, 2011|work= Oricon | publisher = Tokyograph | date=May 25, 2011}} Translated from original article on Oricon. and set Japanese records for first-day (942,475 copies) and first-week sales (1,333,969 copies).{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyohive.com/2011/05/akb48-breaks-mr-childrens-reign-on-the-oricon-chart/ | title=AKB48 breaks Mr. Children's reign on the Oricon chart |access-date=June 1, 2011| work=HPriest | publisher=tokiohive |date=May 3, 2011}} On June 22, Oricon reported that for the first half of 2011 AKB48 topped the album sales charts and had the best- and second-best-selling singles ("Everyday, Kachūsha" and "Sakura no Ki ni Narō"). The group amassed ¥6.66 billion in merchandise sales.{{cite web|url=http://mantan-web.jp/2011/06/22/20110622dog00m200010000c.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624230151/http://mantan-web.jp/2011/06/22/20110622dog00m200010000c.html|script-title=ja:AKB48 ：上半期売り上げ前年2．5倍の66億円 オリコン2冠|archive-date=June 24, 2011|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=Mainichi Shimbun Digital Co. Ltd|language=ja}}

On June 7, before its nationwide concert tour, AKB48 announced the creation of Team 4.{{cite web

|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/50842| title=AKB48、研究生昇格組中心の新チーム「チーム4」誕生| work=Natalie| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| date=June 7, 2011| access-date=July 22, 2011| language=ja}} The 16-member team would be captained by Mina Ōba,{{cite web |url=http://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-10962842656.html | script-title=ja:「チーム4」キャプテン＆正式加入| publisher = AKB48 Official Blog | date = July 23, 2011 |language= ja}} and the word "team" was dropped from "Team Kenkyūsei" for the group's alternates. Four days later the group announced at a handshake event that Aimi Eguchi, who supposedly auditioned for NMB48, would join AKB48 as a trainee. It later became known that Eguchi was not a real person, but a composite of AKB48 members' facial features created to promote Glico's Ice no Mi.{{cite web |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/1136166/1/.html |title=AKB 48 newest member Aimi Eguchi is a 'virtual idol' |date=June 20, 2011 |access-date=June 25, 2011 |publisher=MediaCorp Pte Ltd. |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023021954/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/1136166/1/.html |url-status=dead }} On June 28, AKB48 producer Yasushi Akimoto announced plans to create another group as AKB48's "official rival". {{nihongo|Nogizaka46|乃木坂46}} would debut with about 20 members, and Akimoto would join Sony Music Japan to produce the new group.{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyofever.com/2011/06/girl-group-nogizaka46-to-debut-as-akb48s-official-rival/ |title="Nogizaka46" to debut as AKB48's "official rival" |access-date=June 30, 2011 |publisher=tokyofever.com |date=June 28, 2011 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707170857/http://www.tokyofever.com/2011/06/girl-group-nogizaka46-to-debut-as-akb48s-official-rival/ |archive-date=July 7, 2011 }} references Oricon article {{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/89336/full/ | title="AKB48公式ライバル"乃木坂46結成 一般公募でメンバー決定 | language = ja | date = June 29, 2011 | work = Oricon Style }}

AKB48 released its 22nd single, {{nihongo|"Flying Get"|フライングゲット| Furaingugetto}}, on August 24.{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/2001222/full/ | title=【オリコン】AKB48新曲 史上最高の初週135.4万枚 史上初の2作連続「初週」ミリオン | date=August 30, 2011 | access-date=December 19, 2011| publisher=Oricon Inc.| language=ja}} It sold 1,025,952 copies on its first day,{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/akb48s-flying-get-breaks-1-million-on-first-day/ | title=AKB48's "Flying Get" breaks 1 million on first day | date=August 24, 2011 | access-date=December 19, 2011| publisher=Tokyograph, Oricon Inc.}} Translation of original article by Oricon and became the group's fourth single to sell over a million copies (1.354 million) in its first week. On September 20, AKB48 held its second rock-paper-scissors tournament to determine the lineup for the group's 24th single.{{cite web|url=http://mantan-web.jp/2011/07/03/20110703dog00m200011000c.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324131747/http://mantan-web.jp/2011/07/03/20110703dog00m200011000c.html|script-title=ja:AKB48 ：AKB48 ：じゃんけん大会を再び開催 9月に武道館で SKE48、NMB48ら総勢71人参加|archive-date=March 24, 2012|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=Mainichi Shimbun Digital Co., Ltd.|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyohive.com/2011/07/akb48s-second-rock-paper-scissors-tournament-confirmed/ |title=AKB48's second "Rock, Paper, Scissors" Tournament confirmed |publisher=Tokyohive.com |date=July 3, 2011 |access-date=April 25, 2013}} The group's 23rd single, "Kaze wa Fuiteiru", was released on October 26 and sold 1,045,937 copies on its first day.{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/2003129/full/ | title=AKB48、2作連続"初日ミリオン" 初日売上歴代最高の104.6万枚 | date=October 26, 2011 | access-date=November 2, 2011| publisher=Oricon Inc.| language=ja}} The next single, "Ue kara Mariko" (released on December 7), sold 1.199 million copies in its first week.{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/2004643/full/ | title=【オリコン】AKB48、初の4作連続"初週ミリオン" 今年全5曲が100万枚突破の快挙 | date=December 13, 2011 | access-date=December 19, 2011| publisher= Oricon Inc. | language=ja}}

At the end of 2011, AKB48 topped seven of 16 Oricon rankings:{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/2004833/full/ | title=【オリコン年間】AKB48、史上初の年間シングルTOP5独占 総売上162.8億円で7冠 | date=December 19, 2011 | access-date=December 19, 2011| publisher=Oricon Inc.| language=ja}} total sales by an artist, copies sold for a single, total sales for a single, total sales by an artist (for singles), copies sold for a music Blu-ray disc, total sales for a music Blu-ray disc and total Blu-ray sales by an artist. The group set records for the most million-selling singles in a year, best-selling single by a female group and highest-earning female group. AKB48 won the Grand Prix in the 53rd Japan Record Awards for "Flying Get".{{cite web|url=http://mantan-web.jp/2011/12/30/20111230dog00m200048000c.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104011410/http://mantan-web.jp/2011/12/30/20111230dog00m200048000c.html|script-title=ja:日本レコード大賞 ： AKB48涙の初栄冠「フライングゲット」 前田敦子号泣、秋元康も祝福|archive-date=January 4, 2012|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=Mainichi Shimbun Digital Co. Ltd|language=ja}}

File:Tokyo - 10 Mar 2012.jpg" and "Give Me Five!" merchandise in March 2012]]

Oricon announced on January 6, 2012, that AKB48 had sold 11,787,000 copies of its CD singles, surpassing girl group Morning Musume's Japanese record for a female group of 11,774,000. On January 22 (the final day of its "AKB48 Request Hour Set List Best 100 2012" concert series at Tokyo Dome City Hall) AKB48 members performed the new "Give Me Five!" as Baby Blossom, playing guitars, keyboards, percussion and horns. The Baby Blossom members had spent five months learning to play musical instruments, and some had little (or no) previous experience.{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyohive.com/2012/01/akb48-forms-a-band-for-give-me-five-jacket-covers/ |title=AKB48 forms a band for "GIVE ME FIVE!" + jacket covers |publisher=Tokyohive.com |date=January 23, 2012 |access-date=April 25, 2013}} "Give Me Five!" was released on February 15.

AKB48's second documentary film, Documentary of AKB48: Show Must Go On Shōjo-tachi wa Kizutsuki Nagara, Yume wo Miru, opened on January 27{{cite web |url=http://eiga.com/movie/57607/|title= Documentary of AKB48 Show must go on 少女たちは傷つきながら、夢を見る|access-date= January 27, 2014|work= eiga.com|language= ja}} in seventh place{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-02-04/japanese-box-office-january-28-29|title= Japanese Box Office, January 28–29|date= February 4, 2012|access-date= January 27, 2014|work= Anime News Network}} at the box office and grossed nearly $4 million by February 19.{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-02-28/japanese-box-office-february-18-19|title= Japanese Box Office, February 18–19|date= February 28, 2012|access-date= January 27, 2014|work= Anime News Network}} An anime series, AKB0048, was developed by Satelight{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/movie/2002820/full/ | title = AKB48初のTVアニメ化決定 "声優選抜"9人が主題歌も担当| publisher = Oricon, Inc | date = October 18, 2011 |language= ja}} and aired from April 29 to July 22. It was directed by Yoshimasa Hiraike, with group producer Akimoto aiding with planning and supervision. Nine members of AKB48 and its sister groups voiced the main characters, singing its opening and closing themes{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-02-01/akb48-akb0048-anime-cast-roles-revealed | title = AKB48's AKB0048 Anime Cast Roles Revealed | publisher = Anime News Network |access-date=June 5, 2012 | date = February 1, 2012 |language= ja}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-11-25/akb48-akb0048-anime-gets-4-manga-series-in-4-mags |title=AKB48's AKB0048 Anime Gets 4 Manga Series in 4 Mags – News |publisher=Anime News Network |date=April 21, 2013 |access-date=April 25, 2013}} as No Name.{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-04-26/akb0048-themes-sung-by-new-akb-related-no-name-unit | title = AKB0048's Themes Sung by AKB48 Spinoff Unit 'No Name' | publisher = Anime News Network |access-date=June 5, 2012 | date = April 26, 2012 |language= ja}}

After photographs with their boyfriends surfaced, Natsumi Hirajima and Rumi Yonezawa resigned from the group{{cite web |url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/63495 | title = AKB48米沢瑠美＆平嶋夏海、グループを離脱 | work = Natalie | publisher=Natasha, Inc. | date = January 28, 2012 | access-date = March 25, 2012 |language= ja}} and were replaced by Jurina Matsui of SKE48 and Miyuki Watanabe of NMB48. On March 24 AKB48 announced that five trainees would be promoted to Team 4, expanding its roster to 16.{{cite web |url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/66661 | title = SKE松井珠理奈、NMB渡辺美優紀がAKB48に期間限定加入 | work = Natalie | publisher=Natasha, Inc. | access-date = March 25, 2012 | date = March 25, 2012 |language= ja}} It was also announced that the group would perform at the Tokyo Dome stadium, one of AKB48's main goals since it was founded.{{cite web |url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/69916 | title = AKB48、初の東京ドームコンサートは3DAYS公演 | work = Natalie | publisher=Natasha, Inc. | date = April 24, 2012 | access-date = June 5, 2012 |language= ja}}{{cite web |url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/66660 | title = SKE松井珠理奈、NMB渡辺美優紀がAKB48に期間限定加入 | work = Natalie | publisher=Natasha, Inc. | date = March 25, 2012 |access-date=March 25, 2012 |language= ja}}

On March 25, longtime headliner Atsuko Maeda announced her graduation from the group.{{cite web | url = http://mantan-web.jp/2012/03/25/20120325dog00m200029000c.html | title = AKB48前田敦子 ：不動のセンターが卒業を発表 6年半の活動に幕 | publisher = Mainichi Shimbun Digital Co. Ltd | date = March 25, 2012 | access-date = March 26, 2012 | language = ja | archive-date = March 26, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120326185422/http://mantan-web.jp/2012/03/25/20120325dog00m200029000c.html | url-status = dead }} AKB48 announced that Maeda would graduate after the Tokyo Dome concerts;{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/2012272/full/ | title = 前田敦子、AKB卒業後初のソロ公演決定 9月に東京＆神戸で |access-date= June 5, 2012 | publisher = Oricon, Inc | date = May 30, 2012 |language= ja}} her final performance (and graduation ceremony) took place in the AKB48 theater on August 27,{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/entertainment/2026059/full/ | script-title=ja:板野友美、敦子との"再会"「うれしい」 |access-date= July 4, 2013 | publisher = Oricon, Inc | date = June 28, 2012 |language= ja}} and was streamed live on YouTube.{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/2015882/full/ | title = AKB前田卒業公演をGoogle＋＆YouTubeで完全生配信 ファンの投稿が公演の演出に！ |access-date= July 4, 2013 | publisher = Oricon, Inc | date = August 21, 2012 |language= ja}}

On March 26 AKB48 announced an election for the lineup for the group's 27th major-label single, "Gingham Check". The candidates were 243 members of AKB48, SKE48, NMB48 and HKT48,{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/entertainment/2009106/full/ | title = AKB、今年も6月に総選挙 過去最多240人超出馬 前田の参加は？ | work = Natalie | publisher=Natasha, Inc. | date = March 26, 2012 |access-date=March 26, 2012 |language= ja}} and ballots were included with the group's 26th single ("Manatsu no Sounds Good!"). The election was held June 6 at Nippon Budokan, with the results telecast live.{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fm20120531a1.html|title=AKB48 'election' shows marketing brilliance|date=May 31, 2012|access-date=July 21, 2012|author=Patrick St. Michel and Daisuke Kikuchi|publisher=Japan Times|archive-date=July 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710034944/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fm20120531a1.html|url-status=dead}} Yuko Oshima finished first, followed by Mayu Watanabe and Yuki Kashiwagi.{{cite web|url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/oshima-voted-akb48s-most-popular-singer |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121123180609/http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/oshima-voted-akb48s-most-popular-singer |url-status = dead|archive-date=November 23, 2012 |title=Oshima's win in AKB48 election big news in Japan |first=Harumi |last=Ozawa |publisher=Japan Today |date=June 7, 2012 |access-date=July 21, 2012 }}

On April 23 AKB48 announced the creation of its third overseas sister group, SNH48, based in Shanghai.{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/showbiz/nikkan/NIK201204230003.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423174840/http://www.asahi.com/showbiz/nikkan/NIK201204230003.html|script-title=ja:AKB48グループ今度は上海|archive-date=April 23, 2012|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=Asahi Shimbun|language=ja}} It was announced on June 17 that Rino Sashihara would be transferred to HKT48 in July as a "restart" because of an alleged scandal involving her ex-boyfriend.{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/entertainment/2013090/full/?cat_id=tw |title=さしこ、AKB48チームA最終公演は6・20 |date=June 17, 2012 |access-date=June 24, 2012|language=ja}} On June 24 AKB48 announced the promotion of six trainees from the 10th and 11th generations and its third rock-paper-scissors tournament (scheduled for September 18) to determine the lineup for the group's 29th single, "Eien Pressure".{{cite web |url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/71685 |title=AKB48アルバムをドーム前発売＆じゃんけん大会開催決定 |date=June 24, 2012 |access-date=June 24, 2012|language=ja}}

On August 15 the group released its second studio album, 1830m, and on August 24 (the first day of its Tokyo Dome concert series) AKB48 announced a reorganization of its teams. Team 4 was dissolved, with its members transferred to the other three teams. Aika Ōta was transferred to HKT48, Aki Takajō and Haruka Nakagawa to Jakarta-based JKT48 and Sae Miyazawa and Mariya Suzuki to SNH48.{{cite web|first=Tommy | last = Kono |url=http://www.akb48wrapup.com/2013/02/in-shanghai-miyazawa-sae-struggling-to-lead-an-immature-snh48-members/ |title=In Shanghai, Miyazawa Sae struggling to lead immature SNH48 members • AKB48WrapUp |publisher=Akb48wrapup.com |date=February 21, 2013 |access-date=September 25, 2013}} Minami Takahashi became general manager of AKB48, with Mariko Shinoda replacing her as Team A captain. Yuko Oshima became Team K captain, and Ayaka Umeda captain of Team B.{{cite web |url=http://www.akb48.co.jp/news/detail.php?id=7929 |title= Reformation of AKB48 in Tokyo Dome Concert |date=August 24, 2012 |language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2012/08/24/akb48-announces-tectonic-line-up-shift|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910054320/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2012/08/24/akb48-announces-tectonic-line-up-shift|title=AKB48 Announces Tectonic Line-Up Shift|archive-date=September 10, 2012|access-date=November 5, 2015|work=Crunchyroll}}

File:AKBが大熊の小学校に来た 恋するフォーチュンクッキー (2).jpg

AKB48 recorded "Sugar Rush" for the 2012 Disney animated film, Wreck-It Ralph,{{cite news|title=Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Wreck-It Ralph" Scores Big with Composer Henry Jackman, Plus Original Music from Skrillex, AKB48, Owl City and Buckner & Garcia|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/walt-disney-animation-studios-wreck-it-ralph-scores-big-with-composer-henry-jackman-plus-original-music-from-skrillex-akb48-owl-city-and-buckner--garcia-169663046.html|access-date=September 29, 2012|newspaper=PR Newswire|date=September 13, 2012|author=Walt Disney Records}} and the group set a Guinness World Record for the most pop singers in a video game (its dating simulation game, AKB1/149 Ren'ai Sōsenkyo).{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210161301/http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/20121207/akb12120705030001-n1.html |archive-date=December 10, 2012 |url=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/20121207/akb12120705030001-n1.html |script-title=ja:ギネス認定にまゆゆ「世界に羽ばたく一歩」 |date=December 7, 2012 |language=ja |url-status = dead }} It won a second consecutive Japan Record Award, for "Manatsu no Sounds Good!". The group was the number one artist by total sales revenue in Japan in 2012, with ¥19.098 billion.{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2012/12/oricon-reveals-artist-total-sales-revenue-ranking-for-2012/|title= Oricon reveals "Artist Total Sales Revenue" ranking for 2012|date= December 20, 2012|access-date= April 22, 2015|work= tokyohive|publisher= 6Theory Media, LLC}} The AKB0048 anime series was renewed for a second season, AKB0048 Next Stage, and aired from January 5 to March 30, 2013. In January 2013 AKB48 played its Request Hour Set List Best 100 concert at Tokyo Dome City Hall, announcing future shows at Nippon Budokan{{cite news|title=AKB48 and sister groups to hold live concerts at Nippon Budokan in April|url=http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/01/akb48-and-sister-groups-to-hold-live-concerts-at-nippon-budokan-in-april/|access-date=January 28, 2013|date=January 26, 2013|work=Tokyohive}} and Nissan Stadium (the first show by a female artist at the latter).{{cite news|title=AKB48 to hold an open-air live concert "AKB48 Super Festival" at Nissan Stadium|url=http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/01/akb48-to-hold-an-open-air-live-concert-akb48-super-festival-at-nissan-stadium/|access-date=January 28, 2013|date=January 27, 2013|work=Tokyohive}} On February 1, the film Documentary of AKB48: No Flower Without Rain: Shōjo Tachi wa Namida no Ato ni Nani o Miru?.{{cite web |url=http://eiga.com/movie/77715/|title= Documentary of AKB48 No flower without rain 少女たちは涙の後に何を見る？|access-date= January 27, 2014|work= eiga.com|language= ja}} opened in tenth place at the box office,{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-02-10/japanese-box-office-february-2-3|title= Japanese Box Office, February 2–3|date= February 10, 2013|access-date= January 27, 2014|work= Anime News Network}} and grossed $2.2 million by February 17.{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-02-24/japanese-box-office-february-16-17|title= Japanese Box Office, February 16–17 (Updated)|date= February 24, 2013|access-date= January 27, 2014|work= Anime News Network}} During a meet-and-greet event for the film, first-generation member Tomomi Itano announced that she was leaving the group.{{cite news|url=http://www.tokyohive.com/2013/02/itano-tomomi-to-graduate-from-akb48-this-year/ |title=Itano Tomomi to graduate from AKB48 this year |work=Tokyohive |access-date=February 2, 2013}} On April 28, after a Nippon Budokan concert, AKB48's general manager announced another reorganization of the teams (including the girls who were also members of its sister groups).{{cite web|last=Kono |first=Tommy |url=http://www.akb48wrapup.com/2013/04/akb48-announced-5-dome-tour-in-2013-summer-and-team-shuffle-at-budokan-concert-final/ |title=AKB48 announced 5-Dome Tour in 2013 Summer and Team Shuffle at Budokan Concert Final |work=AKB48WrapUp.com |date=October 24, 2012 |access-date=April 29, 2013}} Nito Moeno and Tomomi Kasai also made their final appearances with the group.{{failed verification|date=June 2013|reason=article does not say they were graduating or what}}

AKB48 released its 31st single, "Sayonara Crawl" (an election single), on May 22.{{cite news|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/87448|title=AKB48、今年の総選挙は立候補制＆日産スタジアムで開票|publisher=Natalie|date=March 27, 2013|access-date=April 17, 2013|language=ja}} It sold more than 1.9 million copies in its first month,{{cite web|url=http://aramatheydidnt.livejournal.com/4883811.html?thread=245931619 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130617230823/http://aramatheydidnt.livejournal.com/4883811.html?thread=245931619 |url-status = dead|archive-date=June 17, 2013 |title=Weekly Oricon Chart: Albums/Singles/Music-DVDs |publisher=aramatheydidnt |date=June 16, 2013 |access-date=June 18, 2013 }} breaking Speed's White Love 1997 record for the highest single sales by a female group.{{cite news|url=http://www.tnsori.com/archives/51967089.html|title=AKB48「さよならクロール」累積売上185万枚突破、SPEED「White Love」を上回り女性グループ史上最高記録更新！|publisher=The Natsu Style|language=ja|date=June 3, 2013}} The election candidates were 246 girls from AKB48, its sister groups and former members. On June 8 the results were broadcast on Fuji TV and streamed live on YouTube, the latter with Japanese and English commentary.{{cite web|url=http://j-entonline.com/asian-entertainment/japanese-entertainment-news/akb48-general-elections-june-8-2013-j-ent-coverage-begins-at-100-a-m-pst/ |title=AKB48 General Elections (June 8, 2013) J!-ENT Coverage for AKB48 32nd Single Senbatsu Sosenkyou – 1:00 a.m. – 2:00 PST (5:00–6:00 PM – Tokyo) |date=June 7, 2013 |work=J-Ent! Online |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005041809/http://j-entonline.com/asian-entertainment/japanese-entertainment-news/akb48-general-elections-june-8-2013-j-ent-coverage-begins-at-100-a-m-pst/ |archive-date=October 5, 2013 }}{{cite web|url=http://j-entonline.com/asian-entertainment/japanese-entertainment-news/akb48-general-elections-june-8-2013-j-ent-coverage-for-akb48-32nd-single-senbatsu-sosenkyou-post-election-coverage/ |title=AKB48 General Elections (June 8, 2013) – J!-ENT Post Election Coverage for the AKB48 32nd Single Senbatsu Sosenkyou – Interview with Melody Dassance |date=June 8, 2013 |last=Amith |first=Dennis |work=J-Ent! Online |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005041930/http://j-entonline.com/asian-entertainment/japanese-entertainment-news/akb48-general-elections-june-8-2013-j-ent-coverage-for-akb48-32nd-single-senbatsu-sosenkyou-post-election-coverage/ |archive-date=October 5, 2013 }} The winner was HKT48 member Rino Sashihara, a former member of AKB48.{{cite web|title=[Completed] AKB48 32nd Single Senbatsu General Election results!|url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2013/06/akb48-32nd-single-senbatsu-general-election-results|work=8 June 2013|publisher=Tokyohive|access-date=June 11, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.akb48.co.jp/sousenkyo/32ndsingle/result.php|title = AKB48 32ndシングル 選抜総選挙 |trans-title=32nd single selection elections | work = AKB48 Official Site | date = June 8, 2013 | language=ja}} During the event, Team A captain Mariko Shinoda (who placed fifth) announced that she would leave the group in July.{{cite web|title=AKB48's Shinoda Mariko announces her graduation from the group next month|url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2013/06/akb48s-shinoda-mariko-announces-her-graduation-from-the-group-next-month|work=8 June 2013|publisher=Tokyohive|access-date=June 11, 2013}} On July 31, during AKB48's summer concert series at the Sapporo Dome, guest and former group headliner Atsuko Maeda sang her new solo single ("Time Machine Nante Iranai").{{cite web|url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/atsuko-maeda-makes-guest-appearance-at-akb48-concert|title= Atsuko Maeda makes guest appearance at AKB48 concert |date=July 31, 2013|access-date= August 24, 2013|work= Japan Today}}

On August 21 the group released its 32nd single, "Koisuru Fortune Cookie". Its music video had 3,800 extras,{{cite web|url=http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20130624-OHT1T00024.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624074856/http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20130624-OHT1T00024.htm|script-title=ja:3800人背にセンターさしこ！AKB新曲「恋するフォーチュンクッキー」|archive-date=June 24, 2013|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=The Hochi Simbum|language=ja}} the most for any AKB48- and sister group-related video.{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/pp/ske4804 | language=ja | title=[Power Push] SKE48 (1/3) |work=Natalie Music News |date=August 1, 2011|access-date=June 29, 2013}} On August 24 the group announced the restoration of Team 4, with Minami Minegishi as captain and members promoted from the 13th and 14th generation of trainees.{{cite web |url=http://melosnomichi.blogspot.com/2013/08/akb48-new-minegishi-team-4-created.html | title = AKB48 New (Minegishi) Team 4 Created | work = Melos no Michi |date = August 24, 2013}}

On September 18, AKB48 held its annual rock-paper-scissors tournament at Nippon Budokan to determine the lineup for its 34th single,{{cite web|title=AKB48 Holds Their 34th Single Senbatsu Janken Tournament at Nippon Budokan|url=http://www.jpopasia.com/news/akb48-holds-their-34th-single-senbatsu-janken-tournament-at-nippon-budokan::14311.html|date=June 23, 2013|work=Jpopasia}} with Jurina Matsui the winner.{{cite web |url=http://nihongogo.com/2013/09/jurina-matsui-wins-jankenpyon-tournament-to-lead-akb48s-34th-single/ | title = Jurina Matsui Wins Jankenpyon Tournament to Lead AKB48's 34th Single | work = Nihongogo | first = Jeremy | last = Suskin | date = September 18, 2013}} After the event the group announced the lineup and performed its 33rd single, "Heart Electric", which was released in October.{{cite web |url=http://allthingsjpop.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/first-performance-of-akb48-33rd-single-heart-electric/ | title = First performance of AKB48 33rd Single | work = allthingsjpop.wordpress.com | date = September 19, 2013 }} Its music video was directed by Shusuke Kaneko, known for the Heisei Gamera trilogy Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack and the live-action film version of Death Note.{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/100824 |title=ナタリー – AKB48「ハート・エレキ」1960年代風ジャケ＆PV完成 |language = ja | publisher=Natalie.mu |date=October 5, 2013 |access-date=October 7, 2013}} On December 11 the group released its 34th single, "Suzukake no Ki no Michi de 'Kimi no Hohoemi o Yume ni Miru' to Itte Shimattara Bokutachi no Kankei wa Dō Kawatte Shimau no ka, Bokunari ni Nan-nichi ka Kangaeta Ue de no Yaya Kihazukashii Ketsuron no Yō na Mono",{{cite news|date=November 6, 2013|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/2030508/full/|title=AKB史上最長！ 珠理奈センター新曲は76字 作曲は織田哲郎が担当|publisher=Oricon Style|language=ja|access-date=November 6, 2013}} and on December 31 longtime member Yuko Oshima announced on Kōhaku Uta Gassen that she was leaving the group.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-12-31/idol-yuko-oshima-graduates-from-akb48 |title=Idol Yuko Oshima Announces Plans to Graduate From AKB48 – News |publisher=Anime News Network |date=December 31, 2013 |access-date=January 1, 2014}} The group was the 2nd artist by total sales revenue in Japan in 2013, with ¥13.254 billion.{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2013/12/oricon-2013-yearly-charts-artist-total-sales|title= Oricon 2013 Yearly Charts : Artist Total Sales|date= December 16, 2013|access-date= April 22, 2015|work= tokyohive|publisher= 6Theory Media, LLC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006074800/http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2013/12/oricon-2013-yearly-charts-artist-total-sales|archive-date= October 6, 2014|url-status= dead}}

On January 22, 2014, AKB48 released the third studio album Tsugi no Ashiato. It reached number one on the weekly Oricon Albums Chart, selling 962,000 copies.{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2014/01/akb48s-latest-album-sells-over-950000-copies-in-the-first-week|title= AKB48's latest album sells over 950,000 copies in the first week|date= January 27, 2014|access-date= January 27, 2014|work= Tokyohive|publisher= 6Theory Media}} The group's 35th single, "Mae shika Mukanee", was released on February 26 and sold 970,413 copies on its first day.{{cite web|url=http://www.kingrecords.co.jp/cs/t/t4356|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201201116/http://www.kingrecords.co.jp/cs/t/t4356/|script-title=ja:AKB48 35thシングル 詳細決定のお知らせ|archive-date=February 1, 2014|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=King Records|language=ja}}{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2014/01/akb48-reveals-the-details-on-their-35th-single|title= AKB48 reveals the details on their 35th single|date= January 24, 2014|access-date= January 27, 2014|work= Tokyohive|publisher= 6Theory Media}}

AKB48 announced plans for a fifth team, Team 8, with one member from each of Japan's 47 prefectures.{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2014/01/akb48-announces-the-creation-of-team-8-with-a-new-concept|title= AKB48 announces the creation of 'Team 8' with a new concept|date= January 23, 2014|access-date= January 27, 2014|work= Tokyohive|publisher= 6Theory Media}} references Oricon {{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/video/2033276/full/ | title =【動画】AKB「会いに行く」新チーム8結成 3月発足、8月劇場デビューへ |trans-title=Launching March 8, a "go to see" AKB48 new team, to August theater debut | language = ja | date =January 23, 2014 | work = Oricon }} On February 24, during the group's Grand Reformation Festival event at Zepp DiverCity Tokyo, the group announced a team reorganization. This included a captain and co-captain of each team, promotion of AKB48 trainees to regular membership (with assignment to the four teams) and the transfer of members between AKB48 and its sister groups.{{cite web|url=http://www.akb48.co.jp/page/daisokaku/list.php?after=1&|script-title=ja:AKB48公式サイト｜AKB48グループ大組閣祭り|trans-title=AKB48 Official Site – AKB48 Group Grand Reformation Festival Results|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=AKB48 Official Website|language=ja}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} On April 3 AKB48 introduced its 47-member Team 8{{cite web|url=http://japanizedworld.com/2014/01/new-team-for-the-akb48/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422233129/http://japanizedworld.com/2014/01/new-team-for-the-akb48/|title=New Team for the AKB48|archive-date=April 22, 2014 |access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=Japanized World|language=ja}} as "the idols who come to you".The debut of Team 8 was the first time the group has featured an idol from the Ishikawa, Tottori, Toyama, Tokushima, Yamagata, Okayama, Kōchi, and Okinawa prefectures. Akimoto announced auditions for an Otona adult member over 30 years old, to participate in events and be the centerpiece of a Glico Papico commercial. On April 16, AKB48 announced the Otona member: Mariko Tsukamoto, a 37-year-old housewife and mother of two.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2036509/full/ |title="大人AKB"塚本さん、愛称は「まりり」 ぱるるが命名 (AKB48) ニュース|publisher=Oricon.co.jp |date=April 17, 2014 |access-date=April 21, 2014}}

On May 21 the group released its 36th single, "Labrador Retriever", which sold over 1,462,000 copies on its first day.{{cite web|url=http://woman.infoseek.co.jp/news/entertainment/oricon_2037662|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527084137/http://woman.infoseek.co.jp/news/entertainment/oricon_2037662/|script-title=ja:【オリコン】AKB新曲が初日売上歴代最高146.2万枚 初日ミリオンは7作目 – 芸能 – 最新ニュース一覧 – 楽天WOMAN|archive-date=May 27, 2014|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=Woman.infoseek.co.jp|language=ja}}

On June 7, AKB48 and its related groups announced the results of the annual election to determine the lineup for its 37th single. The winner was Mayu Watanabe with 159,854 votes, and Rino Sashihara was runner-up with 141,954 votes. The top eighty candidates were ranked in five groups of sixteen.{{cite web|url=http://www.akb48.co.jp/sousenkyo/37thsingle/result.php |title=「AKB48 37thシングル 選抜総選挙」開票結果はこちら |trans-title="AKB48 37th single selection general election" vote counting result is here | work = AKB48 Official Website | language = ja |access-date=June 9, 2014}}

In August, AKB48 announced the Baito AKB project, which allows girls to join AKB48 part-time using the job search site Baitoru.{{cite web|url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/akb48-recruiting-part-timers-for-y1000-per-hour|title=AKB48 recruiting part-timers for Y1,000 per hour | work = Japan Today | date=August 12, 2014 }} 13,246 girls applied for Baito AKB, and after several screening rounds, 53 girls were selected to sign a five-month contract with a possible three-month extension in February.{{cite web|url=http://nihongogo.com/2014/10/53-girls-recruited-through-akb48s-baito-akb-part-time-job-campaign/|author=Jeffrey T. | date=October 3, 2014 | title=53 Girls Recruited Through AKB48's "Baito AKB" Part Time Job Campaign|work=Nihongogo.com}}{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/126784|title=「バイトAKB」53名が合格内定、新CM出演も|work=natalie.mu|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2014/09/53-girls-recruited-for-baito-akb-to-appear-in-cm|title=53 girls recruited for 'Baito AKB' + to appear in CM|work=Tokyohive | publisher=6Theory Media}} After the end of the project, 11 of the former Baito AKB members entered the yearly Draft Kaigi event aiming to become full members,{{Cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2049284/full/|title=AKBドラフト候補生49人決定 東京女子流・山邊の妹、バイトAKB11人も|website=Oricon News|date=May 10, 2015 }} while others expressed their desire to take part in the auditions for the newly planned NGT48 group.{{Cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2049326/full/|title=バイトAKB最初で最後の劇場公演！ ドラフト挑戦、スタッフ転向と選ぶ道は様々|website=Oricon News|date=October 5, 2016 }}

On December 8, long-time member and general manager Minami Takahashi announced she will leave the group in December 2015 for the group's tenth anniversary.{{cite web|url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/minami-takahashi-to-graduate-from-akb48-in-dec-2015|title=Minami Takahashi to graduate from AKB48 in Dec 2015 | work=Japan Today | date=December 10, 2015 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2014/12/09/what-it-be-general-manager-akb48-takahashi-minami-explains-her-graduation-speech|title=What is it like to be the general manager of AKB48? Takahashi Minami explains in her graduation speech|work=SBS PopAsia | date=December 9, 2014 | author=SBS PopAsia HQ }} She recommended that Team K captain Yui Yokoyama be her successor.{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/akb48/news/f-et-tp0-20141208-1406562.html |title=「バトンつなげたい」たかみな卒業宣言全文 |publisher=nikkansports.com |date=December 8, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2014/12/08/kiji/K20141208009426690.html |title=たかみな"本当に"AKB卒業発表、後任総監督に横山由依指名 |publisher=sponichi.co.jp |date=December 8, 2014}}

The group ranked second overall in Oricon's Artist Total Sales Revenue for the 2014 year, with ¥13.075 billion.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/special/47530/6/|script-title=ja:2014年 年間音楽＆映像ランキング発表 6ページ目|work=Oricon Style | date = December 20, 2014 | access-date=February 4, 2015 | language=ja |trans-title=2014 annual music & video rankings announced sixth page}}{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2014/12/2014-oricon-yearly-artist-total-sales-ranking-top5- |title=2014 Oricon Yearly 'Artist Total Sales' Ranking TOP5 |date=December 20, 2014 |website=Tokyohive }}

{{Main|2014 AKB48 handsaw assault}}

At a May 25, 2014 handshake event at the Iwate Industry Culture and Convention Center in Takizawa, Iwate, group members Rina Kawaei, Anna Iriyama and a staff member were attacked by a 24-year-old man with a handsaw. The suspect was arrested for attempted murder,The assailant was revealed to be an unemployed man who had no previous interest or fan connection to AKB48. He was frustrated that such idols were well-paid. In December 2014, he pleaded guilty to charges of bodily injury and infringement of weapon regulations.

• {{cite news

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140526233612/http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20140527/t10014748481000.html

|script-title=ja:「AKBに特別な思い入れない」と供述

|language=ja

|archive-date=May 26, 2014

|url-status = dead

|date=May 26, 2014

|work=NHK

|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20140527/t10014748481000.html

}}

• {{cite news

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525154928/http://mainichi.jp/select/news/20140526k0000m040112000c.html

|script-title=ja:AKB襲撃:容疑者の母「大変なことをした」 携帯通じず

|language=ja

|archive-date=May 25, 2014

|url-status = dead

|date=May 26, 2015

|work=Manichi

|url=http://mainichi.jp/select/news/20140526k0000m040112000c.html

}}

• {{cite news

|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/11/05/national/crime-legal/man-who-attacked-akb-members-with-saw-pleads-guilty/

|title=Man who attacked AKB48 members with saw pleads guilty

|date=November 5, 2014

|work=The Japan Times

}} and the three were treated at a hospital for fractures and cuts.{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/akb48/news/f-et-tp0-20140525-1306834.html |title=川栄、入山襲われた！AKB握手会に刃物男 |publisher=nikkansports.com |date=May 24, 2014 |access-date=May 24, 2014}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/and_w/interest/entertainment/CORI2037815.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525233405/http://www.asahi.com/and_w/interest/entertainment/CORI2037815.html|script-title=ja:AKB握手会主催のキングレコード「卑劣な犯人の行為に怒り」 100人の警備体制も説明|archive-date=May 25, 2014|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=Asahi Simbum|language=ja}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/crime/view/akb48-singer-2-staff-members-slashed-at-handshake-event-in-iwate |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140525204048/http://www.japantoday.com/category/crime/view/akb48-singer-2-staff-members-slashed-at-handshake-event-in-iwate |url-status = dead|archive-date=May 25, 2014 |title=Two AKB48 singers, 1 staff member attacked at handshake event in Iwate |publisher=Japan Today |date=May 24, 2014 |access-date=May 24, 2014 }}
{{cite news|agency = AFP | location = Tokyo |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/26/japanese-girl-band-members-attacked-saw-fan-event |title=Japanese girl band AKB48 attacked with a saw at fan event |work=The Guardian |date=May 25, 2014 |access-date=May 25, 2014}}
{{cite news|url=http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/features/slasher-attacks-japan-pop-girl-group-akb48-fan-event |title=Slasher Attacks Japan Pop Girl Group AKB48 at Fan Event |agency = Reuters | publisher=Jakarta Globe |date=May 26, 2014| access-date=May 26, 2014}}
{{cite news|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/05/25/national/crime-legal/akb48-dancers-attacked-saw-wielding-man/|title=AKB48 members attacked by saw-wielding man |newspaper=The Japan Times |date=May 25, 2014}}
{{cite news |url=http://mdpr.jp/news/detail/1367044 |title=AKB48入山杏奈が襲われ負傷 グループ随一の才色兼備、ドラマに映画初主演...これまでの活動とは. |publisher= Model Press |date= May 26, 2014 |language= ja}} AKB48 canceled its theater performances through the end of May,{{cite news|date=May 26, 2014|url=http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXNASDG26056_W4A520C1CC1000/|title=名古屋・幕張の握手会を延期 AKB48劇場は31日まで休館|trans-title=Postpone shake-hand events in Nagoya/Makuhari – AKB48 Theater will be closed until 31st|newspaper=nikkei.com|publisher=Nikkei Inc. | access-date=May 26, 2014|language=ja}} and handshake and photo-shoot fan events in May and June were postponed.{{cite web|url=http://www.kingrecords.co.jp/cs/t/t4997/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606232202/http://www.kingrecords.co.jp/cs/t/t4997/|script-title=ja:6月14日（土）全国握手会イベント（横浜スタジアム） 6月15日（日）・6月29日（日）パシフィコ横浜 大写真会 開催延期のお詫びとお知らせ|archive-date=June 6, 2014 |trans-title=Apology and announcement of postponement of handshake event on Saturday, June 14, and photo shooting events on Sunday at Yokohama Stadium, June 15, and Sunday, June 29 at Pacifico Yokohama|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=King Records|language=ja}} In response to security concerns,{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/members-japanese-pop-group-akb48-attacked-23866211 |title=Japan Pop Group AKB48 Cancels Events After Attack |work=ABC News |date=May 26, 2014| access-date=May 26, 2014}} the Manseibashi Police Station of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department asked AKS to conduct security checks of audience members at the theater entrance. The man eventually pleaded guilty to charges of bodily injury.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2015/02/11/world/japan-akb48-attack-sentence/index.html|title=Japanese man sentenced for saw attack on pop stars|author=Junko Ogura and Tim Hume|website=CNN|access-date=January 28, 2019}} Although sister groups SKE48, NMB48 and HKT48 did not suspend their theater performances, they introduced security measures: metal detectors, not using the theaters' front rows, suspending post-performance "high-five" events and increasing the number of security guards.{{cite news|date=May 27, 2014|url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2014/05/27/kiji/K20140527008243590.html|script-title=ja:各劇場で金属探知機を導入、客席の最前列は使用禁止に|trans-title=Metal detectors introduced at each theater, no front-row seats available|newspaper=Sponichi Annex|publisher=Sports Nippon Newspapers| access-date=May 27, 2014|language=ja}} On May 30, AKB48 resumed its television appearances,{{cite news|date=May 30, 2014|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/akb48/news/f-et-tp0-20140530-1309680.html|script-title=ja:たかみな、ぱるる、Mステで目潤ませ熱唱|trans-title=Takamina, Paruru, glistening with emotion when they sang at M-Station|newspaper=nikkansports.com|publisher=Sports Nippon Newspapers|access-date=May 31, 2014|language=ja}} and on June 2, the group resumed theater performances with security measures similar to those of its sister groups.{{cite news|date=May 31, 2014|url=http://daily.co.jp/newsflash/gossip/2014/05/31/0007009822.shtml|script-title=ja:AKB劇場6月2日から再開の公式発表|trans-title=Official announcement to reopen AKB48 Theater from June 2|newspaper=Daily Sports Online|access-date=May 31, 2014|language=ja}} Security and bag checks were added at the general-election-results event and Yuko Oshima's graduation concert.{{Cite news|date=June 8, 2014|url=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/20140608/akb14060805010002-n1.html|script-title=ja:味スタ大雨厳戒...手荷物検査員106人、金属探知機122台|newspaper=sanspo.com|publisher=Sankei Digital Inc.|access-date=June 8, 2014|language=ja|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714190908/http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/20140608/akb14060805010002-n1.html|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|date=June 7, 2014|url=http://www.daily.co.jp/newsflash/gossip/2014/06/07/1p_0007030899.shtml|title=AKB総選挙 大雨...45分遅れで開演|newspaper=Daily Sports Online|publisher=デイリースポーツ|access-date=June 8, 2014}}

On January 21, 2015, the group released its fourth studio album, Koko ga Rhodes da, Koko de Tobe!.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/w/2015-02-02/|title=週間 CDアルバムランキング 2015年02月02日付|work= Oricon Style|access-date= April 19, 2015|language= ja}} On March 4, the group released the single "Green Flash".{{cite web|script-title=ja:ゆきりん 3月発売新曲「Green Flash」で初のセンターに|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/entame/entertainment/360028/|website=Tokyo Sports|access-date=January 27, 2015|language=ja|date=January 25, 2015|archive-date=February 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212190248/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/entame/entertainment/360028/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=AKB48 39thシングル「Green Flash」の初日売上は860,269枚|url=http://akb48-matome.blog.jp/archives/51959820.html|website=AKB48 Matome|access-date=March 5, 2015|language=ja|date=March 4, 2015}} The group became the first group who sold their 20 consecutive singles in 1 million on the first week. On March 26, member Rina Kawaei announced her graduation from the group in order to continue her acting career on her own,{{cite news|url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2015/03/27/kiji/K20150327010059490.html|script-title=ja:川栄李奈 無念の卒業...今後は女優業に全力「夢を追いかけたい」|language= ja |newspaper=スポニチ Sponichi Annex }} stating that the previous incident and long period of rest brought her to reflect on her future without depending on the group.{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/akb48/news/1452681.html|script-title=ja:川栄、卒業は「夢を叶えたいと思ったから」」|language= ja}}

On May 10, AKB48 was invited to the annual Japan Day festival in New York, their second performance in the city since 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2015/05/12/kiji/K20150512010333440.html|script-title=ja:こじはる、武藤十夢らNYにAKB、ファン5000人集結に感動|language=ja|access-date=May 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514091842/http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2015/05/12/kiji/K20150512010333440.html|archive-date=May 14, 2015|url-status = dead}} A small away team consisting of members Rina Hirata, Ryoka Oshima, Haruna Kojima, Tomu Mutou, Saho Iwatate and Rina Nozawa performed a total of five songs cheered by a crowd of 5000 attendants.{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/akb48/news/1475012.html|script-title=ja:こじはるらNYで「ヘビロテ」など5曲披露|language= ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/akb48/news/1475076.html|script-title=ja:里田まいも興奮「すごい熱気」AKB・NYイベント|language= ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2052689/full/|title=AKB48、6年ぶりNYライブに5000人熱狂 里田まい現地報告「ものすごい熱気」 |date=May 12, 2015 |language= ja}}

On May 20, the group released the single "Bokutachi wa Tatakawanai".{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/385015/products/1123755/1/|title= 僕たちは戦わない(初回限定盤/Type A)|access-date= May 22, 2015|work= Oricon Style|language= ja}}

June 6 saw the announcement of the seventh general election results. The event was broadcast live from Fukuoka Dome on Fuji TV, which reported an average viewer rating of 18.8% with a peak of 23.4%.{{cite web|url=http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20150608-00000033-dal-ent|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612192619/http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20150608-00000033-dal-ent|script-title=ja:AKB総選挙 視聴率18・8％...過去2位 瞬間最高は指原コールで23・4％|archive-date=June 12, 2015|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=Yahoo Japan Corporation|language=ja}} A record 3.2 million votes were cast,{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2015/06/08/music/rino-sashihara-crowned-amid-tears-jeers-akb-election/#.VYrQRWA2U0s|title=Rino Sashihara crowned amid tears and jeers at AKB election|work=The Japan Times|date=June 8, 2015|access-date=June 24, 2015}} with Rino Sashihara winning the poll for the second time with a record 194,049 votes.{{cite web|title=「AKB48 41stシングル 選抜総選挙」開票結果|url=http://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-12035852788.html|website=AKB48 official blog|publisher=AKB48|access-date=June 11, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://sousenkyo.akb48.co.jp/result.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626124741/http://sousenkyo.akb48.co.jp/result.php|script-title=ja:AKB48 10th anniversary year 41stシングル 選抜総選挙|archive-date=June 26, 2015|access-date=November 5, 2015|publisher=AKB48|language=ja}}

On August 26, the group released the single "Halloween Night".{{Cite web|title=【オリコン】AKB48、22作連続ミリオン センター指原「幸せです」|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2058421/full/|access-date=2021-09-25|website=Oricon News}}

On October 25, 2015, during the handshake and autograph event at Pacific Yokohama had announced the details of AKB48's 42nd Single and Request Hour 2016. The 42nd single was released on December 9, 2015. Minami Takahashi was the Center in what will be her final appearance on an AKB48 single.{{cite web|title=Announcement of Minami Takahashi to be Center on her final AKB48 single|url=http://tokyogirlsupdate.com/akb48-42nd-single-details-20151063808.html|website=Tokyo Girls Update|date=October 2015 |access-date=October 27, 2015}}

On November 18, the group released its third compilation album, 0 to 1 no Aida. This album marks the 10th anniversary of Japanese group, founded in 2005.

The group's 42nd single "Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby" sold 813,044 copies on its first day of release. This brought their combined single sales to over 36,158,000 single albums sold, making them the artist with the highest number of single album sales in Japan, surpassing rock group B'z.{{cite news|title=AKB48 overtakes iconic rock group to become Japan's No.1|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2015/12/10/akb48-overtakes-iconic-rock-group-become-japans-no1|access-date=December 11, 2015|publisher=SBS PopAsia HQ|date=December 10, 2015}}

On January 24, 2016, during the final day of the Request Hour 2016 at Tokyo Dome City, AKB48 performed their 43rd single "Kimi wa Melody" which released on March 9, 2016.{{cite news|title=AKB48's 43rd Single "Kimi wa Melody" revealed on the final day of Request Hour 2016!|url=http://tokyogirlsupdate.com/sakura-akb48-43rd-kimi-wa-melody-20160176740.html|access-date=January 11, 2016|publisher=Tokyo Girls Update|date=January 25, 2016}} Kimi Wa Melody is the second single to bring back graduates Atsuko Maeda, Yuko Oshima, Mariko Shinoda and Tomomi Itano being featured on the main track. The single was centred by Sakura Miyawaki being her first time to have a solo centre on an AKB48 track.

In February 2016, a Taiwanese girl Chia-ling Ma was added to the group as "Taiwan Kenkyūsei". This is the first foreign member in the group.{{cite news|title=【AKB紅白】台湾オーディション合格の馬嘉伶「ヘビロテ」1人で熱唱|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/entame/entertainment/483888/|access-date=April 2, 2016|publisher=tokyo-sports|archive-date=March 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301140013/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/entame/entertainment/483888/|url-status=dead}}

On June 1, 2016, the group released the 44th single "Tsubasa wa Iranai", the single included ballots for the group's General Election for that year. Results of the election were announced on June 18 at the Hard Off Eco Stadium in Niigata on BS Sky TV Premium and Fuji TV, where Rino Sashihara placed first with 243,011 votes.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2016-07-25 |title=Sashihara wins AKB48 general election |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2016/07/25/language/sashihara-wins-akb48-general-election/ |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=The Japan Times |language=en}} On August 31, the group released the 45th single "LOVE TRIP / Shiawase wo Wakenasai".

On October 3, Haruka Shimazaki announced her graduation from AKB48 during a new TV commercial presentation of Baitoru.{{cite web|url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2016/10/03/kiji/K20161003013469290.html|script-title=ja:島崎遥香 AKB48年内卒業を発表 迷った末の決断 女優業に前向き|date=October 3, 2016|access-date=October 8, 2016|publisher=Sports Nippon Newspapers|language=ja}} On November 16, the group released the 46th single "High Tension".

On December 12, Mayu Watanabe, Rina Izuta and Saya Kawamoto announced a new subsidiary to the AKB48 group known as 'AKB48 China' during a Shanghai press conference and fan meet.{{cite web|url=http://m.weibo.cn/u/3926472191|title=微博|website=m.weibo.cn|access-date=December 21, 2016}} Unlike the established Shanghai sister group SNH48, AKB48 China will act as bridge between Japan and China, bringing Japanese members to the upcoming AKB48 China Theatre. Upcoming promotions include a television drama being filmed and a new online game.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}

On January 25, 2017, the group released the fifth studio album Thumbnail.{{cite web |url=http://aramajapan.com/news/rino-sashihara-and-morning-musume-collab-on-akb48s-8th-album/68569/|title= Rino Sashihara and Morning Musume Collab on AKB48's 8th Album|access-date= December 26, 2016|work= Arama! Japan |date= December 25, 2016}} On March 15, the group released their 47th single "Shoot Sign", and Haruna Kojima announced she would be graduating.{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2016/06/kojima-haruna-announces-graduation-from-akb48- |title=Kojima Haruna announces graduation from AKB48 |publisher=tokyohive.com |date=June 20, 2016 |access-date=February 18, 2019}} On May 31, the group released their 48th single Negaigoto no Mochigusare, which contained ballots for the general election. Rino Sashihara won the poll for the third consecutive year, this time with 246,376 votes,{{Cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-06-21/marriage-graduation-announcements-overshadow-idol-rino-sashihara-3rd-akb48-election-win/.117695|title=Marriage, Graduation Announcements Overshadow Idol Rino Sashihara's 3rd AKB48 Election Win|website=Anime News Network|date=July 9, 2023 }} and served as the center performer for their 49th single "#sukinanda", released on August 30. On November 22, their 50th single "11gatsu no Anklet" was released. At the December 2017 team shuffle event, it was announced that the Team 8 members are to hold concurrent positions ({{nihongo3||兼任|kennin}}) with one of the other AKB48 Teams A, K, B, and 4.{{cite web|url=http://odonsalvatore.blogspot.com/2017/12/details-on-akb48-shuffle-team-members.html|title=Details on AKB48 Shuffle Team Members in late 2017|website=odonsalvatore.blogspot.com|access-date=July 25, 2018|archive-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726005806/http://odonsalvatore.blogspot.com/2017/12/details-on-akb48-shuffle-team-members.html|url-status=dead}} Mayu Watanabe graduated from the group at the end of the year.{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2103464/full/|title=【紅白】AKB48まゆゆが有終の美 視聴者人気1位は「11月のアンクレット」|language=ja|date=December 31, 2017|work=Oricon News|publisher=Oircon ME|access-date=April 11, 2018}}

In June, 39 members of AKB48 and their sister groups participated in the South Korean television competition Produce 48, from which Iz*One was formed.{{Cite web |date=2018-09-02 |title='Produce 48' exits, failing to make splash |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2023/03/688_254904.html |access-date=2023-03-20 |website=koreatimes |language=en}} Sakura Miyawaki, Nako Yabuki, Hitomi Honda finished high enough to earn a spot in the group.{{Cite news|url=http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=241&aid=0002774723|script-title=ko:[단독] 韓日데뷔 '프로듀스48' 걸그룹, 2년 6개월 계약 확정|access-date=April 12, 2018|language=ko}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.xportsnews.com/jenter/?ac=article_view&entry_id=919012|title=[공식입장] "'프듀'·'AKB48' 컬래버"...'프로듀스48' 내년 방송 확정|work=X Sports News|date=November 29, 2017|access-date=July 22, 2018|language=ko}} For the first time, Jurina Matsui topped the 10th installment of the AKB48 general elections with 194,453 votes.{{cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2018/06/18/jurina-matsui-triumphs-2018-akb48-general-election |title=Jurina Matsui triumphs in the 2018 AKB48 General Election {{pipe}} SBS PopAsia |publisher=Sbs.com.au |date=June 18, 2018 |access-date=February 18, 2019}} In July, the RIAJ certified "Teacher Teacher" as a triple million, making the group the first girl group to achieve it.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaj.or.jp/f/data/cert/gd.html|title=一般社団法人 日本レコード協会|website=www.riaj.or.jp|access-date=July 31, 2018}} Shortly after Produce 48, Stone Music Entertainment and Genie Music signed a deal with King Records and AKS and became the official digital distributors of AKB singles in South Korea.{{cite web|url=https://www.melon.com/album/detail.htm?albumId=10211449|title=センチメンタルトレイン (Type B)|website=www.melon.com|language=ko|access-date=November 2, 2018}} On March 13, 2019, the group's 55th single "Jiwaru Days" was released, with Rino Sashihara serving as the center performer in her last single with AKB48. The single's third song arose from a collaboration between AKB48, Nogizaka46 and Iz*One.{{cite web|url=http://akb.kingrecords.co.jp/cd/akb48_55th_1.html|title=AKB48 55thシングル収録内容一部決定のお知らせ {{!}} AKB48 King Records official website|website=akb.kingrecords.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=February 4, 2019}}{{dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} On September 18, 2019, the group released the 56th single "Sustainable", their first release of the Reiwa period and first in six months. On October 19, 2019, AKB48 held a concert in Taipei Arena with AKB48 Team TP.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eventernote.com/events/215079|title=AKB48 in Taipei 2019 〜 Are You Ready For It?|website=www.eventernote.com}}

Following the assault on NGT48 member Maho Yamaguchi, the management of AKB48 faced severe public criticism. The year 2019 marked some major changes for the group, as AKBingo and AKB48 Show!, two long running nationally broadcast variety shows featuring the group, were eventually cancelled.{{cite web|url=https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/1862196|title=AKB48冠番組「AKBingo！」終了へ 11年半の歴史に幕|website=www.mdpr.jp|date=August 21, 2019 |language=ja|access-date=January 30, 2020}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/akb48show-blog/100/314789.html|title=番組を応援してくださった皆さんへ|website=www.nhk.or.jp|language=ja|access-date=January 30, 2020|archive-date=December 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230223731/http://www.nhk.or.jp/akb48show-blog/100/314789.html|url-status=dead}} The Akihabara-based AKB48 Cafe and Shop was closed after eight years of operation.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-11-19/akb48-cafe-and-shop-in-akihabara-closes-after-8-years/.153441|title=AKB48 Cafe & Shop in Akihabara Closes After 8 Years|website=www.animenewsnetwork.com|language=en|access-date=January 30, 2020}} In 2019, three regular annual events were discontinued, including the general election,{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/akb48/news/201903130001064.html|title=AKB総選挙の開催見送り発表 09年開始以降で初|website=www.nikkansports.com|language=ja|access-date=January 30, 2020}} according to the AKS then-board director "because it exhausted its set purpose after its 10th iteration".{{cite web|url=https://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/20190323/akb19032305040002-n1.html|title=AKS松村氏、NGT騒動と総選挙開催見送りは「関係ございません」| work=SANSPO.COM|language=ja|date=March 23, 2019}} For the first time in the group's history, only two singles were released in a year. 2020 began with the announcement of plans to significantly change AKB48 management structures, with individual companies independently running each of the Japanese groups.{{cite web|url=https://www.allkpop.com/article/2020/01/akb48s-japanese-company-announces-division-of-management-in-preparation-for-izones-return-to-promotions|title=AKB48's Japanese company announces division of management in preparation for IZ*ONE's return to promotions|website=www.allkpop.com|language=en|access-date=January 30, 2020}} On March 18, 2020, the group released the 57th single "Shitsuren, Arigatō".

In April 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting stay-at-home order, the group launched the OUC48 project, named after the Japanese word for "home", {{Nihongo|2=お家|3=o-uchi}}, where the members perform regular stage plays from their own homes using group video chat, which is broadcast in real time via YouTube. This project is an expansion of an earlier video montage of 103 members singing "365 Nichi no Kami Hikōki" from their homes, personally edited into a single video by General Manager Mion Mukaichi, which was received favorably.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2020/04/16/kiji/20200416s00041000278000c.html|title=OUC48はAKB48の新たな一歩|date=April 16, 2020|website=Sponichi|trans-title=OUC48 is a new step for AKB48|access-date=April 28, 2020}} They did not participate in the NHK's 71st Kōhaku Uta Gassen due to COVID-19.{{Cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2020-11-18/sponichi-covid-19-could-be-to-blame-for-akb48-missing-out-on-this-year-kohaku-music-contest/.166448|title=Sponichi: COVID-19 Could Be to Blame for AKB48 Missing Out on This Year's Kōhaku Music Contest|website=Anime News Network|date=July 9, 2023 }}

On May 22, 2021, the last 1st Generation member, Minami Minegishi held her graduation concert entitled Minegishi Minami Graduation Concert ～Sakura no Sakanai Haru Wanai～ on Pia Arena MM. Also, Team 8 held the last leg of their Team 8 National Tour ~47 no Suteki na Machi e~ in Kanagawa, marking the official return of Hitomi Honda to AKB from her Iz*One activities.{{Cite web|url=https://www.akb48team8.jp/news/kanto/20210524-574008665059592.php|title=チーム8全国ツアー、ついに完走しました!!!}} And, they also held their Tandoku Concert, performing 48 songs non-stop, with the setlist being made by Yuki Kashiwagi. In that concert, the long-awaited 58th single was finally announced, "Nemohamo Rumor" with the senbatsu also being an AKB-only senbatsu, a first since Chance no Junban in 2010.{{Cite web|url=https://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-12684937457.html|title=AKB48『9/29発売 AKB48 58thシングル、タイトル＆選抜メンバー決定！！』|website=AKB48 Official Blog 〜1830mから～ Powered by Ameba|language=ja|access-date=2021-08-14}}{{Cite web|url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/news/akb48/item/13344-akb48-58th-single-mv-tommorrow.html|title=AKB48 To Reveal 58th Single MV Tomorrow - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News|website=jshowbiz.com|access-date=2021-08-30}} Between August 9 and 17, several members tested positive for COVID-19,{{Cite web|title=AKB48、メンバー7人がコロナ感染 倉野尾成美、坂口渚沙、活動再開の鈴木優香ほか|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2202180/full/|access-date=2021-09-25|website=Oricon News}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.akb48.co.jp/news/detailpage/54087816|title=AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告及びイベント出演辞退と公演・コンサート中止のお知らせ|website=AKB48公式サイト|language=ja|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801134949/https://www.akb48.co.jp/news/detailpage/54087816 |archive-date=August 1, 2021 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.akb48.co.jp/news/detailpage/54037423|title=AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告と 8/1開催のイベント出演に関して|website=AKB48公式サイト|language=ja|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731114938/https://www.akb48.co.jp/news/detailpage/54037423 |archive-date=July 31, 2021 }}{{Cite web|url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/news/akb48/item/13242-muto-orin-suzuki-kurumi-covid-19.html|title=Muto Orin & Suzuki Kurumi Infected with Covid-19 - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News|website=jshowbiz.com|access-date=2021-08-14}}{{Cite web|url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/news/akb48/item/13232-saito-haruna-covid-19.html|title=Saito Haruna Tested Positive For Covid-19 - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News|website=jshowbiz.com|access-date=2021-08-14}}{{Cite web|url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/news/akb48/item/13219-hashimoto-haruna-covid19.html|title=Hashimoto Haruna infected with Covid-19 - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News|website=jshowbiz.com|access-date=2021-08-14}}{{Cite web|url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/component/k2/item/13252-4-akb48-covid-19.html|title=4 More AKB48 Idols Infected with Covid-19 - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News|website=jshowbiz.com|access-date=2021-08-17}}{{Cite web|url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/component/k2/item/13257-ichikawa-manami-covid-19.html|title=Ichikawa Manami infected with Covid-19 - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News|website=jshowbiz.com|access-date=2021-08-17}}{{Cite web|url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/component/k2/item/13261-kobayashi-ran-covid-19.html|title=Kobayashi Ran infected with Covid-19 - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News|website=jshowbiz.com|access-date=2021-08-17}} however they will be resuming activities after receiving a negative result on their final COVID-19 test.{{Cite web|url=https://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-12693815731.html|title=AKB48『AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告』|website=AKB48 Official Blog 〜1830mから～ Powered by Ameba|language=ja|access-date=2021-08-23}}{{Cite web|url=https://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-12694000008.html|title=AKB48『AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告』|website=AKB48 Official Blog 〜1830mから～ Powered by Ameba|language=ja|access-date=2021-08-24}}{{Cite web|url=https://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-12694195004.html|title=AKB48『AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告』|website=AKB48 Official Blog 〜1830mから～ Powered by Ameba|language=ja|access-date=2021-08-25}}{{Cite web|url=https://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-12694558143.html|title=AKB48『AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告』|website=AKB48 Official Blog 〜1830mから～ Powered by Ameba|language=ja|access-date=2021-08-27}}{{Cite web|url=https://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-12694546677.html|title=AKB48『AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告』|website=AKB48 Official Blog 〜1830mから～ Powered by Ameba|language=ja|access-date=2021-08-28}}{{Cite web|url=https://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-12695877299.html|title=AKB48『AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告』|website=AKB48 Official Blog 〜1830mから～ Powered by Ameba|language=ja|access-date=2021-09-03}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.akb48.co.jp/news/detailpage/63312356|title=AKB48メンバーの活動に関するご報告|website=AKB48公式サイト|language=ja|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913051327/https://www.akb48.co.jp/news/detailpage/63312356 |archive-date=September 13, 2021 }} Yui Yokoyama announced her graduation from the group September 12, her graduation concert will be held on December 9 at AKB48 Theater.{{Cite web|title=Yokoyama Yui announces graduation from AKB48|url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2021/09/yokoyama-yui-announces-graduation-from-akb48|access-date=2021-10-01|website=tokyohive}}

On December 8, 2021, at their 16th Anniversary concert, the group announced auditions for their 17th Generation.{{Cite web|script-title=ja:AKB48公式|url=https://twitter.com/akb48_staff|access-date=2021-12-19|website=Twitter|language=en}} On top of this, a Team Shuffle was also announced, with the changes taking effect on February 6, 2022. Mion Mukaichi, Manaka Taguchi, Nanami Asai and Narumi Kuranoo were appointed captains of Team A, K, B and 4 respectively.{{Cite web |title=AKB48 Team Shuffle, Kuranoo Narumi Appointed Team 4 Captain - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News |url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/component/k2/item/14192-akb48-team-shuffle.html |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=jshowbiz.com}} On December 12, long-time member Miho Miyazaki announced her graduation from the group. Four days later, on December 16, Rena Kato announced her graduation from the group. They both graduated in February 2022.{{cite web|access-date=2022-04-18|title=AKB48's Miyazaki Miho to graduate and pursue activities in South Korea|url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2021/12/akb48s-miyazaki-miho-to-graduate-and-pursue-activities-in-south-korea|website=tokyohive}}{{cite web|access-date=2022-04-18|title=AKB48's Kato Rena announces graduation|url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2021/12/akb48s-kato-rena-announces-graduation|website=tokyohive}}

On February 23, 2022, the group announced their 59th single "Motokare Desu" during the group's television show AKB48, Saikin Kiita? with Hitomi Honda serving as center position. This single would be sung by 20 members of AKB-only senbatsu and released on May 18, 2022.{{Cite web|title=AKB48 59thシングル 5月18日（水）発売決定！|url=https://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-12728311235.html|website=AKB48 Official Blog 〜1830mから～ Powered by Ameba|language=ja|access-date=2022-02-22}}

On May 4, 2022, 11 new trainees from 17th generation members were introduced to the public for the first time.{{cite web|url=https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/3137821|title=AKB48、第17期生11名お披露目 最年少は14歳、メンバー実妹も | trans-title=AKB48, 17th generation 11 trainess unveiled, The youngest is 14 years old, including member's sister|language=ja|website=modelpress|date=April 20, 2022 |access-date=May 4, 2022}} On June 29, AKB48 confirmed that 6 members Erii Chiba, Ma Chia-Ling, Mion Mukaichi, Yuzuka Yoshihashi, Nanami Asai and Narumi Kuranoo were infected with COVID-19, and Sakaguchi Nagisa needed to have a break from the idol group's activities for a period of time.{{Cite web |title=AKB48 Add 6 New COVID-19 Cases - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News |url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/news/akb48/item/15788-akb48-6-covid-19-case.html |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=jshowbiz.com}} Hitomi Otake and Orin Muto were also infected on the same day,{{Cite web |title=Two More AKB48 Idols Infected With COVID - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News |url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/news/akb48/item/15798-otake-hitomi-muto-orin-covid.html |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=jshowbiz.com}} and Serika Nagano on the next day.{{Cite web |title=Team 8 Nagano Serika Infected With COVID - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News |url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/news/akb48/item/15804-nagano-serika-covid.html |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=jshowbiz.com}} On October 9, 2022, the group announced auditions for their 18th Generation,{{Cite web |title=AKB48 Announce 18th Gen Audition - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News |url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/component/k2/item/16557-akb48-18th-gen.html |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=jshowbiz.com}} and released their 60th single "Hisashiburi no Lip Gloss" on October 19, 2022, with Erii Chiba serving as the center for the single.{{Cite web |title=Chiba Erii Appointed AKB48 60th Single CENTER - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News |url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/news/j-pop/item/16112-chiba-erii-akb48-60th-single-center.html |access-date=2022-09-11 |website=jshowbiz.com}} On February 27, 2023, AKB48 announced that their 61st single "Doushitemo Kimi ga Suki da" will be released on April 26, 2023, and Hitomi Honda will serve the center position for the single,{{Cite web |title=AKB48 Update 61st Single doushitemo kimi ga suki da Details - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News |url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/component/k2/item/17702-akb48-61st-single-doushitemo-kimi-ga-suki-da.html |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=jshowbiz.com}} they also announced on YouTube that they will work with Universal Music Group (through their EMI Records banner) from now on.{{Cite web |title=AKB48 Announce 61st Single, Transferred To Universal Music - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News |url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/component/k2/item/17580-akb48-61-single.html |access-date=2023-02-27 |website=jshowbiz.com}} On April 9, 2023, 8 new trainees from 18th generation made their debut at the Theater.{{Cite web |title=(Video) AKB48 18th Gen KKS Make Their Debut - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News |url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/news/movie/item/17889-akb48-18th-gen-kks.html |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=jshowbiz.com}} On April 29, 2023, the group announced that they are ending their team and captain system, with the last performances for the current teams to be held in August 2023.{{Cite web |title=AKB48 Abolish Team System - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News |url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/news/akb48/item/18033-akb48-abolish-team-system.html|access-date=2023-05-07 |website=jshowbiz.com}} On July 28, 2023, AKB48 announced that their 62nd single will be released on September 27, 2023, and Yui Oguri will serve the center position for the single.{{Cite web |title=Oguri Yui Serves CENTER For AKB48 62nd Single - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News |url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/news/item/18604-akb48-62nd-single.html |access-date=2023-07-28 |website=jshowbiz.com}}

On October 20, 2023, long-time member Yuki Kashiwagi announced her graduation at AKB48's Nippon Budokan 3-day concert, she will hold her graduation concert on March 16, 2024 at Pia Arena MM and leave AKB48 in April.{{Cite web |title=The Idol Kashiwagi Yuki Announced Graduating From AKB48 - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News |url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/news/akb48/item/19283-kashiwagi-yuki-graduating-from-akb48.html |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=jshowbiz.com}} On October 22, at the final day of AKB48's Nippon Budokan concert, the group announced auditions for their 19th Generation.{{Cite web |last=Daily |first=AKB48 |title=AKB48's Surprise Announcement Of 19th Generation Audition - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News |url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/component/k2/item/19296-akb48-19th-generation.html |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=jshowbiz.com |language=en-gb}} On December 8, AKB48 announced at AKB48 Theater's 18th anniversary that they will release their 63rd single - Yuki Kashiwagi's graduation single on 13 March 2024, and she will serve the center position for the single.{{Cite web |last=Daily |first=AKB48 |title=AKB48 Announce 63rd Single, With Kashiwagi Yuki As CENTER - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News |url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/news/akb48/item/19724-akb48-63rd-single.html |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=jshowbiz.com |language=en-gb}}

On October 6, 2024, AKB48 announces their cover album and tenth overall Nantettatte AKB48 to be released on December 25, 2024,{{Cite web |title=AKB48、初カバーアルバム全14曲発表 リード曲は小泉今日子「なんてったってアイドル」 乃木坂46の名曲も【楽曲一覧】 |trans-title=AKB48 announces first cover album with 14 songs. Lead song is Kyoko Koizumi's "Nantatta Idol" Also includes Nogizaka46's famous songs [List of songs] |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2354923/full/ |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=ORICON NEWS}} with Yuiri Murayama served the center position for the album.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-06 |title=AKB48 10thアルバム 2024年12月25日（水）発売決定！！ |trans-title=AKB48's 10th album will be released on Wednesday, December 25, 2024! |url=https://www.universal-music.co.jp/akb48/news/2024-10-06/ |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=AKB48 |language=ja}}

{{Main|AKB48 Group}}

AKB48 has sister groups created domestically and overseas, which are collectively referred to as AKB48 Group.

Andrew Joyce and Kenneth Maxwell of The Wall Street Journal described the music as "sugar-sweet pop tunes and sometimes-suggestive lyrics". During AKB48 performances, "members perform a revue of simply choreographed routines in front of a roughly 95-percent-male audience. The music is typical Japanese pop: fast-paced numbers with high-pitched, singalong choruses."{{cite news|last=Joyce |first=Andrew |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203733304577101733547361496 |title=Japan Goes Gaga Over AKB48, a 92-Member Girl Group – WSJ.com |publisher=Online.wsj.com |date=December 28, 2011 |access-date=April 25, 2013}}

AKB48 and its sister groups boost their record sales by a variety of marketing strategies. The main track for each single is recorded by a team of {{Nihongo|"All Stars"|選抜|senbatsu|selection}} consisting of popular members from AKB48's teams and, in earlier years, its sister groups, with one of the girls selected as the center performer or Center. This creates a competitive atmosphere between members and fan groups. The singles and albums are released in different editions and types with alternate album-cover pictures, B-side tracks, video DVDs, collectible member pictures, and voting codes for several annual election contests.{{cite web|url=http://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/12/14/whos-still-buying-physical-media-in-japan-top-20-singles-lists-for-the-year-reveal-the-answer |title=Who's still buying physical media in Japan? Top 20 singles lists for the year reveal the answer |first=Casey |last=Baseel | publisher=rocketnews24.com |date=December 14, 2014 |access-date=January 28, 2015}} Record purchases come with tickets for fan meetings, including handshake events or photo sessions. Customers can choose the members they want to meet in an online pre-order system. All these strategies motivate fans to buy more than one copy of each release.{{cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2017/10/19/akb48-fan-allegedly-dumps-585-cds-mountain-fukuoka |title=AKB48 fan allegedly dumps 585 CDs on a mountain in Fukuoka |first=Patrick|last=St. Michael| website=sbs.com |date=October 19, 2017 |access-date=March 30, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2015/12/27/music/future-japanese-music-depend-streaming-services/ |title=Does the future of Japanese music depend on streaming services? |first=Jun|last=Morikawa | website=japantimes.co.jp |date=December 27, 2015 |access-date=March 30, 2020}} Alan Swarts of MTV Japan has noted that collectors purchasing multiple copies of AKB48 CDs have inflated the market, and is one of the reasons Japan's music industry has been booming.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/global/1568815/why-japans-music-industry-is-booming-for-now/ |title=Why Japan's Music Industry Is Booming... For Now |first=Alan |last=Swarts | website=Billboard.com |date=July 23, 2013 |access-date=May 29, 2014}}

{{distinguish|text = Japanese High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, A Japanese High School Baseball Tournament that also uses the Term "Senbatsu" in romaji, but Japanese writing in Katakana (センバツ) instead.}}

The group has publicized special events to choose the promotional and recording lineups for some of its singles.{{cite news|title=Japan's AKB48, a girl pop group whose lineup is chosen by fans, set to go global|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/japan-akb48-girl-pop-group-lineup-chosen-fans-set-global-article-1.1094083|date=June 12, 2012|agency = Associated Press| publisher=NY Daily News|access-date=April 7, 2013|location=New York}} In 2009, the concept of {{nihongo3||選抜総選挙|senbatsu sōsenkyo|"selection general election"}} was introduced, which allowed fans to vote their favorite members into the promotional line up for one of their annual singles. Ballots are obtained by purchasing the group's latest "election single", or, alternatively, through the group's mobile app products and fan club subscriptions.{{cite web|url=http://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-10260244797.html|title=AKB48 13thシングル 選抜総選 |work=AKB48 Official Blog / Ameblo | date=May 13, 2009 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2013/07/01/language/voting-for-idols-is-bigger-than-politics/|title=Voting for idols is bigger than politics|work=Japan Times|date=July 1, 2013|first=Minoru|last=Matsutani}} Top vote-getting members are heavily promoted, with the winner getting the centerpiece of the group's live performances of the single.{{cite web | last1 = St. Michel | first1 = Patrick | last2 = Kikuchi | first2 = Daisuke |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2012/05/31/music/akb48-election-shows-marketing-brilliance/ | title = AKB48 'election' shows marketing brilliance| work = Japan Times| date = May 31, 2012 | page = 17}} The total pool of votes counted has exceeded three million votes for individual events since 2015.{{cite news|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2092655/full/| title = 【第9回AKB総選挙】総投票数が過去最多338万票に ハプニング続きも記録更新 | publisher = Oricon| date = June 17, 2017}} Fans have reportedly bought hundreds of copies of singles to vote for their favorite members.{{cite web|last=Beck |first=Julie |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/09/lady-gagas-scandalous-attempt-to-rally-fans-j-pop-style/279661/ |title=Lady Gaga's Scandalous Attempt to Rally Fans, J-Pop Style – Patrick St. Michel |publisher=The Atlantic |date=September 16, 2013 |access-date=January 14, 2014}}{{cite web|last=Robertson |first=Adi |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/2/8/3967268/akb48-minami-minegishi-how-a-j-pop-cult-took-over-japan |title=Dating AKB48: the J-pop cult banned from falling in love |publisher=The Verge |date=February 8, 2013 |access-date=January 14, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-07-03/cds-rule-japans-music-market-thanks-to-girl-groups-and-add-ons |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707055925/http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-07-03/cds-rule-japans-music-market-thanks-to-girl-groups-and-add-ons |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 7, 2013 |title=CDs Rule Japan's Music Market, Thanks to Girl Groups and Add-Ons |publisher=Businessweek |date=July 3, 2013 |access-date=January 14, 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://asiancorrespondent.com/83481/akb48-annual-elections-only-a-week-away/ |title=Japan: AKB48 annual elections only a week away |publisher=Asian Correspondent |first=Anna |last=Watanabe |date=May 31, 2012 |access-date=January 14, 2014 |archive-date=May 31, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531100739/http://asiancorrespondent.com/83481/akb48-annual-elections-only-a-week-away/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5806153/when-you-have-too-much-money-questionable-judgment-and-like-idols/ |title=When You Have Too Much Money, Questionable Judgment, and Like Idols |publisher=Kotaku.com |date=May 27, 2011 |access-date=January 14, 2014}}

Another selection method, AKB48's rock-paper-scissors tournaments, was introduced in 2010 for the group's 19th single ("Chance no Junban") and has recurred as an annual event.{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/40077 | title=AKB48、じゃんけん選抜シングルは「チャンスの順番」 | work=Natalie| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| date=November 4, 2010| access-date=April 21, 2012|language=ja}} Members of AKB48 and its sister groups compete in the knockout tournament to be part of the recording and promotional lineup for the group's next single,{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/56811 | title=AKB48じゃんけん選抜詳細レポ「新しいAKBの形見えた」 | work=Natalie| publisher=Natasha, Inc.| date=September 21, 2011| access-date=April 21, 2012 |language=ja}} with participants wearing a variety of costumes. Starting with 2014, the tournament does not determine the promotional line up of a single anymore. Instead, the winner would debut as a soloist or, if she was already a soloist, would perform a solo concert.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2040711/full/ | title=AKBじゃんけん優勝特典はソロデビュー | work=Oricon| date=August 7, 2014| access-date=September 15, 2012 |language=ja}}

AKB48 has also used the general election scheme to determine set lists for an annual {{nihongo|Request Hour|リクエストアワー|rikuesuto awā}} show.{{citation needed|reason=need source for description of process|date=September 2016}} Other annual events include an AKB48 group only version of Kōhaku Uta Gassen{{citation needed|reason=need source for event establishment|date=September 2016}} and the {{nihongo|AKB group draft meeting|AKB48グループ ドラフト会議|AKB48 gurūpu dorafuto kaigi}}, in which all teams from any of the sister groups chose new members from a pre-selected group of applicants.{{cite web|url=http://www.akb48.co.jp/akbdraft/|title = AKB48公式サイト｜AKB48グループ ドラフト会議|publisher = AKB48|access-date = January 5, 2016|language = ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.akb48.co.jp/akbdraft_2nd/|title = 第2回AKB48グループドラフト会議とは|publisher = AKB48|access-date = January 5, 2016|language = ja}}

In 2019, the general election, the Janken tournament, and Kōhaku Uta Gassen were not held.

Four AKB48 documentaries have been released in theaters since 2011. The first, Documentary of AKB48 – To Be Continued, was released in Japan on January 22, 2011{{cite web |url=http://eiga.com/movie/55861/|title= Documentary of AKB48 to be continued 10年後、少女たちは今の自分に何を思うのだろう？|access-date= January 28, 2014|work= eiga.com|language= ja}} and on DVD in North America on December 1.{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-11-14/new-people-entertainment-announces-dvd-release-of-akb48-documentary|title= New People Entertainment Announces DVD Release Of AKB48 Documentary|date= November 14, 2011|access-date= January 28, 2014|work= Anime News Network}} The second, Documentary of AKB48: Show Must Go On Shōjo-tachi wa Kizutsuki Nagara, Yume wo Miru, was released on January 27, 2012 and earned $3,984,152 at the Japanese box office.{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?page=&country=JP&id=_fDOCUMENTARYOFAKB01|title= Documentary of akb48: show must go on|access-date= August 27, 2014|work= Box Office Mojo}} The third, Documentary of AKB48: No Flower Without Rain: Shōjo Tachi wa Namida no Ato ni Nani o Miru?, was released on February 2, 2013{{cite web |url=http://eiga.com/movie/77715/|title= Documentary of AKB48 No flower without rain 少女たちは涙の後に何を見る？|access-date= January 28, 2014|work= eiga.com|language= ja}} and earned $2,269,118 at the Japanese box office.{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?page=&country=JP&id=_fDOCUMENTARYOFAKB02|title= Documentary of akb48: no flower without rain|access-date= August 27, 2014|work= Box Office Mojo}} The fourth, Documentary of AKB48 The Time has come Shōjo-tachi wa, Ima, Sono Senaka ni Nani wo Omou?, was released on July 4, 2014{{cite web |url=http://eiga.com/movie/80239/|title= Documentary of AKB48 The time has come 少女たちは、今、その背中に何を想う？|access-date= August 26, 2014|work= eiga.com|language= ja}} and (as of July 13, 2014) grossed $984,757 at the Japanese box office.{{cite web |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/intl/japan/?yr=2014&wk=28&p=.htm|title= Japan Box Office July 12–13, 2014|access-date= August 27, 2014|work= Box Office Mojo}} Each film chronicled events and issues encountered by the group during the previous year. The most recent film was Sonzai Suru Riy: Documentary of AKB48 was released on July 8, 2016.{{cite web |url=https://eiga.com/movie/81531/|title= 存在する理由 Documentary of AKB48|access-date= February 13, 2020|work= eiga.com|language= ja}}

The manga AKB49: Ren'ai Kinshi Jōrei revolves around AKB48, featuring group members in the story as supporting characters.{{cite web|url=http://www.cinematoday.jp/page/N0026476 |title=マンガ「AKB49」はAKB48大島優子も納得の出来!?「楽屋での私のまんまだ((;゜Д゜))」 |publisher=Cinema Today |language=ja|access-date=October 23, 2011|date=August 26, 2010}} The 2012 anime series AKB0048 is a science-fiction series based on the group, with production supervised by Yasushi Akimoto.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-04-20/akb0048-idol-sci-fi-anime-tv-ad-streamed |title=AKB0048 Idol Sci-Fi Anime's TV Ad Streamed |publisher=Anime News Network |access-date=May 21, 2012|date=April 20, 2012}} Nine characters in the anime are voiced by members of AKB48 and its sister groups. First airing in Japan in the spring of 2012, a second season was broadcast in 2013.{{cite web|title=AKB0048 next stage's 1st Promo Streamed|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-12-12/akb0048-next-stage-1st-promo-streamed|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=April 19, 2015|date=December 12, 2012}}

The group has its own visual novel-dating sim series. In the first installment, AKB1/48: Idol to Koishitara... (released December 23, 2010), the player engages in a relationship with one of the members. The second installment, AKB1/48: Idol to Guam de Koishitara... (released October 10, 2011, with a similar storyline) is set in Guam. The third installment, AKB1/149 Ren'ai Sōsenkyo (released December 20, 2012), expands the scenarios to AKB48 sister groups SKE48, NMB48 and HKT48. The three games were released for PlayStation Portable, with Ren'ai Sousenkyo also released for PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 3.{{citation needed|date=January 2014}} In 2014 Namco Bandai developed Sailor Zombie: AKB48 Arcade Edition, as a tie-in for the television drama going by the same name, in which AKB48 members are also the main cast. In this arcade game, the player must use a light gun to shoot vaccine bullets at zombified AKB48 members. The game includes a rhythm game in which the zombie idols dance.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/02/06/akb48-arcade-game-pretty-much-akb48-house-dead/ |title=The AKB48 Arcade Game Is Pretty Much AKB48 House Of The Dead |publisher=Siliconera |date=February 6, 2014 |access-date=March 31, 2014}} In April 2014, a rhythm game was released for Android and iOS, in which the players select their favourite line up and may compete in various community events.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/05/07/akb48-finally-gets-official-music-game-well-name-game/|title = AKB48 finally gets an official music game|publisher = Siliconera|date = May 7, 2014|access-date = January 6, 2015}} In 2012, AKB48+Me was published for the Nintendo 3DS, which let the players try to become a member of AKB48.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2012/10/17/3517014/japan-review-check-akb48-borderlands-2-forza-horizon/|title = Japan Review Check: AKB48, Borderlands 2, Forza: Horizon|publisher = Polygon.com|date = October 17, 2012|access-date = January 6, 2015}} An ad for Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS also featured Miis of the group, specifically showing off member Yuki Kashiwagi and former members Mayu Watanabe and Minami Takahashi.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5L6NliO2LQ| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/J5L6NliO2LQ| archive-date=2021-11-07 | url-status=live|title = Super Smash Bros. for 3DS – Japanese Commercial #4! [AKB48 Promotion Video]|publisher = Ndukauba|date = September 7, 2014}}{{cbignore}}

{{See also|AKB48 filmography#TV shows}}

AKB48's producers have developed several television shows to promote the group. AKBingo!, AKB48 Show!, AKB to XX, and {{Interlanguage link|Nemōsu TV|ja|AKB48ネ申テレビ|vertical-align=sup}} were variety shows.{{citation needed|date=September 2016}} The Majisuka Gakuen series{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2010-07-08/from-akiba-to-l.a-with-akb48|title=From Akiba to L.A. with AKB48|access-date=March 15, 2017}} and {{Interlanguage link|Sakura Karano Tegami|ja|桜からの手紙 〜AKB48 それぞれの卒業物語〜|vertical-align=sup}} feature group members in dramatic roles. Outside the self-developed house shows, members of AKB48 have appeared in high-profile programs such as Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!, Waratte Iitomo! or SMAPxSMAP.{{Cite web |last=JpopAsia |title=AKB48's Senbatsu Makes Appearance On SMAP X SMAP |url=https://www.jpopasia.com/feed/10576/akb48s-senbatsu-makes-appearance-on-smap-x-smap/ |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=JpopAsia |language=en}} Members frequently appear in gravure magazines.{{citation needed|date=September 2016}} Since 2016, the streaming platform 'Showroom' collaborates with the AKB48 group and offers a steady supply of rotating group members streaming in private situations.{{cite web|url=https://campaign.showroom-live.com/akb48_sr/ |title=AKB48 Group x Showroom|publisher=Showroom|access-date=January 31, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://realsound.jp/2016/10/post-9697.html |title=AKB48グループ、Showroom にて個人配信スタート メンバー各自の好きなタイミングで生配信|date=October 13, 2016 |publisher=realsound|access-date=January 31, 2020}} AKB48 will open their community on Hybe's global fan platform Weverse from April 27, 2023, their Weverse DM services will start on May 2, and 16 AKB48 61st single's senbatsu idols will join first.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-25 |title=Japanese girl group AKB48 to join Hybe's Weverse DM |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2023/04/25/entertainment/kpop/Korea-Kpop-Jpop/20230425142706452.html |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}}

Tower Records Japan CEO Ikuo Minewaki described AKB48 as a popular act,{{cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2013/06/24/as-cds-spin-on-in-japan-tower-records-rocks-on/|title=As CDs Spin On in Japan, Tower Records Rocks On|publisher=Japan Real Time|date=June 14, 2013|access-date=July 3, 2013}} and the group has been characterized as a social phenomenon in Japan.{{cite web|url=http://mantan-web.jp/2012/05/06/20120504dog00m200011000c.html|title=ももクロ ： "音楽好き"の支持でポストAKBに急浮上？ 群雄割拠のアイドルシーン|publisher=Mainichi Shimbun Digital|date=May 6, 2012|access-date=May 18, 2012|language=ja|archive-date=May 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510053836/http://mantan-web.jp/2012/05/06/20120504dog00m200011000c.html|url-status=dead}} In 2012 AKB48 had record sales in Japan of over $226 million.{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2012/12/oricon-reveals-artist-total-sales-revenue-ranking-for-2012/|title=Oricon reveals "Artist Total Sales Revenue" ranking for 2012|work=Tokyohive|date=December 20, 2012|access-date=August 5, 2013}} – references Oricon article Total sales of over $128 million were reported for 2013, and of over $96 million in 2015.{{cite news|url=http://aramajapan.com/news/music/oricon-unveils-their-yearly-sales-rankings-for-2015/53356//|title=Oricon unveils their Yearly Sales Rankings for 2015|publisher=aramajapan|date=December 21, 2015|access-date=December 26, 2015}} According to Oricon, as of January 6, 2012, AKB48 sold a total of 11,787,000 singles, setting a record for "the most singles sold in Japan by a female group". The group's last 35 singles have topped the weekly Oricon Singles Chart. In 2010 "Beginner" and "Heavy Rotation" placed first and second, respectively, on the list of Japan's bestselling singles of the year;{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/js/y/|title=シングル年間ランキング-Oricon Style ランキング|access-date=July 17, 2011|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722071123/http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/js/y/|archive-date=July 22, 2011 |url-status = live}} From 2010 to 2019, AKB48's singles have occupied at least the top two, and sometimes the top four or five spots of the Oricon Yearly Singles Chart.Oricon Yearly Singles Chart (2010-2019):

• {{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/2010/musicrank1220/index02.html|title=年間 CDシングルランキング 2010年度|date=2010-12-22|website=Oricon|url-status=live|access-date=26 October 2022|archive-date=2010-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222011137/https://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/2010/musicrank1220/index02.html}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/js/y/2011/|title=年間 CDシングルランキング 2011年度|date=2011-12-31|website=Oricon|url-status=live|access-date=26 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111231203816/http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/js/y/2011/|archive-date=2011-12-31}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2012/12/oricon-reveals-their-yearly-single-ranking-for-2012|title=Oricon reveals their yearly single ranking for 2012|date=2013-06-14|website=|url-status=live|access-date=26 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614215324/http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2012/12/oricon-reveals-their-yearly-single-ranking-for-2012/|archive-date=2013-06-14}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2013/12/oricon-2013-yearly-charts-singles|title=Oricon 2013 Yearly Charts : Singles|date=2013-12-16|website=|url-status=live|access-date=26 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216020510/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2013/12/oricon-2013-yearly-charts-singles|archive-date=2013-12-16}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/special/47530/2/|title=2014年 年間音楽＆映像ランキング発表|date=2014-12-23|website=Oricon|url-status=live|access-date=26 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223084421/https://www.oricon.co.jp/special/47530/2/|archive-date=2014-12-23}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/special/48546/|title=2015年 年間音楽ランキングを発表！|date=2015-12-25|website=Oricon|url-status=live|access-date=26 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225013544/https://www.oricon.co.jp/special/48546/|archive-date=2015-12-25}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/special/49664/2/|title=2016年 年間音楽ランキングを発表！|date=2016-12-24|website=Oricon|url-status=live|access-date=26 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224150716/https://www.oricon.co.jp/special/49664/2/|archive-date=2016-12-24}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/js/y/2017/|title=2017年 年間音楽ランキングを発表！|date=2017-12-27|website=Oricon|url-status=live|access-date=26 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227124357/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/js/y/2017/|archive-date=2017-12-27}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/js/y/2018/|title=2018年 年間音楽ランキングを発表！|date=2018-12-20|website=Oricon|url-status=live|access-date=26 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220230509/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/js/y/2018/|archive-date=2018-12-20}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/js/y/2019/|title=2019年 年間音楽ランキングを発表！|date=2019-12-22|website=Oricon|url-status=live|access-date=26 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222192900/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/js/y/2019/|archive-date=2019-12-22}} By June 2018, the group has sold over 60 million records, including over 6 million albums. AKB48 is the highest selling musical act in Japan in terms of singles sold. However, AKB48's 42nd single "Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby" failed to sell more than one million copies in the first week after its release, ending a run of single releases achieving this feat, starting with "Everyday, Katyusha" in 2011.{{cite web|url = http://www.tnsori.com/20151221-oricon-single-weekly/|title = Oricon weekly (singles)|publisher = The Natsu Style|date = December 15, 2014|access-date = December 25, 2015|archive-date = September 21, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200921194650/http://www.tnsori.com/20151221-oricon-single-weekly|url-status = dead}}

Beside CD sales, AKB48 enjoys commercial success in other areas as well. The group has six singles certificated by RIAJ for reaching a million downloads each.{{cite web |title=「恋するフォーチュンクッキー」が、有料音楽配信認定においてミリオンになったので、他のAKB48曲を含めて考察しました |url=http://natuka-shinobu.hatenablog.com/entry/20150421/1429617387 |access-date=October 20, 2019 |archive-date=October 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020104907/http://natuka-shinobu.hatenablog.com/entry/20150421/1429617387 |url-status=dead }} According to Joysound, AKB48 has been named the karaoke artist of the year for four years in a row (2011–2014).{{Cite web|url=https://www.joysound.com/web/s/karaoke/contents/annual_ranking/2014|title=2014年Joysound年間ランキング|website=Joysound.com}} In 2011, eight positions of annual top 10 photobook sales were occupied by group members.{{Cite web|url=https://entamedata.web.fc2.com/hobby/hit_book_tare2011.html|title=2011年間ヒットタレント本/写真集【PRiVATE LiFE】年間ランキング|website=entamedata.web.fc2.com}} In 2012, six members topped the individual rankings of advertisement campaigns.{{Cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2019500/full/|title=年間CM起用社数、女性上位はAKB独占 男性は石川遼が4連覇|website=Oricon News|date=September 26, 2019 }} AKB48 is also one of the most viewed Japanese artists on YouTube.{{cite web |title=JPpo News: Top 10 Most Viewed JPop Music Video|url=https://www.snrcloud.com/jpop-news-top-10-most-viewed-jpop-music-video/#targetText=AKB48%20%E2%80%93%20Koi%20Suru%20Fortune%20Cookie&targetText=It%20involved%203%2C800%20extras.,million%2Dviews%20MVs%20on%20Youtube}}

AKB48 holds several Guinness World Records, including being recognized on December 1, 2010, as the "largest pop group" when it numbered 48 members. It set a record for "most same-product television endorsements within 24 hours" on February 28, 2012, after 90 group members appeared in 90 different commercials aired in the Kanto, Kansai and Tokai regions of Japan.{{cite web|url=http://sg.news.yahoo.com/akb48s-guinness-world-record-064700948.html |title=AKB48's new Guinness World Record |publisher=Yahoo! Singapore|work=Cinema Online|date=March 7, 2012|access-date=May 10, 2012}} Japanese ambassador to the United States Ichirō Fujisaki, on meeting the group during its visit to Washington, D.C., said that "AKB" stood for "adorable, kind and beautiful". On February 1, 2012, Japan Post issued a stamp commemorating the group.{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111125f3.html |title=New postage stamp sheets feature AKB48 |publisher=Yahoo! Singapore|work=Japan Times |date=November 25, 2011|access-date=May 10, 2012}}

One of the group's risqué music videos has been considered controversial. "Heavy Rotation"'s video was criticized by Western reporters for showing AKB48 members in lingerie and underwear, hugging, kissing and sharing a bath. Its director, Mika Ninagawa, said that she wanted to appeal to men and women with a creative, fun video because of the group's increasing popularity among girls.{{cite journal|title=スペシャルロングインタビュー: 秋元康「AKB48の秘密」|journal=M Girl|year=2011|issue=2011 Spring/Summer|publisher=Matoi Publishing|isbn=9784905353027}} In an interview, she accepted responsibility for its content: "Mr. Akimoto left everything to me. He did not give me any tips at all...I tried to show how AKB48 is in real life, in the video. In the dressing room, they seemed very close to each other. Then I came up with the concept [of a] girls' high school."{{cite web |url=http://nihongogo.com/2013/06/the-truth-behind-heavy-rotation/| title = The Truth Behind Heavy Rotation | first = Jeffrey | last = To | work = Nihongogo | date = June 23, 2013}}

In February 2013 group member Minami Minegishi, had her head shaved and appeared in a YouTube video to apologize after it was reported by a tabloid that she had spent the night with a man in violation of her contract; she was demoted to the status of trainee. Although her shaved head was self-inflicted in an apologetic response to her fans and peers for her demotion, it was seen as an overreaction and attracted criticism of how the situation was handled.{{cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/02/pop-star-shaves-head-minami-minegishi-japan_n_2608048.html |title=Minami Minegishi, Japanese Pop Star, Shaves Head As Penance For Dating |publisher=Huffington Post |date=February 2, 2013 |access-date=April 2, 2013 |first=Dominique |last=Mosbergen}}

A 2016 NHK documentary reported that the popularity of AKB48's handshake sessions may contribute to the decline of romantic relationships among young Japanese people, including "herbivore men", which triggered debates. According to the report, some fans would rather spend their time supporting their favourite idols than actively pursuing love interests.{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/japans-lack-of-romance-is_b_13927634.html|title = Japan's Lack of Romance: Is It Due to Idol Culture?|website=The Huffington Post|date = January 2, 2017|access-date = January 2, 2017}}

File:Don Quijote Akihabara Shop.JPG

The AKB48 Theater (AKB48劇場) is a live performance venue created especially for performances by AKB48, based around the concept of AKB48 being “idols you can meet”. The AKB48 Theater is located on the 8th Floor of the Don Quixote Akihabara Building in Kanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo. The Theater has a capacity of 250 people (including standing audience members); the seats are located very close to the stage. Performances by the different AKB48 teams and by AKB48 trainees are held on a more or less daily basis, and the Theater is very popular with AKB48's enthusiastic fans.

AKB48 Theater had been temporarily closed for several reasons over the years, most recently due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |last=JpopAsia |title=AKB48 Theater Closes Due to Earthquake |url=https://www.jpopasia.com/feed/5198/akb48-theater-closes-due-to-earthquake/ |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=JpopAsia |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2021-01-06 |title=Japanese all-girl pop group AKB48 suspends Akihabara performances |language=en |work=Mainichi Daily News |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210106/p2a/00m/0et/031000c |access-date=2022-06-29}}{{Cite web |title=AKB48 Theater Closed Again Over COVID-19 - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News |url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/component/k2/item/12203-akb48-theater-closed.html |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=jshowbiz.com}} A cafeteria & shop were open inside the theater since 2011, however they both closed after 8 years.{{Cite web |title=AKB48 CAFE finally closes its doors - 48/46 J-POP & Showbiz News |url=https://jshowbiz.com/english/component/k2/item/7824-akb48-cafe-closes-doors.html |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=jshowbiz.com}}

The current theater manager is Hiroshi Yuasa, and Shinobu Kayano is General Theater Manager of all 48 Groups.

To celebrate Atsuko Maeda's graduation from AKB48, a photo mosaic was created with 10,000 pictures sent by fans. The poster was displayed at AKB48 Theater between August 27 through September 3.

AKB Theater Anniversary is coincide with AKB48 Anniversary.{{Cite web |last=AKB48 |title=AKB48公式サイト {{!}} AKB48劇場 |trans-title=AKB48 Theater |url=https://www.akb48.co.jp/theater |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=AKB48公式サイト |language=ja}}

On 17 March 2024, it was announced that after 19 years of operations, the theatre will undergo renovations from September, with the last performance at the current theatre to be held on 1 September 2024.{{Cite web |date=March 17, 2024 |title=AKB48劇場、今秋リニューアルへ 工事中は全国で「出張公演」 |url=https://www.asahi.com/sp/articles/ASS3K64NYS3HOXIE01Y.html |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=asahi.com}} Renovations are slated to be completed by 7 December 2024, a day before AKB48's 19th anniversary.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-08 |title=AKB48、新劇場がついにお披露目「ここからだ」再出発誓う 高橋みなみも変貌ぶりに衝撃「想像を超えてきた」 |trans-title=AKB48's new theater finally unveiled, "This is where it all begins" - Takahashi Minami also shocked by the transformation, "It's beyond my imagination" |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2357871/full/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=ORICON NEWS}}

In February 2012 AKB48 said it would donate ¥580 million to the Japanese Red Cross, and later it was reported that the group had raised a total of over ¥1.25 billion for earthquake and tsunami relief.{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/akb48-charity-efforts-have-raised-1-25-billion-yen-in-donations/|title=AKB48 charity efforts have raised 1.25 billion yen in donations|date=February 18, 2011|publisher=Tokyograph (based on articles by Oricon and Sankei sports)|access-date=July 21, 2012}} On March 8, 2013, the group released "Tenohira ga Kataru Koto", another song dedicated to the March 2011 disaster victims, on its website for free digital download.{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2013/02/akb48-to-distribute-another-charity-song-for-free/ |title=AKB48 to distribute another charity song for free |publisher=tokyohive.com |date=March 1, 2013 |access-date=January 1, 2014}} On the second anniversary of the disaster AKB48 and its sister groups visited the affected areas, performing at schools and the AKB48, SKE48, NMB48 and HKT48 theaters with proceeds aiding the ongoing recovery.{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2013/03/akb48-sister-groups-hold-special-performances-at-their-theaters-the-disaster-areas/ |title=AKB48 & sister groups hold special performances at their theaters + the disaster areas |publisher=tokyohive.com |date=March 11, 2013 |access-date=January 1, 2014}}

{{Main|List of AKB48 members|List of former members of AKB48}}

AKB48's line up has frequently changed due to departures, admissions, team rotations, and transfers between AKB48 and its various sister groups. The group consists of 44 active members, including 36 official members and 8 trainees who initially serve on specific teams as understudies until they are promoted. Some sister group members have held concurrent positions with AKB48 in the past, however, the practice has ended and since 2018, no sister group member has held a concurrent position with AKB48. Narumi Kuranoo is the current AKB48 captain and current general manager of AKB48 and its sister groups.

{{Main|AKB48 discography}}

• Koko ni Ita Koto (2011)
• 1830m (2012)
• Tsugi no Ashiato (2014)
• Koko ga Rhodes da, Koko de Tobe! (2015)
• Thumbnail (2017)
• Bokutachi wa, Ano Hi no Yoake wo Shitteiru (2018)
• Nantettatte AKB48 (2024)

{{Main|AKB48 filmography}}

The following table lists some of the major awards received by the group.

The group and its songs have set the following records:

• Guinness World Record for Largest Pop Group — In November 2010, Guinness named AKB48 the world's largest pop group.{{cite web|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-8000/largest-pop-group/|title=Guinness Worlds Records — Largest pop group|publisher=Guinness World Records

| access-date=October 23, 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://yeinjee.com/2010/akb48-officially-world-biggest-group/|title=AKB48 is officially the world's biggest group|date=November 15, 2010|access-date=June 29, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718140453/http://yeinjee.com/2010/akb48-officially-world-biggest-group/| archive-date= July 18, 2011 |url-status = live}}

• Guinness World Record for Most Number of Pop Singers Featured in a Video Game — In December 2012, the group's dating simulation game AKB1/149 Ren'ai Sōsenkyo featured 149 members.
• Guinness World Record for Broadcasting the Most Same-Product Television Endorsements Within 24 Hours — In February 2012 AKB48 members appeared in 90 commercials for Asahi's Wonda Coffee Morning Shot, breaking the previous record of 60 commercials.{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2012/03/akb48-achieves-a-guinness-world-record-for-their-90-cms-for-wonda-coffee | title=AKB48 achieves a Guinness World Record for their 90 CMs for 'Wonda Coffee' | publisher=tokyohive | date=March 6, 2012 | access-date=March 27, 2014}}
• Most singles sold in Japan by a female artist — In May 2013, after the release of the group's 31st single ("Sayonara Crawl"), combined sales figures for AKB48 singles reached 21.852 million since its 2006 debut in 2006 (breaking Ayumi Hamasaki's previous record of 21.416 million).{{cite web|url=http://ajw.asahi.com/article/cool_japan/culture/AJ201305280047 |title=AKB48 becomes best-selling singles female artist ever in Japan |publisher=Asahi Shimbun |date=May 22, 2013 |access-date=March 15, 2014 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621063239/http://ajw.asahi.com/article/cool_japan/culture/AJ201305280047 |archive-date=June 21, 2013 }}
• Highest Japanese sales of a female-group single — In June 2013 "Sayonara Crawl"'s sales reached 1,872,000 copies, breaking Speed's 1997 record for "White Love".{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2013/06/akb48s-latest-single-is-the-best-selling-single-for-a-female-group | title=AKB48's latest single is the best selling single for a female group | publisher=tokyohive | date=June 7, 2013 | access-date=March 27, 2014}} The single's total sales reached 1,955,800.{{cite web|url=http://www22.atwiki.jp/akb48uriage/pages/233.html |title=AKB48 売上 – さよならクロール |access-date=March 13, 2014 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312224650/http://www22.atwiki.jp/akb48uriage/pages/233.html |archive-date=March 12, 2014 }}
• Most consecutive million-selling singles sold in Japan — In October 2013 AKB48's 33rd single ("Heart Electric") sold 1,021,000 copies on its first day, becoming the group's 14th consecutive million-selling single and breaking the previous record of 13 held by B'z.{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2013/10/akb48s-latest-single-heart-ereki-sold-over-a-million-copies-in-one-day | title=AKB48's latest single 'Heart Ereki' sells over a million copies in one day | publisher=tokyohive | date=October 30, 2013 | access-date=March 27, 2014}}
• Most million-selling singles in Japan — In December 2013, the group's 34th single ("Suzukake no Ki no Michi de "Kimi no Hohoemi o Yume ni Miru" to Itte Shimattara Bokutachi no Kankei wa Dō Kawatte Shimau no ka, Bokunari ni Nan-nichi ka Kangaeta Ue de no Yaya Kihazukashii Ketsuron no Yō na Mono") sold 1,033,000 copies during its first week. AKB48's 16th million-selling single, it broke the previous record held by B'z for 13 years and nine months.{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2013/12/akb48-score-their-16th-million-selling-single | title=AKB48 score their 16th million-selling single | publisher=tokyohive | date=December 16, 2013 | access-date=March 27, 2014}}
• Highest Japanese sales of a female single — In June 2017, the group's 48th single ("Negaigoto no Mochigusare") sold 2,555,912 copies during its first week. It broke the previous record held by Dreams Come True.{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/51793/2 | title=【ビルボード】AKB48『願いごとの持ち腐れ』が250万枚突破、シングル・セールス・チャート首位獲得 | publisher=Billboard Japan | date=June 5, 2017 | access-date=June 5, 2017}}
• Highest Japanese single sales of a musical act — AKB48's 60 singles' total sales reached 73.5 million copies.{{cite web |url=https://www.universal-music.co.jp/akb48/products/upch-89526/| title=AKB48の61stシングル | publisher=Universal Music Japan | date=February 27, 2023 | access-date=March 8, 2023}}

• AKB0048
• Oricon
• Count Down TV
• Japan Record Awards
• Billboard Japan Music Awards
• Kōhaku Uta Gassen
• List of best-selling girl groups
• Handshake Event

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• {{Commons category-inline}}
• {{Official website|https://www.akb48.co.jp}} {{in lang|ja}}

{{AKB48}}

{{AKB48 singles}}

{{Japan Gold Disc Award for Artist of the Year}}

{{Mnet Asian Music Award for Best Asian Artist}}

{{Authority control}}

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Category:EMI Records artists