AKB48 is a Japanese idol group formed in 2005 with the concept of "idols you can meet" in mind.While their home base is the AKB48 theatre in Akihabara, Tokyo, having such a large number of members in one group allows them to hold performances and fan meetings every day across Japan, often simultaneously.AKB48 has expanded through Japan and the world, spawning five Japanese sister groups based in different cities, three rival groups, and several overseas sister groups in Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Taiwan, China, and Malaysia.This carrd is designed to help you get started with AKB48 and contains information on their members, music, performances, other content and history in association with 48directory.Click on the links above to navigate to each section!

Members

The number 48 does not stand for the number of members in the group!
There are currently 44 members in AKB48 and hundreds more in their various sister groups.A member’s charm is often in their approachability and relatability; they are the girl next door or your little sister or daughter. They aren't perfect, but you can be there to watch them grow from debut into confident performers.No, you don't have to learn every single member, but it is possible!New members join AKB48 after auditions as part of a new generation either chosen by management or by the members themselves (draft generations). These members spend a certain amount of time as a trainee or kenkyuusei before being promoted to a team. Currently AKB48 has 8 kenkyuusei members.Members can choose to graduate at any time and this is typically accompanied by a farewell performance at the theatre. More popular members may also have a graduation ceremony at a concert. Being part of AKB48 is often seen more as a stepping stone into the entertainment industry rather than a final destination in itself. While graduation can be sad, it is also something to be congratulated, as hopefully the idol in question is moving towards their next dream.