Read those very interesting articles quite some time ago when it was used as proof for the infamous "AKB = Korean Spies" debacle... happy days...
Anyway, it does seem like Akimoto is trying to built himself a female Johnny Jimusho but instead of SMAP, News, KATTUN we have AKB, SKE, SDN & NMB48. But looking at the longevity of both sets of idols, Akimoto might have burn through Japan's entire cute female stock by 2020.