I think a lot of people don't realize just how long Yuki has been around. She debuted at the "Haru no Chotto Dake Zenkoku Tour ~Madamada da ze AKB48!~" in 2007. No introduction in the theater, but straight into a full on concert. That takes guts. I remember watching Team B's old stages and she just seemed like someone who got tall during puberty, but wasn't accustomed to her body yet
She got an early senbatsu position in Bingo, but disappeared to the background again for the next three singles. If I'm honest, I can't really re-call her scenes in Sakura 2K8, Oogoe and 10nen either. Basically, she's been in the background for a good two years. During these years she actually appeared on 1ji59 fun a lot, but she didn't stand out at all.
Yuki's uprise was quite interesting. I think she first started to stand during early AKBingo's, in particular the Burger game, where she could show us her big reactions. If I'm completely honest, I thought she was hella annoying at first
However, at one point she said she'd studied to become better at the game and I can appreciate that.
Some time later and I was a big Yuki fan. Tall-ish pale girl, with black hair, modesty causing out of proportional reactions... sign me up! This was when the first senbatsu election was held and the first bikini surprise mook came out. OMG Yuki is super hot. Not much later, her first PB (and to this date, only PB! wtf!!) came out, which was great. I managed to score a signed copy and it's one of my favorite items in my collection. However, the PB was a bit boob heavy and I really fear a lot of fancy only liked Yuki for her body. We're two years later now, so things have probably changed, but that's something that always worries me when it comes to Yuki.
Another thing that worries me is her leadership of Team B. I saw some making clips and I felt she didn't have the respect of the full group. They didn't listen to her at all. I really hope some of the other girls don't resent her or don't take her seriously, because that's one of the worst feelings you can have. I guess popularity comes with haters/jealousy.
Yuki grew up beautifully. She tries to be a stereotypical idol, yet manages to incorporate some out of character humor (i.e. the 'black Yukirin' stuff). She's got a great voice and I think she'll get her solo debut sooner or later. I love French Kiss, so I don't mind having them around for at least a couple of years either.
Writing this up, I can't help but think my Kasai story is a bit more passionate
Either way, Yuki is a late bloomer. She's been around for a long time, so I'm glad she's still around to witness AKB48 golden era. Witness? She's plays a big role it. An early graduation would've turned out to be a massive waste. Tsunku didn't see her potential at the time, but I'm glad Aki-P decided to give her a chance.
I love everything about her and I'm proud to have Yuki as my top AKB48 girl.
Yukiwin