[Concert] AKB48/SKE48/NMB48/SDN48 concerts in Singapore

[YKT]

AKB48 concert in Singapore - first of as many as 16 in a year

Source: http://www.akb48.com.sg

Tweets by akb48journal:

AKB48 will have regular show at Singapore, the concept is theater-like. There'll be 2 shows in 1 month. http://amba.to/ghancb

akb48journal AKB48 Journal
...after the 2nd show, not only AKB but SKE, NMB, and SDN could also perform there. Ticketing, members, etc. will be announced later.

[fullshield]

that's it. singapore is going to be my second home.

[xdionysusx]

wowowowowow singaporean fans so lucky... need to save money now for plane ticket

[SomethingWild]

Pre-concert party @ maliciel's place!

[sakurasi]

OMG.

I really shock.

AKB48 will have regular show at Singapore, the concept is theater-like. There'll be 2 shows in 1 month.

If this show is really regular every month.. maybe I and my friends (Indonesia fans) will attend every 3-4 month. Wallet rape. 

But I'm very happy about this. 

maybe they will perform in this area.
http://www.scape.com.sg/venue_fp.asp?info=3

[Masa]

AKB48 family to start regular theater shows in Singapore

Posted on April 23, 2011 by tokyograph

The official blog of AKB48 announced on Friday that the group will begin holding regular theater performances in Singapore, like the ones they stage at their Akihabara theater. This is the first case of the group doing such shows overseas on a regular basis.

The current plan is to hold two performances a month, starting on Sunday, May 15. Although the first one will be AKB48 members only, there are also plans for shows by SKE48, NMB48, and SDN48. Ticket information and the names of the participating members will be announced later on.

AKB48 aims to continue expanding its overseas activities. The group already has an official shop in Hong Kong, and the regular events there have been very popular. It was also revealed in February that producer Akimoto Yasushi has plans for a Taiwan-based group expected to launch this summer.

http://www.tokyograph.com/news/akb48-family-to-start-regular-theater-shows-in-singapore

[sakurasi]

Update :

There will be 2 concert performances scheduled to take place on 15th May 2011, at 3PM and 7PM respectively.

[YKT]

http://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-10878087410.html

Shop and cafe to open in Singapore

[sakurasi]

Site has been updated.

Saturday, MAY 14th 2011, 1pm
AKB48 Singapore Official Shop Opening!
3 members from AKB48 will be at the official shop opening at *SCAPE.  Be the first to experience the shop.

*Actual participating member names and promotion details to be announced.

Sunday, MAY 15th 2011
First ever AKB48 Theater Singapore 'LIVE'
16 members from AKB48 will be performing at *SCAPE.  There will be 2 concert performances scheduled on the day, at 3pm and 7pm respectively. Tickets to their performances are available at S$50 each.

Online ticket sales will be available on this website from 12pm on Thursday, 5th of May 2011.  Physical ticket sales will also be available on Saturday 7th May 2011 and Sunday 8th May 2011 at *SCAPE.
*Ticketing details and performing member name list to be announced.

[YKT]

^
Thanks!

Writeup & Press release credit: http://ani-culture.net/2011/05/7621/

Following the success of the Hong Kong Official Shop, AKB 48 is coming to Singapore to setup their full AKB 48 experience! Bringing with the, the 3 in 1 experiences~
 
The 3 in 1 experiences will consist of the SG Theater, which will be for the rest of the year bringing 16 days of concerts to local audiences, with the first being on the 15th of May at 3pm and 7pm. The tickets are priced at an affordable rate of $50 each. Ticket sales starts on at 1pm on the 5th of May.
 
Followed by a Official AKB48 Shop, which will be selling official goods from T-Shirts, CDs(Singles), Pencil case, all the way to stuff like novelty products. The Official shop will open it’s door at 1pm on the 14th of May!
 
Lastly, there will be the AKB48 themed Cafe! Serving Cakes and themed drinks, the first in the world! To be opened in June.
 
All right in the middle of the youth’s square, *SCAPE!
 
Looks like Singapore is developing another tourism hotspot! Oh~ the future seems bright!
 
Congrats to SOZO for being appointed the local project manager!
 
Scroll below to read the Press Release.
 
Media Release
 



Singapore to host AKB48’s first overseas 3-in-1 concept project
Japan’s top pop idol girl group set to wow youths and J-pop enthusiasts alike with regular theatre concerts and the world’s first AKB48 concept café
 
Singapore, 3 May 2011 – Whether you are a J-pop enthusiast, or have always wanted to know more about Japanese popular culture, now’s the time to hop over to town for an experience of a lifetime. Japan’s top idol girl group sensation, AKB48, announced today its intentions to develop a multi-sensory J-pop experiential project in Singapore. Starting this month, Singapore has been picked to house AKB48 and their sister group’s first overseas theatre where concerts will be performed on a regular basis, in a similar format to Japan’s. The world’s first AKB48 Café, as well as South-east Asia’s first AKB48 Official Shop, will also be set up in Singapore.  This exciting project will be housed at *SCAPE – a building in the heart of Orchard Road designed for youth talent development and a melting pot of youth culture.
 
Mr Yasushi Akimoto said,
 

“The key to AKB48's success has been the concept of bringing idols and fans closer through interactions and frequent live concert and events, and empowering the fans in shaping their idols as they evolve. ‘Idols you can meet every day!’ - This is the concept that I hope to bring into Singapore. In addition to the regular concerts, by locating AKB48’s theme Shop and Café adjacent to the Live Hall to make them more accessible to Singaporeans, I hope that they can feel and enjoy AKB48 and better appreciate live concerts. It will be great if fans in Singapore can eventually identify with and see AKB48 as their own idols someday."
 
AKB48’s entry into Singapore will kick off with an exciting collaboration that is expected to create new waves in the local J-Pop scene. For the pop group to connect most extensively and immediately with their local fans, local youth hub *SCAPE was the clear choice to house the project.
 
Ms Lynette Lee, Managing Director of *SCAPE Co. Ltd., shared,
 

“*SCAPE has been the melting pot for Singapore’s youth trends and cultures. Through our ecosystem of facilities, programs and partners, *SCAPE empowers young people to express their individuality and allows them to have the freedom to embrace their passions and interests. Hence, this partnership is a good fit because it will not only let local youth to be exposed to the most current trends in Japan, but also facilitates the fostering of international cultures in *SCAPE.”
 
AKB48’s Singapore concept project will include three components at *SCAPE:
 
1.     AKB48 THEATRE SINGAPORE “Live” – The Akihabara Experience
 
Famous for their trademark theatre-style sell-out performances in Akihabara, Singaporeans now can also experience the appeal of AKB48’s “live” concerts on a regular basis. Starting 15 May 2011, around 16 members of AKB48 and their sister groups (SKE48, NMB48, SDN48) will fly to Singapore for each concert at the *SCAPE Warehouse. The artistes are expected to be in town for two days in a month, with two performances lined up each day, in 2011. The line-up of the AKB48 members performing will only be released shortly on the official website (www.akb48.com.sg) before each concert. Each ticket is priced at $50 and can be booked on the official website and purchased at the AKB48 official shop. The first “live” concert of the series will be held on 15th May, at 3pm & 7pm respectively.
 
2.     AKB48 Official Shop SINGAPORE – First in South-east Asia
 
Fans who have been asking their friends and family to buy AKB48 official merchandise can all heave a sigh of relief. The first AKB48 Concept Store in South-east Asia will open in Singapore in May. Members of the public will be able to find merchandise direct from Japan, as well as exclusive limited-edition AKB48 merchandise which are only available at the 360-sq-feet Singapore store.
 
The Concept Shop will be officially launched at 1pm on 14 May 2011. Lucky customers will have a chance to meet and shake hands in person with selected AKB48 members, who will be there to grace the occasion. . From T-shirts, to pen cases, to photos of your favorite AKB48 members, fans can bring home a slice of the AKB48 experience conveniently and look out for new product arrivals on the official website (www.akb48.com.sg).
 
3.     AKB48 Official Café SINGAPORE – A Global Debut Concept
 
The world’s first AKB48 Café will open in Singapore, for fans and J-pop newbies alike to chill out and soak into the AKB48 atmosphere at their leisure. Scheduled to open in the end of June 2011, patrons can expect excellent Japanese fusion food and deserts available only in this cafe. Other highlights include the screening of video clips or messages from AKB48 members as well as related events like Karaoke or Dance contest held on a stage within the café. Lucky ones may even get a surprise visit from AKB48 members during their meals! More details will be shared closer to date.
 
SOZO has been appointed as the official Managing Agent for AKB48’s project in Singapore. Members of the public who wish to find out more or get the latest updates on the concerts, concept store and café can check out official website (www.akb48.com.sg).
 
About AKB48
 
AKB48 is a Japanese idol group project started by Mr Yasushi Akimoto in December 2005. The uniqueness of the AKB48 project is its concept of involving fans to share the experience in the idols’ career growth. Through this project, girls who have potential to become next-generation new idols are discovered. They are given the opportunity to perform at the exclusive AKB48 theatre at Akihabara, the most energetic town in Japan, frequently, sometimes on a daily basis.
 
Over the last five years, AKB48 has risen in popularity and is today an award-winning iconic idol group in Japan. Their latest three CD album sales have also crossed millions each. AKB48 is also well sought-after internationally, with various concert tours in Korea, Macau, Russia and Singapore.
 
Today, some sister groups have been created, such as AKE48 from Sakae in Nagoya-city, NMB 48 from Namba in Osaka, and SDN48 formed by over 20 years old ladies. They have done a combined live concert by these groups in Japan, and expanded their activities.
 
About *SCAPE
 
*SCAPE Co. Ltd is a social enterprise with its mission and vision rooted in support of youth and leadership development. The organization aims to facilitate youth-oriented programmes and support within communities of interest spanning from sports, music, arts, to social causes and entrepreneurship. Through these interest groups, *SCAPE provides a platform for the young talents to create, showcase and collaborate in their areas of passion, and give them a place to call their own.
 
Officially launched in June 2010, *SCAPE, the building, has unique spaces and venues designed to serve independent functions, yet complementary to one another. As an integrated resource hub, *SCAPE’s network of facilities and venues, programmes, congregation of communities and partners provide a holistic avenue for youth development.  A first of its kind concept, *SCAPE also embraces a Social Retail Colony, with a community of retailers sharing the organization’s ideology: youth development. Through initiatives by *SCAPE and the retailers themselves, the organization hopes to cultivate a network of active, socially responsible and dynamic Singapore youth.
 
- End -

[clockface]

As of midnight, after a full day of tickets being on sale ALL normal tickets SOLD OUT! Only a few Family tickets left. Big success!!(?)

Can't make it over the border this time but... everyone else got their tickets?

[sakurasi]

Yes, I already get the ticket.

Now its time to waiting for the lineup. 

[YKT]

Yes, I already get the ticket.

Now its time to waiting for the lineup. 

Lineup translated by Melos125 from official ameba: http://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-10883469674.html

CONCERT MEMBER LIST:
TEAM A: Iwasa Misaki, Nakata Chisato, Maeda Ami
TEAM K: Kikuchi Ayaka, Tanabe Miku, Nakatsuka Tomomi, Nito Moeno, Nonaka Misato, Yonezawa Rumi
TEAM B: Komori Mika, Sato Amina, Suzuki Mariya, Hirajima Natsumi
KENKYUUSEI: Abe Mariya, Nakamura Mariko.

SHOP OPENING
TEAM A: Iwasa Misaki
Team B: Komori Mika, Miyazaki Miho

[SomethingWild]

lol, that member list is not too surprising.

Komori, Miho, Wasamin opening sounds sweet 

[atskv9]

Lol... can't even send the popular RS But hey maybe this is the reason Aki-P is sending them. Gain more fans overseas to even things out a bit?

[sakurasi]

^

Maybe they want to adjust the system of theater for the 1st time. Dunno if the 15/5 show, they will sing a team song or single song.

Yay for Ayarin, and I can see Myao in person~

[YKT]

[YKT]

Picture taken by yours truly today:


Full size: http://i.imgur.com/IuVQg.jpg

[Anariel]

^ Wasamin...my long distance love... :3

[YKT]

Source: http://mantan-web.jp/2011/05/16/20110516dog00m200020000c.html

English writeup:

I'm an otaku too, says AKB48 pop star

Mon, May 16, 2011
my paper

By Gwendolyn Ng

JAPANESE pop group AKB48's Misaki Iwasa has no issues with otaku (people who have a fetish for anime and anime characters) forming the core of the group's fan base.

The 16-year-old said: "I consider myself an otaku as well - I like to watch anime."

She was in town to promote the opening of the AKB48 official Singapore shop at *Scape in Orchard Road.

Over 500 fans turned up to see her and fellow members Mika Komori, 16, and Miho Miyazaki, 17, at a meet-and-greet session last Saturday.

The all-female group earned a place in the Guinness World Records last year as the "pop group with the greatest number of members", with 48 members.

AKB48 has since recruited more lasses to join its ranks, and now comprises 56 girls, aged between 12 and 24.

With so many girls in a group, they each have to take turns to perform and record singles - sometimes having to earn their place via popularity polls.

Asked if they were stressed by the competition, Iwasa said: "Whatever I do is for the fans, so I don't feel stressed."

Explaining how she tries to stand out, Iwasa joked: "I'm very short. To be spotted by fans (during performances), I try to dance with big actions."

But there is more than internal competition going on in the music industry. Japanese pop groups have to deal with the reality that Korean pop has gained popularity, possibly supplanting J-pop.

my paper asked if AKB48 felt threatened by K-pop groups like Girls' Generation.

Miyazaki, who said she listens to Girls' Generation songs every day, said: "There's no need to differentiate whether you are from Japan or Korea. Music is for everyone and has no borders."

AKB48 and their sister groups - under the same idol-management company, AKS - are expected to fly in from Japan to perform at *Scape every month. Kick-starting the shows was a soldout gig yesterday at 3pm, featuring 16 of the AKB48 members, with another gig at 7pm.

Ardent supporter Brandon Ng caught both concerts.

The 19-year-old, who is waiting to be enlisted in national service, said: "It's a dream come true for fans. We can buy merchandise available exclusively in Singapore and can also catch AKB48's live performances here."

Source: http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Showbiz/Story/A1Story20110516-279013.html

Video:




Per the update at www.akb48.com.sg

AKB48 Theater ‘Live’ Vol.2
AKB48 2ND STAGE
29th MAY, 2011(SUN)
3PM, 7PM

Upcoming

• AKB48 Theater 'LIVE' Series Schedule

Vol. 3 - SDN48, 1ST STAGE
10th JUNE, 2011 (FRI)

Vol.4 - AKB48, 3RD STAGE
26th JUNE, 2011 (SUN)

* dates may change