Two AKB48 members have announced during fan events that they will be joining Produce48.
Produce48 is the next idol survival program lined up by Mnet and is in collaboration with AKB48’s producer Yasushi Akimoto.
Viewers can vote in their favorite Korean and Japanese trainees, with the final group promoting in both Korea and Japan in theater type activities.
During AKB48’s handshake event earlier in February, HKT48’s Miyawaki Sakura told a fan she auditioned for Produce48 and is waiting for the results.
“Sakura-chan, Produce48…”
“I’m going!”
“It’s not a joke?”
“Not a joke!”
“Ah, you auditioned?”
“Yeah.”
“What was the result of the audition?”
“I’m still waiting for that.”
Miyawaki Sakura ranked #4 out of over 300 48 Group members in the 2017 AKB48 Senbatsu elections, which are essentially a popularity contest.
At the same handshake event, NMB48’s Shiroma Miru also confirmed she will join Produce48.
“Are you going on Produce48?”
“I’m going!”
“Oh you’re going?!”
“I’m going! I’m going to Korea.”
Shiroma Miru ranked #12 in the 2017 AKB48 Senbatsu elections, showing she is also very popular within the group.
There are also rumors that AKB48’s Kojima Mako will join the show. She ranked #24 in the 2017 AKB48 Senbatsu elections.
