AKB48 2017 Election Comments – Tashima Meru/Sashihara Rino (by request)

Tashima Meru: Hi, I’m HKT48 Team H’s Tashima Meru. At last year’s election, I ranked in at 43rd. Thank you very much for that. Now look at this Merusaurus here, do you know how it was born? Actually, it was born from my mind while I was wondering what kind of character to make as a personal character. At first it was a tiny Merusaurus, but with everyone’s love it started growing bigger and bigger. In this way, I hope it can keep growing even bigger by holding hands with everyone. [sign: Teaming up as one] My goal for the election is to rank within the 30s. Also, please let me tell you the pledge I thought up. I want to give the Merusaurus another shape, just like this one, and convey it to you. Ah, I was able to say it. While coming together in unity, this election I want to get bigger and bigger and rank up! Please cheer me on! Ei~ei~oh~

Sashihara Rino: Hello, everyone. I’m HKT48’s Sashihara Rino. This year’s election will be my last election. The reason for that is that I want to pass the baton to the younger members. And the reason I’m entering the election this year is because last year, even though I didn’t call it my last election, I was able to come in at #1. So I thought that if I didn’t enter this year, it would be like taking my win and running. That’s why I decided to enter this year. I might not be able to get 1st this year. Even so, I want to take up a fighting pose. I strongly believe that one cannot survive in the entertainment world without putting up a “fighting pose” at all times. That’s something I want to relay to my juniors. It’s something I’ve learned from the election. Well, that might have been me trying to sound cool, but anyway, I want to make my campaign pledge here! This year, I want to put on the 2nd Yubimatsuri! The details aren’t worked out yet, but I’ll start working on it if I get #1. Please look forward to it at that time. I’m gonna do my best to get 1st this year! Come at me!

AKB48 2017 Election Appeal Videos – Team 8

Sakaguchi Nagisa: Everyone, the S arrow on your compass points to…Sakaguchi! The N arrow on the compass points to…Nagisa! Put them together and you get Sakaguchi Nagisa! Hello, I come from Hokkaido, I’m Sakaguchi Nagisa aka Nagi. Last year, you all gave me the wonderful rank of 70 and I’m very thankful. Thank you! This year, the goal I’ve been thinking of is really high…I’ve decided on Undergirls center. To make this wish come true, I need a certain something. It’s a Daruma. Using this Daruma, I want to say a Buddhist prayer to it. First, to make the wish come true, I have to give the Daruma eyes. I’ll put them on, thinking of my wish to be Undergirls center. There, it’s finished! I gave it an eye. When my wish comes true, I’ll draw on the other eye. So everyone, please cheer me on! Byebye.

Yokoyama Yui: Hi, good afternoon everyone! I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Yokoyama Yui. If you’re wondering why I’m peeling an apple intead of introducing myself, it’s because in my appeal comment last year I was peeling an apple but I didn’t hav eenough time so it faded out. So this time I want to peel the whole thing during the video, peeling from the very start. Ouch! Anyway, this year a ton of fans have told me that I’ll definitely rank in this year, so this year I’ll do my absolute best towards that. It’s gonna cut me. Oh, time’s almost up! See, I peeled it! I brought these apples all the way from home. I’m glad I could peel it. Yokoyama Yui is going to give it her all this year so everyone, please cheer me on! See you!

Tanikawa Hijiri: Hello, everyone! I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Akita representative, Tanikawa Hijiri aka Hijirin, 16 years old. Last year and the year before for the election appeal comment, I tried to drink soda water in one gulp. The results were these. This one was year before last, and this one was last year’s. But this year I really want to rank in as my goal, so my soda drinking goal this year is also different. Look from the cap to the line, I want to drink all of this. I’m serious about this. Here goes. Eh? No way! Wait! Noo!

Sato Nanami: [sign: Chapter 4 – “Ora, it’s the senbatsu election again” / bandana: 7 seas girl] Hello! Ora, I’m Iwate’s representative Amano Nana-chan! Ora! For me this year, it’ll be the 4th election I’m participating in. I don’t have confidence, but I’ll do my best to rank in, so please root for me! Let’s do our best for Iwate too! I wanna rank in tai! [shitai = wanna / tai = type of fish].

Hayasaka Tsumugi: I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Yamagata representative, Hayasaka Tsumugi. This year I’ve tried really hard along with my fans with the goal of ranking in in mind. Also, it would be nice if a lot of my teammates could rank in as well, so we could make it the year of Team 8. Everyone, please cheer me on. That’s all from AKB48 Team 8’s Yamagata representative, Hayasaka Tsumugi.

Sato Akari: Good afternoon, everyone. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Miyagi representative, Sato Akari. Looking back on this year, I participated in the hosting of an international tennis exhibition match, and I was appointed ambassador of ties with Miyagi prefecture. It’s been a very fruitful year. This is thanks to the fans supporting me. And for this year’s election, which is my 4th one, I plan to get more fired up than usual! Along with my fans! I’ll do my best! And now with the fusion of tennis and Miyagi prefecture, I want to show you the charm points of Miyagi while swinging the racket! Here goes! [??] Beef tongue! Reach people’s hearts! [??] Did it come across? Now I’ll go close to the camera and tell you my election goal. [sign: Rank in!!]

Mougi Kasumi: I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Fukushima representative, Mougi Kasumi. My goal for this year’s election is to rank in. So this time I thought I’d challenge myself at something I’m bad at. First, a tongue twister: I’ll say aburikarubi 10 times. Here goes. Next, I’ll eat some green peas, which I don’t like. I’ve prepared a bunch in here. Delicious… Everyone, please cheer me on. Byebye~

Okabe Rin: Everyone, hello. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Ibaraki representative, Okabe Rin. Since last year’s election, I’ve gotten the title of “One Cour Regular” on AKBINGO, and I was chosen to participate in stages by our beloved Kojima-san and Toyama-san. I’ve gotten a lot of opportunities the past year. Even though I’ve done all that…I still haven’t been able to rank in at the election. But I want to show you how charming Ibaraki can be, and that’s why I applied for election. I’ll do my best, so please cheer me on.

Honda Hitomi: Everyone, hello. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Tochigi representative Honda Hitomi. I want to do some PR for Tochigi to show its charms, because I’m working as a future ambassador for Tochigi. So I’d like to talk about Tochigi’s special product, strawberries. First, right here…I’m sure you all know this one very well, “Tochiotome”. The Tochiotome is sweet and sour and very juicy. And the little top part here stands up classically. These berries are very fresh and delicious. Aside from the Tochiotome, Tochigi produces another variety…tada~ these huge ones are called Skyberries. You can see how big it is when I compare them side by side. This one is also extremely sweet. It’s super juicy and delicious all the way up to the stem. Just like these Tochigi strawberries, I want to be loved by everyone and become a really popular idol. I’ll do my best. As good luck for the election, I’ll eat this big skyberry. Here goes~ Mm, it’s so delicious. I’ll work hard!

Shimizu Maria: There are all those Team 8 members. But somehow I got left out of that. That makes me feel pretty bad. I guess I’ll just have to play this. Yeah, I had no choice.

Takahashi Ayane: I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Takahashi Ayane from Saitama. Although this will be my 4th election, this time I’m hoping very hard. Until now, I haven’t been the competitive type, but this time I strongly want to rank in. And speaking of strong, my teeth are really strong. Using my strong teeth, I’ll crunch into some foods. First, I have a famous product from Saitama – a rice cracker – and a lolipop. I’ll start with the cracker.

Yoshikawa Nanase: Everyone, hello. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Chiba representative, Yoshikawa Nanase. Since last year’s election, I’ve participated in a fashion show and a recitation. It’s been a very full year. Also, my fans were able to see me do skits on the Team 8 TV show, “AKB Team 8 Bunbun Eito” and see new sides of me. That’s why I want to try a stage play this year. Finally, I love pizza so I want to eat some! Here goes! Arienti!

Oguri Yui: Everyone, hello. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Tokyo representative, Oguri Yui aka Yuiyui. I submitted candidacy for the election again this year. The catchphrase this year is “It all starts here”. Last year, I participated in an exclusive solo concert, I was chosen for AKB48 senbatsu, and I came in 1st in the Renacchi senbatsu election. A lot of great things have happened to me this year! However, I can’t rest on my laurels, I have to aim even higher. I think my true start is coming up now, so my target goal for the election is 16th! The goal is really high, but that’s the one I chose. And so…”I’ll snap snap your heart!”

Oda Erina: Good afternoon, everyone. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Kanagawa representative, Oda Erina. I want to challenge this year’s election with a different emotion than in past years. This last year, nothing but good things have happened to me. I participated in a lot of AKB variety shows, I had my own radio show, I got to sing a lot of songs I like, and I was in two stage plays, “Majisuka Gakuen” and “Kenran to ka Ranman to ka”. And I was chosen for the first time for an AKB senbatsu for the 48th single! I’m thankful to everyone who’s been cheering me on all this time, it’s been a wonderful year. But I’m going to aim even higher! And for the election too, EriEriO! I’ll do my best! Please support me!

Sato Shiori: I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Niigata representative, Sato Shiori. My goal for this year’s election is to rank in. My home prefecture, Niigata, is famous for this salted salmon. Like the salmon swims up the river, I’ll rise up in the election ranks! Putting that feeling into action, I’ll eat this salted salmon. Here goes~ Tasty! I’ll do my best for the election!

Hidaritomo Ayaka: Hello, everyone. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Yamanashi prefecture representative, Hidaritomo Ayaka. First off, I’d like to introduce myself. Up? Down? Right? Left [hidari]? It’s gotta be… Hidaritomo! I come from Yamanashi prefecture, my name is Hidaritomo Ayaka. Please call me Hidaaya. That’s my self-intro. But I think there are still a lot of people who don’t know who I am, so I want to show you my special talents. My first talent is piano. My second talent is funny faces. My third talent is skating. I want to show you a collaboration between funny faces and skating. Please watch.

Utada Hatsuka: There’s the first day [tsuitachi] and the tenth day [touka], but I’m Hatsuka [20th day]. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Aichi representative, Utada Hatsuka aka Hatsu. This will be my first election, and someday I want to bring AKB48 to the whole world. This time, Eito-kun will introduce you to the journey of “unification of the whole country” while whistling. Eito-kun, which song are you going to whistle today? “47 no suteki na machi e”! I see! Here he goes. [sign: anyway, I’ll do my best] [sign: everyone who’s kindly supporting me] [sign: we will unify the country] [sign: everyone, please cheer me on]

Yokomichi Yuri: Everyone, good morning! Now, today isn’t Friday and it’s not even morning right now, but let’s train our muscles together in a Muscle Morning! It’s okay if you don’t wanna do squats, you can run a marathon or whatever, anything is fine, just as long as you train your muslces! Now let’s do a corner! This time the game is a word rearrange quiz! You have 5 seconds to solve today’s quiz! [sign: kami mo ine tte iu] Kami mo ine tte iu! Go! 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Did you get it? The right answer is: Come watch again! [sign: mou ikkai mite ne] Thank you. It was “come watch again”. Now, at the end, it’s time for the Yokomichi declaration! Ready? “Before your tummy rumbles [guu, aka rock in rock paper scissors], come see Yokomichi with a snip [choki, aka scissors], and then suddenly [paa, aka paper] you’ll be energentic and ready to go! E-le-ction happy! Now let’s go! Yokomichi!” How are you doing, everyone? The hint is…right here! Inside the ‘mi’ character there’s a finger! So it was “rock”! Everyone, see you again! Thank you! See you next time!

Hattori Yuna: Hello, everyone. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Gifu representative, Hattori Yuna. I’ll do my catchphrase for you now. Ready, go: I come from Gifu prefecture! Ninja Yuna is on the scene! I’m Gifu prefecture representative, 2nd year high schooler, 16 year old Hattori Yuna. Nice to meet you! This will be my 3rd election, and last year 2 members of Team 8 ranked in. So that more and more Team 8 members can rank in, we’ll do our best. Please cheer us on. Now I’ll show you a little of my special talent, playing the trumpet. …Of course, I can’t. Please look forward to the time when I can play it as my special talent! Byebye!

Noda Hinano: I applied for election this time. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Mie representative, Noda Hinano. I’m not very good at dancing, and I’m a total scatterbrain, but every day I’m surrounded by kind comrades and friends. Little by little, I’m improving. I love sweet things, so I’ll do my best to eat delicious sweets! I better start eating. Here goes~ Delicious!

Hashimoto Haruna: Good afternoon, everyone. I will introduce myself while doing this again this year. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Toyama representative, Hashimoto Haruna aka Harupyon. This year I’m turning 17 so I hope my body and heart can become perfectly grown up. Last year, I challenged myself to do a lot of things, like being better about answering private mails and doing Showrooms. The fans have given me a lot of opportunities. To me, that stuff is all really fun, so I’d like to continue doing things like that this year too. Also, this is my 4th election, so my feelings are that I hope I can rank in! I’ll do my best! Please cheer me on!

Hirano Hikaru: Good afternoon! I come from Ishikawa prefecture! I’ll sparkle brighter than the waves of the Japan Sea and be a brilliant Team 8 star! I’m Ishikawa prefecture representative, Hirano Hikaru, 14 years old! Please call me Hikarun! I love to sing, so I’ll sing “47 no suteki na machi e” for you! [sings] Thank you very much! I’ll give my all to whatever I do! Please cheer me on!

Chou Kurena: Hello, everyone! I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Fukui representative, Chou Kurena. This year, Team 8 has entered its 4th year! We’ve had a lot of hard times, that’s why this year for sure, I want us to aim for getting ranked! Now I’ll play a song that’s very important to Team 8. [plays & sings “47 no suteki na machi e”] Please cheer us on!

Takahashi Sayaka: Conveying an eloquent voice to you from Japan, I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Nagano representative, Takahashi Sayaka. First, since my catchphrase is “conveying an eloquent voice to you from Japan”, I’ll sing you a song. [sings 365nichi no kamihikouki]. And so, this will be my first election, so I’ll work hard to get you to cheer for me! Everyone, I’m counting on you!

Nagano Serika: Everyone, hello! I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Osaka representative, Nagano Serika! My appeal points are that I’m the one with the whitest skin in Team 8, and my body is limber! I have a lot of confidence when I perform flexibility stunts! For those of you who have never seen my flexibility, please make sure to come to a Team 8 theater show or one of our events! This is my 4th election, so my goal is to get the highest rank among Team 8! I’ve done plays and a lot of things this past year, so I’ll work towards my goal without giving up! Everyone, please keep cheering me on! Thank you!

Ota Nao: Everyone, hello! I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Kyoto representative, Ota Nao! This year I’ve applied for the election again! Honestly, I was considering whether I should apply or not, but as long as there’s a chance, I don’t want to give up, so I ended up applying. For this election, I can deepen the bonds with my fans, and get more people to know about me! I want to end it on this great atmosphere! I’m not great at this stuff. As for an appeal comment, this year I got to eat my favorite meat. And of course my favorite food is my mom’s homemade hamburger! Today, somehow, my mom made it special for me! Thank you, mom! Look at this, everyone! She made this for me! I’m gonna eat this for good luck. This year will definitely be okay! Here goes~ Eh? You haven’t eaten yet? You want a bite? Aah- Now I ate and everything’s perfect. This year for sure, I know it’ll end well! This was everyone’s idol, Ota Nao!

Yamada Nanami: I’m AKB48 Team 8/Team A’s Yamada Nanami. This March, I graduated high school. I’ve been focused solely on AKB. This year’s Yamada Nanami is different. [sign: unranked] Ow!

Yamamoto Ruka: Everyone, hello! I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Wakayama representative, Yamamoto Ruka!

Onishi Momoka: Hello, everyone. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Nara representative, Onishi Momoka. At my birthday show last year, I said that I definitely want to rank in at the election this year, so now I want to defeat the space between me and ranking in. Get ready, you jerk! I won’t give up! Everyone, please support me!

Hama Sayuna: I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Chiba representative, Hama Sayuna. This spring, somehow, I became a high school student! Now that I’m a JK [joshikousei, female high schooler], I want to show you my election goal. Tada~ J! I want to jump! K! In this year’s [kotoshi] election! I’ll do my best! Team 8’s Hama Sayuna is a high schooler! Please cheer me on! Byebye~

Nakano Ikumi: I’m AKB48 Team 8/Team K’s Nakano Ikumi aka Ikumin! This year marks the 4th year I’ve been in Team 8 and I don’t want to lose to either my seniors or my teammates! That’s why my goal this year is to rank a high 33rd! Tottori is famous for its beef ramen, so to convey my burning hot feelings to you all, I’ll eat a bowl of burning hot ramen! Here goes!

Abe Mei: Hi, I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Shimane representative, Abe Mei. This time for my appeal video I want to do 3 things. First, I want to show you what I’m good at. I can bend my thumb backward. Second, show my my charm point. It’s my profile. A lot of people have told me this year that I’m cute in profile, so I made it my charm point. The third thing is, this year I’ve been streaming videos solo, and some of you might have realized already, but this is the uniform I wear while I do that. This ponytail too – I stream as a JK [female high school student]. Please check it out. And lastly, I absolutely want to rank in at this year’s election. Everyone, please cheer me on!

Hitomi Kotone: Everyone, hello. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Okayama representative, Hitomi Kotone. Thank you so much for always supporting me. My dream is to be a model, and so far I’ve participated in 3 fashion shows. I feel like I’m getting closer to my dream, and I have a lot of memories. But going forward, I want to challenge myself to do even more things. What would help me take a huge step towards that is my goal right now, which is to rank into the election. And to change my outlook on things, I cut my hair short this spring! I will keep going forward without giving up, so please support me.

Shitao Miu: Hello! I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Yamaguchi representative, Shitao Miu! Good afternoon! This year I’m participating in the election again. Did you all realize? In last year’s appeal comment, I didn’t have these bangs. I grew some! This is a photo from around the election last year. But you all like it better the way it is now, right? We don’t need this anymore, right? Don’t need it! From here on, I’m going to challenge myself even more! Everyone, do you like me for doing that? Thank you very much! I’m glad you like me. Please become even more of a Miu fan! Please cheer me on. Byebye~

Gyoten Yurina: Everyone, hello. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Kagawa prefecture representative, Gyoten Yurina. This year, the catchprase on my poster is “I want a good challenge!” This year I graduated high school and turned 18, so I’ve passed through an important door. Also, it’s been 3 years since I joined Team 8. So even more people learn who I am, I’ll be streaming jav videos with this Pachipachi-kun! So I can challenge myself even more from now on, I want to keep opening up opportunities for myself! I’ll do my best to challenge myself, so please cheer me on!

Takaoka Kaoru: Everyone, hello! I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Ehime representative, Takaoka Kaoru. I know this is sudden, but to help you remember me, I’ll do my catchphrase! Smilerunrun, runbarubna no Kaorunba! Hello, with sweat and blood and lots of love, I’m Takaoka Kaoru, 16 years old from Ehime prefecture! I’m a high schooler! Nice to meet you! So please remember me! This time I’ll do my best to rank in!

Hirose Natsuki: Hello. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Kochi representative, Hirose Natsuki. Thank you so much to all my fans who have been supporting me. This year I’ve announced candidacy for the election again. I turned 20 this year, so I’ve moved from my teens to my twenties. I hope I can be a more adult [otona] Natsuki – an Otonatsuki! I want to leave an imprint through the Team 8 activities I do. And I want to give my thanks to the fans once the votes are tallied up. Please cheer me on.

Yoshida Karen: Hello everyone, I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Fukuoka representative, Yoshida Karen. This will be my 2nd election, and in order to bring about a Yoshida Karen revolution, I’ll be challenging myself on various things. This time, I’ll try to catch a marshmallow in my mouth. I’ll do my best! Byebye~

Terada Misaki: I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Nagasaki representative, Terada Misaki. I’ll do my catchphrase now~ Ready, go: Yuugasaki, Migasaki, and… Thank you. I’ve been learning to play basketball, so I thought I’d spin the ball while doing my appeal. This year will be my first election, so my main goal is to have fun. I’ll do my best. Thank you!

Kuranoo Narumi: Everyone, good afternoon! I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Kumamoto representative, Kuranoo Narumi! I’ve joined the election again this year! Last year you gave me the rank of 34th and I am so thankful for that. I was able to spend a fun and fulfilling year because of it. That’s why, for this election, my goal is…senbatsu! To get into senbatsu is something I’ve always wanted, but this time I thought I’d aim high and set my goal for senbatsu. If I’m able to make it to senbatsu, I want to do an AKB theater live in Kumamoto! Everyone, let’s do our best! Please support me!

Yamada Kyoka: I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Oita representative, Yamada Kyoka. You might not have been able to see it well, but my special talent is cartwheels. It hasn’t been long since I joined Team 8, but I want to try out a lot of new things, so please cheer me on. And please remember who I am! Byebye~

Yaguchi Moka: Everyone, hello! I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Miyazaki representative, Yaguchi Moka. It’s been 3 years since I joined Team 8. And in those 3 years I’ve become a high school student! So I thought about that a bit. [sign: awaken in 2nd year of high school] Tada~ I think I’ll awaken in my 2nd year of high school! Right now I’m a 1st year. So what am I doing now? Tada~ [sign: preparing to awaken] I’m in a prepartory phase to awaken! And what does that really mean? Well, for now, it’s a secret. But right now, the most important thing is popularity [sign: popularity]. Get people to know my name. My name is Yaguchi Moka. I know it looks like Taniguchi, but it’s Yaguchi. Nothing I can do about that. So try to remember my name. I’m Moka, and when you think of Mocha, you think of coffee! Right now, I’ll drink coffee for the first time ever. It’s black. It’s delicious.

Shimoaoki Karin: Everyone, good afternoon. Our black pig, black cattle, and Jidori chicken are delicious! I’m Kagoshima prefecture’s representative, Shimoaoki Karin aka “the world is Shimoaoki!” I say “the world is Shimoaoki” because this will be my 4th election, but I haven’t once ranked in. Last year when my teammates ranked in, I felt impatient and disappointed for myself, and thought that this year I will absolutely rank in no matter what. I say that, but I’ll work hard to become a world-renowned idol. I want to grab this election as an opportunity to help do that. So everyone, please cheer me on! This has been “The world’s Shimoaoki”, Shimoaoki Karin.

Miyazato Rira: Everyone, [in Okinawan] hi there! I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Okinawa representative, Miyazato Rira aka Ranrii. Somehow, this year the election is taking place in my hometown of Okinawa! So I will now introduce to you the Okinawan foods that I recommend! First, I would like to introduce to you this cheese bit! These are extremely popular as souveniers in Okinawa and the Okinawans love them as a snack. They’re kind of like a cookie, crunchy and crisp, and very delicious. Next up is these brown, round balls. They’re called Sata Andagi. Okinawans fry these in oil, and when they’re done the outside is crisp and the inside is fluffy. They’re really delicious, and we’d always eat them for our 3 o’clock snack. Now I’ll introduce you to my very favorite Okinawan food, which is this Okinawan soba! I’ll try taking a bite. Here goes. Mmm, so delicious! Everyone, please cheer Ranrii on! Byebye~

AKB48 2017 Election Appeal Videos – AKB48 Research Students

Kubo Satone: Hi – like fluffy cotton candy, I want to be a sweet girl. I’m Kubo Satone. I joined AKB in the 2nd draft conference. This year it will have been 2 years. These past 2 years I’ve been center a lot and I was even chosen as a senbatsu member for the 48th single. My goal for the election this year is to rank in. I want to work hard together with my fans towards the goal of ranking in. Also, in Okinawa, I want to hear my name ring out. I’m counting on you!

Nomura Nao: I’m AKB48 Team K’s 2nd draft draftee Nomura Nao. This time I applied for candidacy to change the future. The truth is… I’m really an alien from the future! I come from the same planet as Mariyannu-san. Among so many graduations of my seniors, I kept thinking how I can’t stay the same and I have to change. So I want to change my own future and the future of AKB! Recently, I’ve been telling my fans that I’m currently poised for a huge leap. And I think now is the time for that leap! On June 17, 2017, will we see Nomura make that leap? Please cheer me on!

Nishikawa Rei: Hello, everyone. I’m AKB48 Team B’s draft research student, Nishikawa Rei. Last year, I had my first experience with the election. And I firmly felt that it is no easy task to stand on that stage. Hard work isn’t enough. If I don’t capture the hearts of many fans, I won’t be able to rank in. I’m currently restricted to doing shows at the AKB theater. And it would make me happiest if you all value my performances there. That’s why I wanted to show you all what I look like when I perform onstage. I joined AKB48 on 5/10 two years ago. It’s already been two years. I want the third year to be one where I become a person able to capture the hearts of fans and make great leaps forward. Please cheer on Nishikawa Rei. Byebye.

Yamabe Ayu: I’m Team B’s draft research student Yamabe Ayu. I want to do a performance for you. Here goes. [sings Shonichi] Dreams are flowers born gradually of persperation. That effort will surely never betray you. Dreams are buds awaking from perspiration, waiting patiently to put out sprouts, until someday, surely, our dreams come true. Thank you very much. I’ll keep performing with my entire soul. I hope you’ll walk [ayumu] with Ayu toward her dreams. Thank you very much! I’m counting on you!

Chiba Erii: Hi, I’m AKB48 Team 4’s draft research student Chiba Erii. I’ve recently been streaming live every morning from 5:30am and I do something I call “Erii’s Random Birthday Month Fortune-telling”. And I do it with no makeup on. If you want some quick idol therapy, come to Erii’s room. Even just once, everyone, please come have fun too. Until the election, I’ll work my very hardest, so please cheer me on.

Asai Nanami: Good afternoon, everyone. I’m AKB48 16th generation research student Asai Nanami. And I love to sing, so I’ll sing 365nichi no kamihikouki. [singing it] Life is like a paper airplane, flying along upon wishes. Fighting through the wind with all its might just to move forward. Rather than try to fly further than anyone else, where and how to fly are the most important things to consider, so I’ll do what my heart says 365 days of the year. For my first ever election, I hope you all can learn who I am. I’m counting on you! That’s all from AKB48 16th generation research student Asai Nanami aka Naamin.

Inagaki Kaori: Everyone, hello. I’m AKB48 16th generation research student Inagaki Kaori. This will be the first time I’m participating in the AKB48 election. I’m not very good at singing, dancing or talking, so I don’t have many options for making an appeal. I’ll work hard to become someone who can think of myself as someone people should support. And I want to become the type of idol who cherishes the people who support her. I’ll try hard to sparkle like the Okinawan sea. Finally, I want to show you my special talent, quick finger snapping. Here goes~ That’s it. Thank you very much.

Umemoto Izumi: I’m AKB48 16th generation research student Umemoto Izumi. I took the AKB48 audition as a chance to change myself. For the past 18 years, I’ve never been someone who could get engrossed with a dream. That’s why I took the AKB48 audition last year, to change who I am and to find a dream I can get excited about. I’m shy and I’m not great at dancing, but I love working as an AKB48 member. With my participation in the election this year, I hope that more people can remember my name. Everyone, please cheer me on.

Kurosu Haruka: I’m AKB48 16th generation research student Kurosu Haruka aka Haa-chan. My special talent is magic, and I’ll perform some for you now. First, I’ll put this cloth in this glass. Then I’ll cover it with another cloth. Then I’ll close it up with a rubber band. Now when I say the magic words, something amazing will happen: one, two, three… somehow, from underneath, a cloth has appeared! Ta-da. It says “Kurosu – I’ll do my best!” This is my first election and I’m still a research student, but I’m aiming to rank in and I’ll work hard towards it, so please cheer me on! Thank you!

Sato Minami: Good afternoon. I’m AKB48 16th generation research student Sato Minami. Right now, I really don’t have anything going for me and nothing to show, and I’m truly terrible at dancing, but someday I want to rank in and get a trophy. And someday I want to aim for and rank into senbatsu and become an admired member. And after I’ve ranked into senbatsu, I want to rank 1st so I can become a sparkling version of myself like this. This is my first election and I’m nervous, so please take care of me everyone. Byebye~

Shoji Nagisa: Good afternoon, everyone. I’m AKB48 16th generation research student, hailing from Hokkaido and 16 years old, Shoji Nagisa aka Nagyu. This election will be my first election, so I’m very nervous. But I will follow my seniors and learn all I can from them, and I would be glad if more people could learn my name. Also, I have a dream. That dream is to be a member who can contribute to AKB in a meaningful way. In order to realize that dream someday, I’ll take it step by step every day. Please watch over me. Finally, my special talent is cheerleading, so I’ll show you a bit now.

Suzuki Kurumi: Hi! When I say Kuru, you say Runrun! Always energetic Kuru…Runrun! Thank you. I was born in Tokyo, I’m a 1st year middle schooler and I’m 12 years old. I’m Suzuki Kurumi aka Kururun. Today, I drew a picture! Can you tell what this is? Everyone, take a guess. Thinking time, start! Ta-da! It’s a seal. Why a seal? It’s because I sign my name with it. The thing I’m best at drawing is a seal. I know it’s pretty bad, but it’s really the best thing I can do. Though some people tell me it looks like a mullet fish, and maybe if I get to practice sometime I can draw something that really looks like one. Well, my drawings may suck, but I’m going to face the election with a smile and I hope you’ll remember my face and name! This was 16th generation research student Suzuki Kurumi!

Taguchi Manaka: Hi! I’m AKB48 16th generation research student Taguchi Manaka. I’m sure there are those of you watching this who are thinking “who is this girl?” That’s why I’ll tell you about some of my characteristics! First: I love comedy! Especially when comedians imitate old famous entertainers. Second: I used to be an AKB48 fan! I’ve loved AKB ever since I was a first year in elementary school, and I’ve gone to tons of events. Also, this is the first time I’ll be participating in the election. I think “positive is best” so I want to put my soul into it this time! Eating katsudon for the win! [katsu = win] Byebye!

Taya Misaki: Hi! I’m AKB48 16th generation research student Taya Misaki aka Tacchan. This time is the first election I’ll be participating in! I expect it to be a hard struggle, so I’m going to put passion into singing a song for you. [sings Green Flash] Before twilight turns into night, I’ll set aside today’s sadness. Even a little, taking the long way is fine, there might be good things tomorrow. I’m going to give it all I’ve got so please cheer me on!

Nagatomo Ayami: Hi, I’m AKB48 16th generation research student Nagatomo Ayami. I ran for election this year in hopes that a few more people will learn my face and name. Since our debut, about a month ago we 16th gen members were allowed to do an exclusive concert, and there we received the spirit of the fans and learned how much fun singing and dancing really are. Thank you. I love smiling faces, so if I can make a lot of people smile at theater performances and handshake events, I would be happy. That’s why I wanna become the new leader of smiles. I’m really excited for my first election, so please cheer me on, everyone!

Harima Nanami: Everyone, hello. I’m AKB48 16th generation research student Harima Nanami. It’s unexpected, but right now I’ll eat a gummy. It’s really fresh and delicious. Just like this gummy, I’ll try hard to be fresh! I’ll work hard!

Honma Mai: Hi, born in Tokyo and currenly in 3rd year of middle school, I’m AKB48 16th generation research student Honma Mai. Thank you for watching my appeal comment. There are probably a lot of people seeing me for the first time. I’d be happy if you remember me as Mai-chan who loves pickled plums. Right now, I’m treasuring the fans, my seniors and the staff and performing research student stages at the Akihabara theater. Thank you for always supporting us. I still have a long way to go with dance and I’m still inexperienced, but I applied for the election in hopes that more people will learn about me. I’m just a research student now, but I’ll work hard so that two or three years from now I can shine with the help of my fans. Please cheer me on. Byebye~

Maeda Ayaka: I’m AKB48 16th generation research student Maeda Ayaka. Right now I’m appearing in the 16th generation research student performances at the theater. Now I want to tell you about 3 ways I’ve grown since joining AKB48. [sign: 3 ways I’ve grown] First up is: my expressions have gotten better [sign: better expressions] This goes for performances but also my reactions during MCs have gotten bigger. Second is developing stamina! [sign: developing stamina] Before, I had no stamina and I would get tired even after a little physical activity. Recently I’ve even developed some muscle and I can go all-out during performances. Third, my attitude has improved. [sign: improved attitude] Before I joined AKB, I was aware that my attitude wasn’t that great, but after joining I was more careful about it and lately it’s gotten a lot better. Also, I was chosen to be in an AKB costume photo book. Back when I was a fan, I always waited impatiently for these books to come out so I was very surprised to actually be in one of them. It made me super, super happy. I’m still an amateur, but I want to keep giving my all and grow without stopping. I also want my personality to come out a bit more. I’ll work hard so Maeda Ayaka is the one you think of when you think of “AKB48’s Maeda”. [sign: AKB48’s Maeda -> Maeda Ayaka] Please cheer me on. Thank you for watching until the end!

Michieda Saki: I think you might not know who I am yet, so I’ll do my self-introduction and catchphrase. [sign: AKB48 16th gen research student. 13 years old, nickname Sakipon. 2nd year middle school. Michieda Saki] When I ask “is there anything else?” you say “Sakipon!” When you think of words with –pon, there’s dekopon, ponzu, and is there anything else? Thank you! I come from Kanagawa, I’m 13 years old, my name is Michieda Saki aka Sakipon. This is my first election, and I’ll do my best to face it with a smile. Thank you very much.

Mutou Orin: Hi, I’m AKB48 16th generation research student Mutou Orin. I have 2 special talents. The first is hip-hop dance, and the second is karate. When I was a 4th year in elementary school, won at an All-Japan full-contact karate championship. Today I’ll show you some karate! Here goes. My goal is to rank in! The 16th generation will move AKB48! Please cheer me on! That’s all from Mutou Orin!

Yasuda Kana: I’m AKB48 16th generation research student Yasuda Kana aka Kanabun. This year we had an exclusive concert and we’ve been performing at the theater. We’ve had a lot of firsts, and we’ve learned a lot. This will be the first election for me. I’ll do a little self-introduction here so you can learn a bit more about me. I come from Saitama, I’m a 1st year high schooler and I’m 15 years old. I’m not that good at singing or talking, but I do have confidence in dancing. I’ll do my best so more people remember my face and name this election. Last, I’ll show you my special talent, acrobatics. Here goes~ Please cheer me on!

Yamauchi Mizuki: Hi! When I say “lucky” you say “Zukkii!” I’m counting on you! Today everyone is lucky…Zukkii! Thank you. I’m from Tokyo, 1st year high schooler, 15 years old, Yamauchi Mizuki aka Zukkii! This is my first election, so I’m really excited. Because it’s my first one, I’m aiming to rank in. The reason for that is that I don’t want to waste this opportunity, and even though I’m a 16th gen research student, one day I want to be someone who leads AKB. I want to get more people excited about AKB48. I still have a long way to go, but I’d be happy if you cheer me on! Last, I’ll have a bit of playing cute time! Okay. Playing cute time is something I do on my SHOWROOM every time, so try to aim for the right timing to take a screenshot. Here goes! Three, two, one! That’s all! Thank you! Please cheer me on!

Yamane Suzuha: Good afternoon, everyone. I’m AKB48 16th generation research student Yamane Suzuha. I’m nervous for my first election, but I want to aim with all of you to rank in. Also, I’ll convey my energy and love over to you! Convey! I’m Yamane Suzuha! Thank you! I love you all! Thank you for everything! Convey! I’ll do my best!

AKB48 2017 Election Appeal Videos – Team B

Kato Rena: Huh? Where are you looking? Over there? [acchi] Over here? [kocchi] Renacchi! x3
Hi, I’m AKB48 Team B’s Kato Rena aka Renacchi! My goal for this year’s election is…Next?…Under…?…Senbatsu! I’m counting on you all to cheer me on again this year!

Goto Moe: Good afternoon, everyone. Everyone’s best smiler, Moekyun! I’m Team B’s Goto Moe aka Moekyun. The election this year will be my 4th one, and this time I was the first one to submit candidacy! This year I’ve had a lot of firsts: the first time I went overseas for a location shoot, the first time I played a role on Team Okonomi in the Majisuka Gakuen stage play. I had a lot of experiences. And I became a high school student this year. I want to show you a bunch of different sides of myself so I chose this outfit because it was cool. I want to show you cool and cute costumes and many different expressions of mine. Also, I want to turn this year into one where I express my thanks to all of you, so I’ll work hard to do that. My goal for the election is Undergirls! I know it’s a very high bar to set, but I’ll do my very best and never give up until it’s over. Thanks for watching this video to the end. That’s all from Goto Moe aka Moekyun!

Takeuchi Miyu: Everyone, it’s been a long time. Three years since I last joined the election. I’m Takeuchi Miyu. I’ll do a short self-introduction. I’m a 21 year old college student and a 9th generation AKB member in Team B. Like I said, it’s been 3 years since I joined the election. It would get too long if I were to explain the reason “why 3 years?”, but I’ve written quite a bit about this on SNS so please check it out. Let’s see, if you were to ask me what I’ve been doing these past few years, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to do and what I want to be. I used to be worried about what the results of participation would be, but now I’m really optimistic about it. I just have one really big dream and another dream after that: the first one is that I want to write an AKB song myself, and the second is that I want to arrange some of AKB’s popular songs myself for everyone to listen to. I’m currently doing a lot of “desktop music”, where I write songs on a computer, so I’d like a lot of people to hear what I’ve been doing. And I hope we can all have fun with the election this year. Thank you, everyone.

Tatsuya Makiho: I’m AKB48 Team B’s Tatsuya Makiho aka Maki-chan. This time will be my 4th election. The last times, unfortunately, I was unable to rank in, but this time I applied with stronger intentions. The third time, my dream was just to rank in, but this time I’m aiming for the 65th spot, the center of Upcoming girls. I’ll do everything I can to work toward that ranking. This costume I’m wearing is from Kibouteki Refrain’s coupling song that I was in. It’s a costume from 3 years ago, so at the time I was still a 1st year middle schooler. And now I’m a 1st year in high school. I’ve grown up, and I’d be glad if you could all see me like that. Anyway, I’ll do my best! This was AKB48 Team B’s Tatsuya Makiho aka Maki-chan.

Fukuoka Seina: I’m AKB48 Team B’s Fukuoka Seina aka Sei-chan. My goal for this year’s election is Undergirls. The reason for that is because now that I’ve turned 17, I won’t always be fresh. I think this is just the right age to seriously fight for this. The costume I’m wearing right now is from High Tension’s coupling song Osaekirenai Shoudou where I was able to stand as center and received 25th at Request Hour. Thank you very much! Last year, I was given so many opportunities and this year I want to team up with you all to grab new ones! Please cheer me on!

Macharin: Everyone, hello. I’m AKB48 Team B’s Macharin. From last year’s election through this year, I’ve been in magazines, been an image character in a game, been on music shows, attended fan meetings, and done so many different things. My goals have also increased. But I’m still not good enough for them, or so I feel. I want to see the scenery from higher up. I want to have a lot more work. So I’ve made one goal for myself. That is to become everyone’s sun! I want to warmly shine upon all of you. Please support me. This was Macharin.

Watanabe Mayu: Everyone, good afternoon. I’m AKB48 Team B’s Watanabe Mayu. I…this year…this is finally…the last election I’ll be applying for. The last one, and I’ve been in all of them ever since the first one, which was 9 years ago… Ever since the first election, I’ve consistently ranked into Kami7. I’m the only member who was able to maintain that, and I’m very thankful for it. That I’ve been able to stay in AKB like this and consistently rank into Kami7 is all thanks to the fans who have been supporting me all these years. I want to seriously face this and thank those fans as a Kami7 member with pride in my heart this year, too. Of course, my number one goal is to be Number One. I want to create the legend of being the only member to never drop from Kami7 ever since the beginning and go out as #1. That’s the final evidence I want to leave of my career as an AKB member. Everyone, please cheer me on!

AKB48 2017 Election Appeal Videos – Team K

Ichikawa Manami: I’m AKB48 Team K’s Ichikawa Manami. There might be people watching this appeal comment who don’t know who I am, so I’ll do a simple self-introduction. Here’s my name, my Team, and my birthday. I was born on August 26th and right now I’m 17 years old. My hobbies are manga, anime and games. Recently my manga collection grew to over 1000 volumes – I have a lot of manga at home. Also, my favorite job to do is performing at the theater. I use SNS, a blog and video sites, but I like the theater most where I can see you all in person. Last month, for the first time since I joined the group, I was able to perform in the first performance of a theater show. This costume is part of that stage, from the solo I was chosen to perform. Finally, my motto is “100% is even better than 100 points”, so I hope you will all support me as I give 100% to this year’s election. This was AKB48 Team K’s Ichikawa Manami.

Shinozaki Ayana: I’m AKB48 Team K’s Shinozaki Ayana. At the election two years ago, you all gave me the wonderful ranking of 78th. It was the first time I ranked in. Last year, my ranking ended up being 94th, so this year I definitely want to rank in again and stand on that stage once more. At the 13th generation performance at the beginning of the year, I played the part of a young servant [shoudou], so that’s what I’m dressed as now. And I wrote the characters for “fight” [shoubu] so I’ll write those with a brush pen again now. Here goes. I’m done. Ta-da! “Shoubu”! I’ll definitely win this fight and stand on the stage again! I have to do this! This was Shinozaki Ayana. Byebye.

Shimada Haruka: [nameplate: YUNBO Shimada] Hey! What are you doin’?! Are you even listenin’?! You bastard! I ain’t heard of no appeal comment! What am I even supposed to do?! Guess I have no choice. I’ll turn back to idol Shimada in a jiffy, since I got no choice! I’m puttin’ the water in! And the cup too! Just a minute! “You have 15 seconds left!” Ah, crap. Costume, gimme the costume! [nameplate: Shimada Haruka] Hi, good afternoon. I’m AKB48’s Shimada Haruka. Please support me!

Shimoguchi Hinana: I’m AKB48 Team K’s Shimoguchi Hinana. In my appeal comment this time, there’s something I want to tell everyone. I wanna shine even brighter! I wanna be more noticeable! I want you all to see more of me! More, more, more! And so my goal for this election is to be the center of Future Girls, 49th! But even more than that, I just want to rank in. Until now, there have been a lot of tough and sad things, but the fans have always supported me. I’ll never forget that. Please keep supporting me. Thank you very much. And now I’m off! But let’s do this together. To the top!

Tano Yuka: Everyone, hello. I’m AKB48 Team K’s Tano Yuka. At last year’s election, it was the first time I didn’t even rank in, but I took it optimistically and have been putting my nose to the grindstone. Well, last year as well as this year, I’ve been doing plays and work outside of AKB, and I think all of that has helped me level up. I ran for election this year in hopes I can rank in again, so please cheer for me, everyone. This was Tano Yuka.

Fujita Nana: I’m AKB48 Team K’s Fujita Nana. Actually, this year I didn’t choose to participate in the election until the last second. I received a lot of comments and letters from fans, and consulted a lot with the people around me, and in the end I decided to make a decision my future self wouldn’t regret. So I decided that while I’m in AKB, I should do things that I can only do in AKB, and I applied for the election. Thank you very much to everyone who’s always supporting me. Let’s take everything at our own pace and move forward like that. I believe there is nothing that goes to waste in life, so please also believe in yourselves, smile, and move forward! I’m counting on you this year again!

Minegishi Minami: I told you all a lie. I’m AKB48 Team K’s Minegishi Minami. Last year, I said it would be my last election, but here I am sitting here again. I should shave my head in apology, but I don’t want to cause more trouble for AKB so I won’t. As for why I said that last year would be my final election, it’s because I wanted to end my AKB career cleanly. However, now that I’m the last 1st gen standing, my thinking has changed. My 1st gen peers such as Maeda Atsuko, Takahashi Minami, and Kojima Haruna only graduated after they were satisfied with the mark they had left. In that regard, I want to show you that I’m unabashedly staying in the group to find what I can do for it. I might not be who I want to be in the group right now, but no matter what result I get, I will stand on the stage and show a cool and sportsmanlike face worthy of AKB. I, Minegishi Minami, will not worry too much about my ranking, and fight to the end! Please cheer me on! [sign] I want senbatsu.

Mukaichi Mion: Hi, I’m AKB48 Team K’s Mukaichi Mion aka Miion. I love AKB so much that for this year’s appeal I want to make a speech using every title of AKB’s singles! The allotted time will be 1 minute! Ready, start! My goal this year is, basically, Kami7. I want to be an idol you wanted to come see [aitakatta]. Well, I’m 19, so it’s still the age where my school uniform is in the way [seifuku ga jama wo suru], but I want you to call me Team K[eibetsu shiteita aijou]’s ace. I’ll dance nimb[ingo]ly because you all are my sun [boku no taiyou] and I would love if you called me your sunset [yuuhi]. What I need right now is…romance? Ah, I don’t need that [romance, irane]. By the way, how much longer do I have? “20 seconds”. Ah, uh-oh, not a lot of time. Wow, there are a lot of singles. A lot goes on in life, and there are a lot of singles too. Ah, aren’t I in a high position right now [shuza]? It’s always eternal pressure. This has gone on so long, I wanna do a sayonara crawl. Yeah, I like Koi suru fortune cookie a lot. And Heart ereki! Suzukake no ki no michi ni kimi no hohoemi wo mite shimattara bo-

Mogi Shinobu: I’ll mogimogi your heart. I’m Team K’s Mogi Shinobu aka Mogi-chan. This year I decided to run for election! 2 years ago I was 57th and last year I was 47th. I was able to rank in thanks to all you fans – I was so happy, thank you very much. However, this past year I wasn’t chosen to be on music shows and I didn’t appear on the singles or coupling songs very much. Every member in AKB is aiming for a different thing, but I personally am aiming to be in as many music videos and music shows as possible while I’m an AKB member. To make that come true and rank in again is the reason I decided to join the election this year. I’m reaching high – my goal is Undergirls. In February, I turned 20, so on the occasion I rank in, I’d like to toast you all with this! Please support me!

Yumoto Ami: I’m AKB48 Team K’s 19 year old Yumoto Ami. Ever since last year’s election, I was in a number of things such as the Majisuka Gakuen stage play, some dance work, and I got 2nd place in the Rock Paper Scissors tournament last year. I also play a role in Tofu Pro Wrestling, which is currently airing. This year, there were a lot of chances for fans to see me in things. That’s why I hope we can rally after the preliminary annoucements and be able to cry happy tears in Okinawa. Please cheer me on. This was Yumoto Ami.

AKB48 2017 Election Appeal Videos – Team A

Oya Shizuka: I’m AKB48 Team A’s Oya Shizuka. This year I’m running for election again. Every year, I run for election with the hopes of ranking in, but this year I want to rank in more than ever. The reason why is because at the Kouhaku ranking at the end of last year, I somehow, unbelievably, managed to rank in at #12. Since then, I was chosen for senbatsu for Shoot Sign and Negaigoto no Mochigusare. Me, Oya Shizuka, who was always at research student status, has been on the receiving end of such an unexpected miracle as being chosen for senbatsu twice in a row. I have strong feelings of not wanting to waste this chance to rank in at election. When I ranked in at the NHK senbatsu, people told me “it’s not because you’re popular, it’s just because you’re well-known”. I really want to see that assumption overturned, so I want to rank in more than ever before. Everyone, please aim along with me for rank-in at the election. Please cheer me on! This was Oya Shizuka.

Kojima Natsuki: Good afternoon, everyone. I’m AKB48 Yokoyama Team A’s Kojima Natsuki aka Nattsun. Right, last year and the year before that, in the preliminary ranking, we were able to hear my name called. This year for sure! I want to hear my name called and rank in at the real event! And this year we’re going to Okinawa! So look what I’m wearing! Ta-da! When you think of Okinawa, you think of the ocean, and when you think of the ocean you think of mermaids! So I dressed up as a mermaid princess! Last, I’ll give you an Okinawan goodbye while I do a sexy pose! Here goes~ Byebye!

Sasaki Yukari: I’m AKB48 Team A’s Sasaki Yukari. Rank 47. Rank 50. Rank 38. I have so many, I’m very grateful. And as always, thank you very much. My goal this election is to make it to Undergirls. Let’s go! Yeah!

Takita Kayoko: I’m AKB48 Team A’s Takita Kayoko aka Kayoyon. This election will be my 4th one. In all the elections previous to this one, unfortunately, I was unable to rank in, but this year I’m fired up to rank in even more than usual. This has been quite a fulfilling year for me, personally. I got to perform in a lot of stages and I achieved my goal of getting more people to come to my booth at handshake events. I think I was able to deepen the bonds with my fans even more this year, and I hope that can translate to ranking in during the election. I also turned 20 this year, a year the young members don’t want to think about. But I can’t be coddled anymore; we older members have to lead AKB48. And to support that feeling, it would be nice to rank in. I have a lot of talents, and one of them is drawing. So I thought it would be cool to use it to appeal to you guys even more. I’m aiming! To rank in!

Taniguchi Megu: I’m AKB48 Yokoyama Team A’s Taniguchi Megu. Last year, thanks to all the fans who support me, I was able to rank in at 69th! I was seriously so happy! However, since ranking in, I’ve been unable to pay back the debt I owe to my fans, and every time I thought of it I felt frustrated. Honestly, the election scares me. Every year, I get nervous around this time. But trust me when I say that the choice to run away from the election was never one I considered. I won’t run away from the chance every member has to rank in, so I decided to participate assertively. My goal this year is to rank into Undergirls. I know better than anyone that that’s a very tough goal for me right now. However, I want to rank into Undergirls as a stepping stone to eventually rank into senbatsu. Everyone, please cheer me on.

Nakanishi Chiyori: I’m AKB48 Team A’s Nakanishi Chiyori. Last year, during the preliminaries, I ranked in at wonderful 47th. At that time, I was so happy I shed tears of joy, but at the actual event I kept thinking “where will I be? Won’t I be there?” with such anxiety. And in the end I wasn’t called, but after that I found out I was ranked 91st. I was really happy, but I kept feeling if only it were 11 places higher… That’s why, this year, definitely! I’m filled with feelings of wanting to smash through that wall and rank in! My soul is written right here, can you see it? [sign: X through ‘unranked’] I’ll go over there. This is my soul. See it? This is my soul.

Hiwatashi Yui: I’m AKB48 Team A’s Hiwatashi Yui aka Hiwatan! Everyone, hello! Right, to start off, I’ll show you my usual hobby and impersonate a schoolteacher. Here goes. Oww~ I bumped into the [??]. Do you know what I just bumped into? What I bumped into was over here. I had your full attention, so you were looking over here at me. Okay, that’s all. This is my second election. Last year, my goal was to have fun, and I achieved it. But this year, I applied with the intention to rank in! I’ll do my best to deliver everyone who supports me my brightest smile on June 17th! Let’s do our best to work towards our dreams! Please cheer me on again this year! Byebye!

Miyazaki Miho: I’m AKB48’s Miyazaki Miho. This year I applied for the election again. And once again, this year the venue is a long-distance trip, to Okinawa this time. And I’m really looking forward to going to Okinawa with all of you. Everyone, please start getting your beach bods ready! On the day of, make sure to put sunscreen on, spin your towels around and cheer me on!

Yokoyama Yui: I’m AKB48’s group general manager Yokoyama Yui. I want to say the election is what it is, and I want to hurry up and say that, but before that I want to convey to you my feelings about this year’s election. I feel a lot of momentous things have happened in the 48 Group this past year. That’s why I think this year’s election is also important. I want to say the election is what it is. But I’m honestly afraid of the election. I’m especially afraid of people thinking “She’s the general manager, but this is all the ranking she can get?”. And if they were to say “She’s awfully high and mightly to be fine with this ranking even though it’s low”, it pains me to admit it, but they’re absolutely right. I want to say the election is what it is. But, even so, I want to show everyone that I’m standing and facing it. I’ll do my very best, and I won’t be ashamed if my ranking falls. Also, during the member entrance, someone’s nameplate will definitely be upside-down.

AKB48 2017 Election Appeal Videos – Team 4

Iino Miyabi: I’m AKB48 Team 4’s Iino Miyabi. This year, I’m running for election. Last year, my dream of ranking into the preliminary ranking couldn’t come true. This year, I’m turning 20 years old. The first time I entered the election, I was 16. So this year, I applied with the will of a 20 year old adult. I hope you’ll watch over me taking my first steps as an adult. Please cheer me on!

Iwatate Saho: Everyone, Ya~ho~ Suddenly, it’s starting! Sahho’s Scallop Answer Corner. This time, I’ll be answering some questions you’ve sent in. Let’s start with a letter from “I wanna do voice training-san”: “When Sahho orders from a menu at a restaurant, does she give her order too fast?” Hehe, I wonder which it is? The answer is: to~oo sl~ow. The next question is from “Scallops really are the best-san”: “Which train station lunches are you interested in lately?” Station lunches? As far as station lunches go, Okinawa has one from Tsubogawa station. It has things like sashimi, tempura, and a lot of things you can’t eat anywhere but Okinawa. I’m super interested in it, and I really want to eat it! Next question, from [???]: “I hear the election is in Okinawa this year? Will Sahho be in it?” Eh? Really? Okinawa? If I don’t go, nothing will happen for me! Everyone, this year, let’s do our vocal exercises toward Okinawa’s blue sky, okay? It’s a promise! Eh? Time’s already up? To~oo fa~st. That’s all for now, your host has been AKB48’s Iwatate Saho. Byebye!

Okawa Rio: Hello, I’m AKB48 Team 4’s 16 year old Okawa Rio. For this year’s election, first this costume I’m wearing is black, a little more grown-up and chic. For last year’s election, I picked a white dress, but this year I thought I’d challenge myself by wearing black, so I chose this dress. Also this year, my goal is to rank in. If I rank in, since I turned 16 this year, I’ll be able to get a lot more different kinds of work, and for the election there’s the Mizugi Surprise, so I’m aiming for that. Everyone, please cheer me on! This was Okawa Rio.

Omori Miyu: [singing Heartgata Virus] It’s like I’ve been infected by a heart-shaped virus that no injection can cure. All I can think about is you, and I can’t do anything about it… This can’t be! Or so I thought, but you know… it seems like I love you! Hi, I’m AKB48 Team 4’s Omori Miyu. This year I want to take my mastery of idolhood one step further and make even more people fall in love with me! So more and more people will be head over heels for me, please cheer me on!

Okada Nana: I’m a member of AKB48’s Team 4 and also of STU48, Okada Nana. In this year’s election, the same as last year, I want to aim for Kami7. So that I can be a leader of the AKB48 Group, I feel the Kami7 wall is one I must overcome. I know it’s an incredibly difficult goal to set, but I hope to cross over that wall with the help of the fans. By all means, I hope you will keep supporting me.

Kawamoto Saya: I’m AKB48 Team 4’s Kawamoto Saya. Last year, I ranked 27th in the election and I’m very grateful, thank you. My goal for this year’s election is to rank into senbatsu. Until now, I haven’t had enough confidence in myself, but in order to become a senbatsu member this year, I need to become someone who has self-confidence. As someone who was born in Hokkaido, my burning feelings won’t lose to the Okinawan heat. Please cheer me on.

Kitazawa Saki: [singing RESET] Let the wind in, Team! Open your eyes! Stand up right here! Let the wind in, starting today it’s all new, we are the 13th generation! Good afternoon everyone, I’m AKB48 Team 4 and 13th generation member Kitazawa Saki aka Sakki! This year, for the first time ever, we 13th gens had a concert all by ourselves! But that’s not where we want to stop! We want to aim much, much higher! This year’s election, I’m aiming to rank in for the first time! And to bring luck this year, I wore a more adult costume for my election poster so please check it out! Finally, I’d like to sing the song my unit performed. [singing Kamoku na tsuki] Believing in you, I’ll follow you. I don’t need a map, I’ll go anywhere with you. You’re shy so you don’t hold my hand, but you’re nonchalantly watching over me. Thank you! Please support me!

Kojima Mako: [sign] I’m AKB48 Team 4’s Kojima Mako. [sign] Actually, I’m getting my teeth straightened so I can’t speak right now. I’m sorry. [sign] This year, my election goal is… [sign] Sincerity (Makoto). [sign] This is it. [sign] With the “sincerity” that’s in my name, I’ll earnestly, purely, straightforwardly… [sign] Enjoy myself! That’s my intention. [sign] I’m counting on your support, [sign] thank you very much!

Komiyama Haruka: To all those who support me and love AKB48, thank you as always! I’m AKB48 Team 4’s Komiyama Haruka aka Komiharu! This year I’m running for election again, and I know the election tends to cause drama. Two years ago, I shed bitter tears with all of you, and last year they were tears of joy. For this year’s election, I don’t know if it’ll cause the fans unpleasant feelings, and there might be trying times ahead, but still – sharing the tough times and happy times is what AKB48 is about! And so, this year, I’m aiming for senbatsu. When I make it to senbatsu, I want to shed joyous tears with you all, so please cheer me on!

Sato Kiara: Hello, I’m AKB48 Team 4’s 15th generation Sato Kiara aka Kiichan. This past year I feel I’ve grown a lot in performances thanks to the Boku no Taiyou performances, where I get to perform with many members, both senpai and kouhai, from Team A to Team 4. Until recently, I haven’t been able to perform with any senpai members except those close to my generation, and in Boku no Taiyou we perform songs across a range from cheerful to adult. At handshake events the fans tell me I’ve improved my facial expressions and other aspects of my performance, and I’ve been on AKBINGO recently as well. This year I’ve gotten pretty tired of my old character, so for this year’s election I want to…hope I can…rip up my old character and bring you a brand new Sato Kiara. Please cheer me on. This was Sato Kiara.

Takahashi Juri: Good afternoon, everyone. I’m AKB48 Team 4’s Takahashi Juri. This year I’ve entered the election again! Definitely, definitely cheer me on, please. Last year, I ranked 15th, so now I’m going to do 15 funny faces. Ready, start! One…two…three…um, I can’t think of any more, so seeing as I could only do 3, this year I’ll work hard and aim for 3rd place! Everyone, please cheer me on! This was Takahashi Juri.

Nozawa Rena: I’m AKB48 Team 4’s Nozawa Rena. I’ve applied to run in this year’s election. I graduated high school this year, and I want to show you how much I’ve grown this past year. Please cheer me on. And so, this time I want to show you some psychic ability! First, I’m going to make this finger fly. Here we go. Fly! It’s going to fly… it flew! Did you all see it? Next, I’ll bend this spoon. Everyone, try it with me. Three, two one…Bend! Um…it won’t bend? Well, I couldn’t do it this time, but actually that’s not the important part. Since this video started, 5 things have changed. I wonder what those 5 things could be? Everyone, rewind to the beginning and check again!

45th Single Election Appeal Comments (Team N)

        Akashi Natsuko
“I’m NMB48 Team N’s Akashi Natsuko aka Nattsu. This time it’s my 4th election. In my past appeal videos I did stuff that was a bit weird like eating ramen and singing, but this time I’m wearing a sailor uniform and going back to a more serious image. Thanks to all the fans who have been supporting me up til now. For this election, I’m going to work really hard for you guys.  I hope I can rank in for the first time this year and share smiles with you on that stage. To everyone who knows me and didn’t know me until now, please cheer me on. Thank you. I’ll take the top! [sings Teppen Tottande]”
     Ishida Yuumi
“I’m NMB48 Team N’s Ishida Yuumi aka Yuumin. This year will be year 5 since I joined NMB. During the handshake events right after I joined NMB, there were days when not a single person came to see me. I haven’t really been able to raise my status in the group, and I’ve spent the last 4 years working as a research student, being passed up by draft and junior members. I considered giving up so many times, but thanks to perseverance I was chosen for ‘Must Be Now’ senbatsu, my first senbatsu! The same way I didn’t give up and was chosen for senbatsu, I want to keep aiming to rank in during the election! So if I rank in, I’ll go to handshake events wearing this Vietnamese dress! Even if it was just a tiny bit, I hope you learned something about Ishida Yuumi! Please root for me!”
        Oota Yuuri
“Thank you to everyone watching this appeal video. I’m NMB48 Team N’s Oota Yuuri aka Yuuri. My motive for running for election this year is my involvement in NMB48’s Amagamihime single and double-centering the Team N coupling song with Sutou Ririka. A center is someone who the whole team relies on and who represents the image of the team. This year I became a 2nd year high school student and I got my bearings and led my team. Though I’m a very modest person, I want to revv up NMB’s excitement factor! For that, I need a personality without borders, and I don’t need modesty. And so, here and now, I’m going to destroy modesty! Goodbye, modesty!”
        Katou Yuuka
“You there! If you’re careless [ukauka], Uuka is gonna snatch away your heart! Better get ready! I’m 18 year old Osaka-born Kato Yuuka aka Uuka. Last year, my dream came true and I ranked in for the first time thanks to all your support. Thank you so much. And the year after was full of opportunities for me. I got to try performing solo on guitar, and I was chosen as a front member of the dance senbatsu for NMB48’s “Must Be Now” single. I love dancing so much, and that really gave me confidence. Now I’ll play a song that’s very dear to me, with these lyrics: ‘I gotta do it! Putting my spirit into it, I’ll bust through the wall.’ The 48 Group has a lot of talented seniors and members, and in order to breach that wall I want to aim higher and higher with my fans! As an individual and as an idol, I’m going to put everything I have into doing my best! Please cheer me on! Now then let’s part to the sound of guitar. [sings Hajimete no Hoshi]”
     Kishino Rika
“Hello everyone, I’m NMB48 Team N’s Kishino Rika. This year I’m shooting a video for the election too…for this election, my spirit…no, I mean, I feel that I definitely want to rank in. I haven’t ranked in before. As long as I’ve been in the AKB48 group, my goal has been to rank in at the election. This year, that feeling is stronger than ever. As an idol, I want to stand on that stage. Lately I’ve been chatting with all of you, and wondering if my feelings have gotten across. I want my strong emotions about this to come across so that come the real election I can stand on that stage, say I’m truly happy and bring everyone else happiness too. Thank you. Now, since I’m out of time, please listen to 365nichi no kamihikouki. [sings 365nichi no kamihikouki]”
        Koga Narumi
“No matter what happens[narunaru], this Narunaru will narunarunarunaru, naru…[I give up] Naru!~ Thank you. Born in Osaka, I’m 18 year old Koga Narumi aka Naru. This year I graduated from school, and now I’m pushing on idol-only style! Also, I’m taking the path to adulthood one step at a time. To bring Koga quality to people everywhere, I want to emerge onto the world stage! I would love to see a great view from the election stage with all of you. From here on, please keep supporting me! Thank you!”
        Jo Eriko
“NMB48 Team N’s Jo Eriko aka Jo here. This time I decided to wear the ‘Nandomo Nerae’ costume. It’s a symbol of never giving up no matter how many times you may fail. I left the decision of whether or not to run for election to the very last minute, as long as there is a chance…the probability isn’t 0 and there is still meaning in trying, so I decided to submit my candidacy. My goal is to rank in. I still haven’t ranked in, so this year for sure I want to stand on that stage. Please root for me. Feeling superb [joujou], our crew’s [jouin] superb too! Byebye~”
       Sutou Ririka
“Hi to everyone who’s my senior in the world! I’m NMB48’s Sutou Ririka aka Riripon! Last year in the election I wasn’t able to rank in, but a year has passed now where I was chosen for center and received many other opportunities too! My dream for the future is to be a philosopher. I joined the group to help that dream come true. The reason I want to be one is…ah! What’s this doing here?! Yes! I joined this group to drive off the perils of life [book’s title]!! Everyone, let’s go see the future of the 48 Group together! The only people who can fight for this era are we who are living in it right now! Everyone, please cheer me on!”
        Nishizawa Rurina
“I’m NMB48 Team N’s Nishizawa Rurina aka Ruririn. After leaping into this world, 5 years have passed by so fast, but I still haven’t been able to carve out the picture that I’ve envisioned. So I want to challenge myself more and find many more sides to myself. And so I’m going to drink this soda in one go!”
        Yamao Rina
“I’m NMB48 Team N’s Yamao Rina. Between last election and now, I learned to play guitar! I’m going to play Yume no Dead Body for you all today. Here I go~ [performs] Thank you. Just like I challenged myself with guitar, I’d like to try a lot of other things too so that I can bring you all even more fun. I’m a girl who will try anything! Please cheer for me.”
        Yamamoto Sayaka
[gorillas out]
 Yoshida Akari
“Hello, everyone! I’m Yoshida Akari aka Akarin. Sorry to spring this on you suddenly, but I created a channel on a famous video site that deals with beauty and makeup tips for women. Do you know about it? Online videos can reach even people who live in the countryside, so I started it to help girls from all over the country. Up until now I hadn’t had clear goals while making those videos, but now I have a lot of them and I’ll let you in on them here. First, I want a lot of people to see these Womanly Charms videos – I want them to be useful to women. Also, I would like to create cosmetics and appear in commercials. And one more thing: to be interesting to men as well, I’d like to put a lot of photographs [and something else idk] in the videos. In conclusion, I’ve found a lot of things I’d like to do. That said, I’d love to better shoot for this, but my popularity isn’t high enough yet! I’ll be 20 before long. That’s why I’m really in a hurry to raise my popularity this year. So I’m aiming to get the best ranking I can! And also, I want NMB to have a shining year this year! All you NMB supporters out there, let’s make NMB heat up this year! Please cheer for me! That’s all from NMB48’s womanly charms expert Yoshida Akari aka Akarin! Please watch ‘Womanly Charms’!”

45th Single Election Appeal Comments (Team H)

    Akiyoshi Yuka
“Hi everyone! I’m HKT48 Team H’s Akiyoshi Yuka. First I want to say this: I am absolutely not playing around. In summer of last year in Hakata, during a stage play I played the part of Akiyoshi Yukichirou. The play at Hakataza taught me about theater from the ground up and the part was really fun to play. I learned a lot. Last year, thanks to you fans, I ranked 47th in the preliminary rankings. However, I wasn’t able to rank in the real thing, but my ties with you all got deeper and it was a great event nonetheless! This year for sure I want to rank in and have my work activities increase. I want to have a lot of great experiences with you all. I want to spend this year full of smiles. Please cheer for me! That’s all, [idk what word this is]”
       Inoue Yuriya
“I’m HKT48 Team H’s Inoue Yuriya aka Yuriya, 16 years old. Thank you for watching this video. This is a sudden queston, but do you guys know what I normally post on Google+? I post homemade photoshoots called ‘Seifuku yorimichi collection’. I’m in a lot of mini photoshoots there. You guys are always supporting me, I’m truly thankful for that. That’s why I want you all to find that supporting me is really fun. I’m happy if the people supporting me think that I’m good or interesting, even just a little bit. This time I tried using a picture from one of those photoshoots as my poster. All of you who didn’t know about it, please check it out. I’m aiming for my first rank-in. Thank you for supporting me.”
    Ui Mashiro
“Hello, I’m HKT48’s Ui Mashiro. This will be my 4th election. This year I was chosen to appear in a coupling song on AKB48’s 43rd single, during the short play in HKT48’s tour ‘Sashiko du soleil’ I was chosen for for the Last Boss ‘I4U’. Riding this wave, I think my popularity can go up a bit. So using this as a springboard, this year I am seriously aiming to be ranked in. That’s all from HKT48’s Mashiro Ui.”
 Ueno Haruka
“Hello everyone, I’m HKT48 Team H’s Ueno Haruka aka Harutan. So far, I’ve never ranked in in an election. I haven’t gotten into senbatsu, either. I don’t get much work compared to everyone else. I’m always making my fans sad because of this and I’m very sorry. That’s why I’ve been devoting myself body and soul to the theater performances I love. And then suddenly the wind of fortune started blowing for me! It’s something that came from the HKT48 documentary movie [?]! Furthermore, I was chosen as the center of the movie’s theme song! Everyone, can you imagine it? I, who has basically done nothing but theater performances up until now, was able to become center! ‘When you do your best, there will be people who’ll see that’. These words turned out to be true. And now I have my opportunity to move upwards. This year, I won’t be dreaming alone this year. If I’m able to rank in, it will be proof positive that ‘hard work will definitely be rewarded’! Finally, I am SERIOUS this year! Everyone, please cheer me on! Byebye~”
    Okamoto Naoko
“[doing sign language] Hello everyone, and nice to meet you. I think there are people who don’t know my name. It’s Oka moto Nao ko. Up until now, in every election, I’ve unfortunately been… [sign: Unranked] unranked. For this year’s election, I’m going to tear that into little pieces. Everyone, our motto is going to be this: [sign: combined effort]. To the fans who have been supporting me, and any new fans I might have, let’s show our unity and do our best in this year’s election! Everyone, please cheer for me! Byebye~”
       Kojina Yui
“I’m HKT48 Team H’s Kojina Yui aka Jiina, 18 years old. Last year, you all gave me the wonderful rank of 46 as a present. Thank you so much! I will never forget the view from the stage. My dream is to join AKB48’s 16-member senbatsu. Though it’s probably still a long way off, someday it will definitely come true. And to help that dream happen, I’m running for election this year. The rank I’m aiming for is 27 like my name, Jiina [ji=2 na=7]. You can think of 27 when you hear Jiina, but this will be no ordinary 27. This will be a 27 I captured with the help of my fans! Okay. Please cheer me on!”
        Kodama Haruka
“Hello everyone, I’m HKT48 Team H/Team K’s Kodama Haruka aka Haruppi. Now, this year election season has come again! It gets my heart racing. Last year I felt everyone’s love and ranked in at 17th. It was a year full of support from you all. Thank you. And also my close friends Sakura and Sasshi had a lot of work opportunities thanks to their election rankings. [missing some words here] It was also a year where I felt my own shortcomings. My goal for this year for HKT48’s sake, I feel that I have to take a step forward. And so this year, as a continuation of last year, I’m gonna do that thing! I’m going to smash into my enthusiasm for this year right here. I’ll do my best. For senbatsu…come on! Here I go! [voice offscreen says stop] Eh? Is it okay? Maybe I shouldn’t have done that…”
        Komada Hiroka
“HKT48 Team H’s Komada Hiroka aka Pii-chan here. My concept this year is precise: Revenge! Two years ago was the first time I was able to rank in. Last year, I was really frustrated to not have ranked in. Last year I was able to show up in a lot of different things and participated in theater shows as a senbatsu understudy in the center position as well as other forward positions. However, I don’t just want to be an understudy. I want my own position in senbatsu! So I’m going to use that frustration I felt as a springboard to rank in again! Let’s create my story together! I’ll become your heroine! Thank you!”
        Sakaguchi Riko
“HKT48 Team H’s Sakaguchi Riko aka Rikopi here. Nice to meetcha. Last year I ranked in at 37. I was seriously so happy! Thank you so much! This year I’m aiming for Undergirls. My appeal points are…I haven’t said this before but it’s my bright personality and my endurance for my age. Also, more than anything else, I love my passionate fans! I’ll do my best to aim for my goal this time with my fans! Thank ya!”
        Sashihara Rino
“Hi everyone, I’m HKT48’s Sashihara Rino. This time, I’m REALLY enthusiastic. I’ll tell you why: it’s because if I’m ranked #1 this year, it will be the first time for successive wins in election history. That’s a view no one has seen before. And I would love to see that happen along with all of the fans who are supporting me. Please get me there. And also, this is a promise: if I win, I’ll do a comedy show as a pupil of Dachou Club! Of course, there will be live changing of clothes, netto [think this is different from internet], and the tried and true swimsuit concert. I know it’s presumptuous, but if I’m able to win this year, I believe it will make me someone who can bring the people in my home province of Oita just a bit more happiness. This year, everyone in Kumamoto, Oita and Kyushu, I want to make it a year we can come see you all. Thank you. That’s all from Sashihara Rino! Byebye~ ”
        Tashima Meru
“HKT48 Team H’s Tashima Meru here. This year my appeal comment is about how I’m aiming for senbatsu in the election, so I made a first-letters poem with senbatsu as the base! Here we go~ SE – In the election… N – Nnnn, senbatsu thief! BA – My ardor has increased, TSU – I want to grab it! That’s all for my first-letters poem! I’ll do my best with you all to aim higher and higher in the election this year. Please cheer for me!”
        Tanaka Natsumi
“Nice to meet you everyone, I’m HKT48’s Tanaka Natsumi. This will be my 5th election. Last year’s result was disappointing, and I really felt bad about it. But it’s been a year since the last election. I’ve become a high schooler, my jobs have increased, and more than anything else, I was chosen for the senbatsu of HKT48’s 7th single. I’d always wanted to be in senbatsu, so I was full of happiness. But now that I’ve been in senbatsu, my anxieties have increased, and I’ve been subjected to the fans’ strict gaze. I feel that I have to change. It’s often joked about on the net that Natsumikan has few fans, and I want to show everyone that that isn’t true. So I’m chosen for the next senbatsu as well, I’d absolutely like to rank in this year. Everyone, please cheer for me!”
        Tanaka Miku
“Coming from Kumamoto prefecture, HKT48 Team H’s 14 year old Tanaka Miku aka Mikurin here. This year I was chosen for senbatsu, acted a role in Majisuka, and recieved many opportunities. This is my 3rd election, and I want to stand on the stage and smile along with all of you! And since the election is happening in Niigata this year, we’ll work hard so that many HKT48 members rank in and an HKT fanbase is established there too! Everyone, please cheer for me! I’ll do my best to remove negativity!”
 Matsuoka Natsumi
“HKT48 Team H’s Matsuoka Natsumi here. I’m running for the 2016 election. This time it will be my 5th election. I’ve turned 20, and it’s also been 5 years since I joined HKT, so my goal is to destroy the status quo. I want to change the way things are now. My fans haven’t yet written anything about what rank would be good to aim for, so I wrote on Google+ that I would like to aim for Undergirls. I definitely want to smile with everyone on that stage as a member of Undergirls. Please cheer for me. I’ll do my best!”
        Yabuki Nako
“HKT48 Team H/AKB48 Team B’s Yabuki Nako here. This will be my 3rd election. And somehow the election, which falls on 6/18 this year, is the same day as my birthday! Yay~! I hope it will be a wonderful day. I’ll keep smiling brightly and energetically and doing my best! Now please listen to Ijiwaruchuu~ [sings] Thank you!”
        Yamada Marina
“Hello. I’m HKT48 Team H’s Yamada Marina. This will be my 4th election. I haven’t ranked in once yet, so my number one goal for this year is to rank in. I want to try standing on that stage with a smile. I know I’m still inexperienced, but if I’m able to rank in, my work will increase, so I’ll do my best towards that. I want to put all my effort into aiming for my dreams. Everyone, let’s aim high together. Please cheer me on. That’s all from Yamada Marina aka Mariri. Byebye~”
   Yamamoto Mao
“Hello everyone, I’m HKT48 Team H’s Yamamoto Mao. Recently, I had a lot of fans tell me on 755 that they’d come see me at the next handshake event, so I’m really happy. Also, if you glance at my name there, I think you might remember it! Last year and the year before last, I wasn’t able to rank in. To stop that trend, I really want to rank in this year. I want to make forward progress with all of you. Also, I’m on the road to turning 20, so [idk what this means]! If you don’t listen to Fukuoka KBC radio, I’m going to be a June regular. They do a 10-times quiz on there. I’d like to do that with everyone. Here goes~ Yamamoto Mao [x10] I am Yamamoto Mao! That’s right! I’m Yamamoto Mao! Now you definitely won’t forget! Please cheer for me! Byebye~!”
   Wakatabe Haruka
“HKT48 Team H’s Wakatabe Haruka here. Somehow this is already my 5th election. For my first election, I was a 2nd year middle schooler. Now I’m a 3rd year high schooler! And so this is my last time wearing my school uniform. How do you like it? Thank you! However, for the last 4 elections, even though I ran every time, I have never once ranked in. This year, along with all the fans who have been supporting me and cheering me on, I would like to be able to smile and be happy! Please cheer for me! Everyone, let’s do our best!”

45th Single Election Appeal Comments (Team 8)

Sakaguchi Nagisa
“Ah! Cuuute~ Me? My name is Sakaguchi Nagisa. What’s yours? Oh, is that so? Ehh? My favorite food is strawberries. And you? Melon! Did you know that Hokkaido is really famous for melons? Yeah, it’s really well-known. You know, I have a special talent. I can ride a unicycle! I really can! Do you have a special talent? You’re a sea angel inspector? That’s good, sea angels are so cute. For a while I actually collected pictures of them and stuff. Also… I have a pet. It’s a turtle. Its name is Shira. Oh, you have a pet? What’s its name? You own a brown bear? We should take them both for a walk sometime, my turtle and your bear. I think that would be really fun. Right? Super fun. Wondering what’s behind me? That’s for the election this year. I’m going to try really hard to rank in, so I’d be happy if you supported me. Oh, I just noticed the time. I’ve gotta go. See you again! Bye-bye~”
        Yokoyama Yui
“[indecipherable Aomori dialect] Hailing from Aomori prefecture, I’m 15 year old Yokoyama Yui. Even with an accent, I’m an idol! Please call me Yoko-chan. Thank you! This will be my 3rd election, and I’ll do my best to deliver you all a more powered-up Yokoyama Yui than last year. Last year for my appeal video I ate an apple, but this year, to power up more, I’ll PEEL the apple!”
        Tanikawa Hijiri
“Hello everyone, I’m Team 8’s Akita-born 15 year old Tanikawa Hijiri. Last year I challenged myself to drink a soda water in one gulp, and the result was this: ta-da. As you can see, it was a pretty disappointing result. This year, to get revenge, I decided my goal: to get it to the blue line. It’s a huge challenge for me, so I’ll do my best to be successful. Here I go~ Ah, it’s impossible. Eh? This year…”
        Sato Nanami
“Wa~ you all called me so I came! So I’ll introduce myself now. Look once~ Look twice~ It’s Nanami [mi=look]. Yes~ Coming from Iwate prefecture, I’m 16 year old Sato Nanami. Everyone please call me Nanamin. Thank you. This year will be my 3rd election. Last year there were a few things I didn’t have much self-confidence about. But this year I was ranked 7th in Renacchi’s senbatsu. I learned a lot from my seniors there, and using that experience I would like to do my best in the election! Finally, I’d like to cast a charm on all of you to make you like me~ One, two, kiss you~ Byebye!”
        Hayasaka Tsumugi
“Our next news story: AKB48 Team 8’s Tsumugi Hayasaka, hailing from Yamagata prefecture, has announced her intent to run for election at the AKB48 45th Single Senbatsu Election.  Hayasaka Tsumugi has spent 3 years in Team 8, and this will be her third time running for election. Hayasaka, AKB48 Team 8’s representative member of Yamagata prefecture, has expressed her enthusiasm towards the election, reportedly hoping that even one member of Team 8 will be able to rank in. We wish her luck. That was our report on AKB48 Team 8’s Tsumugi Hayasaka.”
     Sato Akari
“Hello everyone. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s representative of Miyagi prefecture, Sato Akari. In 2015 on Nemousu TV I was able to do a tennis challenge. I’m trying to build a tennis character, so I was really glad to have that chance to grow. I’ll do my best to increase the breadth of my activities from the past 3 years and establish my tennis character more. I want to keep sharing smiles with my fans and make lots of memories together. Right now, I want to rank in. It’s hard to have the self-confidence to be able to say that, but my feelings are strong towards wanting to aim higher, so please root for me! I’m going to put my passionate feelings into this tennis ball and smash it! Here I go~  Or, I thought I would, but there’s an image of my own really cute character on this tennis ball, so instead of hitting this guy…instead I’ll smash my passionate feelings your way! I’m gonna keep working hard! Thank you! Smash! Thanks!”
        Mougi Kasumi
“I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Fukushima prefecture representative, Mougi Kasumi. This year, on April 2nd and 3rd in Okinawa, Team 8 gathered and we looked back on the past 3 years. I particularly had a lot of solo activities wherein I learned a lot. And more than anything, the fans taught me so much. Changing the subject, today I brought my partner Pegasus with me. Just like this Pegasus, I want to create a legend in AKB. Everyone, please help me make that legend happen. Please cheer me on~”
        Okabe Rin
“Hi everyone, I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Ibaraki prefecture representative, Okabe Rin. The fans often tell me that my angry face is my cutest face, so I showed off some angry faces today! Following the title of Team 8’s National Tour, there’s a festive logo that I got to draw. It’s right here! This is the ‘Dekidaeight’ that I drew! I’m very happy that I was allowed to draw the logo. I know I have to do PR for myself as well, but since Ibaraki prefecture is the lowest ranked prefecture on the desirability ranking, I’d rather do my appeal on Ibaraki prefecture! Everyone, I have to caution you, never call Ibaraki ‘Ibaragi’! Thank you~ Oh, they’re talking again~ I’ll get mad!”
     Honda Hitomi
“Hello everyone. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Tochigi prefecture representative, Honda Hitomi. This time I want to play the conch for you, it’s my specialty.”
     Shimizu Maria
“Hm? What’s that? You have something you want to say? Ah. Well then go ahead and say it. [signs] I have something I want to say. I really want to rank-in after all. I love, love loooove AKB48. Finally… [signs end] Yup. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Gunma prefecture representative, Shimizu Maria. This year it will be 3 years since I joined AKB, and from here on I want to have even more fun! I’ll do my best! Please keep supporting me!”
       Takahashi Ayane
“Hello everyone, I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Saitama prefecture representative, Takahashi Ayane. For this year’s election, there is something that I want to tell you all about. About my election poster, ‘A proper 16 year old’. I style my hair like this a lot and I have a baby face, so the other Team 8 members keep teasing me by calling me a middle schooler. But I’m a proper 16 year old, and so I decided to do the poster like that. But I’m actually 18 years old! I feel like I’m 18 inside, and my personality and interests tend toward adulthood as well. That’s what I wanted to tell you all this time. Now I’ll show my election enthusiasm through my special talent, which is talking while holding toothpicks with my eyelids. This will be Team 8’s third election, but so far no one has ranked in. That’s why, this time, we’re praying for at least one Team 8 member to rank in. Everyone in Team 8 will be doing our best. Please cheer for us!”
    Yoshikawa Nanase
“Everyone mille feuille me~ I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Chiba prefecture representative, Yoshikawa Nanase. The catch phrase on my election poster this year is ‘Let’s all make a layered mille feuille of smiles together’. And so right now I’m going to make some mille feuille! At last year’s election, not a single member of Team 8 was called onstage. All of us were very disappointed, so this year we will absolutely have someone rank in! And if someone else doesn’t rank in, then I want to rank in! This year I will have spent 3 years in Team 8. As an individual, my goal is to find a special talent and perform it in front of everyone. Please look forward to it! And I would also love to increase events and work appearances in Chiba prefecture. Okay…it’s done! Yay! I’ll dig in. Thank you!”
        Oguri Yui
“I’ll take a snapshot of everyone’s heart~  Born in Tokyo, I’m Oguri Yui aka Yuiyui. Thank you. Last year I was in a drama, I did some modeling and some narration too. This year, along with my teammates, we will have been in Team 8 for 3 years. I, and Team 8, want to take a step forward. I’m really bad at MCing, and because of that I want to have the chance to challenge myself with some MC experience. I’ll work hard at that. Also, my fans call me ‘20,000 year girl’, but I don’t think I’ve become anything close to that, so in order to become that I’ll put my best effort into it. Everyone, please cheer for me until the end. This was Tokyo-born Oguri Yui aka Yuiyui! Byebye~”
        Oda Erina
“I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Kanagawa prefecture representative, Oda Erina. First, please allow me do my usual catchphrase. Here goes! We’ll have fun today too, Eri-eri-oh! I’ll do my best! Coming from Kanagawa prefecture, I’m Oda Erina! Thank you. I love singing. I’m always being allowed to sing at AKB48’s tours and events. Especially on AKB’s TV song show, I won the championship. And so I’d like to sing a little bit now! Here goes~ [sings Sakura no hanabiratachi] I love singing and I’m going to work hard to get more and more jobs dealing with singing! Everyone, please cheer for me! Byebye!”
        Sato Shiori
“I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Niigata prefecture representative, Sato Shiori. This time the election is being held in my home prefecture of Niigata. And so, though I’ve never successfully done this in front of anyone else, if I manage to hold these toothpicks with my cheeks it means the election will be a success! Here goes~  …yay! I can hold them in both cheeks! The election will definitely be a success! I’ll do my best for Niigata as well! That was all from AKB48 Team 8’s Niigata prefecture representative, Sato Shiori!”
       Hidaritomo Ayaka
“Hello everyone, I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Yamanashi prefecture representative, Hidaritomo Ayaka. I perform on the piano a lot during tours and events. When I do those performances, everyone tells me how mature I look. But I’m really not mature, I’m the most child-like of children. I’m also told that my reactions are funny and I think there are a lot of things the fans still don’t know about me. So in order to make more of an appeal this year, I’ll do my best to bring out my individuality. Everyone, I’ll do my best this year too! Thank you! Ah~!”
        Yokomichi Yuri
“Hello everyone, I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Shizuoka prefecture representative, Yokomichi Yuri. This time I wrote a first-letters poem! I used my name Yokomichi Yuri as the base. Here we go~ YO – Ready, go! KO – How could I be this energetic? MI – I want to bring happiness to everyone! CHI – Even though some tears might fall, YU – I’ll do my best to work toward my dreams! And finally, RI – Since I’m running for election, I’m gonna run with all my strength!”
    Hattori Yuna
“Hello everyone, I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Gifu prefecture representative, Hattori Yuna. This year will be Team 8’s 3rd year participating in the election. Though I’d love to rank in myself, Team 8 will do our best so that even one of us manages to rank in. Well, now I’d like to show you a special talent of mine for the first time ever. Ta-da~ it’s trumpet. Here I go. I play trumpet like this. That’s all from AKB48 Team 8’s Gifu prefecture representative, Hattori Yuna. Until next time!”
        Hashimoto Haruna
“Hello everyone, right now I’ll do my self-introduction while I solve this! I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Toyama prefecture representative, Hashimoto Haruna. Even though I look like this, I’m a 1st year high-schooler. And within that setting there is something that I’m especially good at, which is rabbit jumping. I call it a rabbit jump but it’s really just a simple jump. Recently, Yokoyama Yui from Aomori prefecture told me in her accented speech that my rabbit jump was boring. So if you think there might be something else interesting to do, please let me know about it! Also, I have my own dreams – I’m aiming to be an actress – every day I want to give it my all…or maybe I’ll be a voice trainer? I don’t know, but I’ll keep working to get closer to my dreams step by step! I’ll do my best! Bye-bye~”
     Kita Reina
“Someday I’ll be your Cinderella~ Hello. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Ishikawa prefecture representative, Kita Reina. This year I turned 20, so this is the year I need to challenge myself. And not just in idol work – I’m also interested in modeling, so I will do my best to challenge myself with modeling jobs this year. This time the theme of my election poster is a big turnabout in my heart. Last year I wasn’t able to rank in, but this year I’ll do my best to rank in along with all of you. Please cheer for me.”
    Chou Kurena
“Hello everyone, I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Fukui prefecture representative, Chou Kurena. So that more people get to know who I am, please listen to this song. [sings Isshou no aida ni nannin to deaeru no darou]. I’ll do my best in the election! Byebye~”
 Kondou Moeri
“Hello everyone, I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Nagano prefecture representative, Kondou Moeri. Everyone, listen to this: a while back at Team 8’s Okinawa concert, I was an MC on the festival stage, but I kept fumbling my words, and so the fans and members were pretty annoyed. That’s why, this year, I’m declaring that I will absolutely not make that mistake again! I won’t! Since no one in Team 8 was able to rank in during last year’s election, this year I will give my best efforts so that at least one of us ranks in. Please root for us! [faintly] I did it~”
    Nagano Serika
“Hello everyone~! I think there are stil a lot of people who don’t know who Nagano Serika is, so please let me introduce myself. I may be short of stature, but I’m long on dreams! I’m Nagano Serika, coming from Osaka, famous for takoyaki and okonomiyaki. I share a name with a famous Toyota car and I’m 15 years old. Please call me Serika~! Thank you. Okay, as for my appeal points, I’m the 48 Group’s self-proclaimed #1 light-skinned girl. Lately I’ve been exposed to the scorching sun of Guam and Okinawa… but I kept my fair skin! Another thing I’d like you to know about me is that I perform in a very unique way like no one else does. I think this is something you can’t know about unless you come to Team 8 events, so please check out Team 8’s events and tour shows if you can! Also, the reason I’m running for election this year is so even a few more people can learn who I am! Please cheer for me. This was Nagano Serika.”
    Oota Nao
“Hello everyone! I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Kyoto prefecture representative, Oota Nao! Thank you. This will be the 3rd time I’m running for election. I’m definitely very nervous and anxious about it, but I’m also very serious about it because it’s my 3rd time, so I hope that everyone who’s supported me until now will do their best along with me. And, there is something I do for good luck. I think my fans will know about this already, but I like to eat meat for luck! I have some prepared here. Ta-da~! This will allow me to do my best with my fans. Time to eat~ Ooh, it’s big. Here goes~  Thank you.”
     Yamada Nanami
“I’m AKB48 Team 8/Team A’s Hyougo prefecture representative, 17 year old 3rd year high-schooler Yamada Nanami. This year too I am…serious.”
        Yamamoto Ruka
“Ready, go~ When you say dolphin [iruka], you say Ruka~ When you say Ruka, you say dolphin~ I came from Wakayama prefecture! I’m Yamamoto (i)Ruka. And now I’d like to introduce a friend of mine. Here she comes! Hi~ I come from Wakayama prefecture. I’m Yamamoto Ruka. Please remember my name in connection with dolphins. And now I’d like to tell you all what I’m aiming for. Here goes~ It’s ‘a leap’! Just like what this guy can do, I want to make a dolphin juuump! I’ll work hard at that! Please che-che-che-che-cheer for me! Bye bye!”
Oonishi Momoka
“Hi, this is sudden but I’d like to ask. What color do you all like? Of course it’s that color, say it with me, peach [momoiro=peach color]. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Nara prefecture representative, Oonishi Momoka. Thank you. And so today I’m doing this appeal comment, as indicated by the green nameplate, the sign and green juice. Just kidding. I have a feeling that if I can drink this green juice in one go, I’ll rank in this year! Here goes nothing. …it’s gross… I’ll do my best this year, please cheer for me!”
        Hama Sayuna
“I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Shiga prefecture representative, 14 year old Hama Sayuna. Now then, you there who still hasn’t decided who to vote for this year! I’ll use these cards to tell your fortune! This year we want Team 8 to rank in, so I brought the Koi Suru Juuden Prius deck of cards with me. Here we go. Here I have a shuffled deck of cards. I’ll split them into 4 piles. One…two…three…four. Now then, please support whoever comes up on the 4th card! One, two, three…four. Ta-da! Please support Hama Sayuna this election! I’m counting on you!”
        Nakano Ikumi
“I’m AKB48 Team 8/Team K’s Tottori prefecture representative who recently cut her bangs, Nakano Ikumi! The reason I’m running for election this year is because it will be my 3rd election and I’ve never been able to rank in before. So of course my goal is to rank in! HOWEVER! I think the desire to aim for #1 is more important than anything else, so I’ll do my best to aim for #1! Actually, I have one more big dream. That is…this! Can you read it? You can’t, huh. You want me to read it to you? Too bad! Okay! I want to make Team 8 the #1 Team in the 48 Group! I, and the other Team 8 members, will keep doing our best to make this goal a reality! Please support us! Ahhh~ but there really is one bad thing here…kneeling!”
        Abe Mei
“I come from the land of the gods, Shimane prefecture. I’m 1st year high-schooler, 15 year old Abe Mei. Up until last year I only introduced things about my hometown of Shimane, but this year, so that Team 8 as a whole can rank in, I’ll introduce Team 8. The first thing is how close we are to the fans. We often do outdoor events, and during those times I feel like we get really close to the fans. I like it. The second thing is that all the members are on really good terms with each other. We all started at the same time, so we can all talk casually with each other. The third thing is how we get to travel the entire country. We can communicate with fans from rural areas too, and I think that’s really nice. This year, as an individual and as a member of Team 8, I will do my best to leave my mark on the election. Please cheer me on.”
        Hitomi Kotone
“Hello everyone, I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Okayama prefecture representative, Hitomi Kotone. It’s been 3 years since the formation of Team 8, and it’s all because of all the fans who have been cheering for us this whole time. Thank you so much. I’ve been working as hard as I can these past few years, and no matter where I turn the fans are always lifting my spirits. But from now on I would like to turn the tables and be someone who lightens the spirits of my fans! Please keep cheering for me.”
       Tani Yuuri
“Hello everyone, I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Hiroshima prefecture representative, Tani Yuuri. Last year was the first time I got to do solo work in Hiroshima. That time my work had to do with the Carp [Hiroshima baseball team], so today I wore my Carp jersey. I’ve always loved the Carp. On summer vacation I would always go with my family and friends to cheer for them. This time, as a self-proclaimed Carp girl, I’ll do my best to cheer them on! Somehow, this guy also came running to cheer. Ta-da~ Autumn leaf manjuu~ Thank you. [as manjuu] ‘You’re welcome!’ Wow, you came again this year, huh? Yes, because autumn leaf manjuu showed up for me, I’ll do my best! [as manjuu] ‘Yes, do your best~’  Thank you! Everyone, please cheer for me.”
        Shitao Miu
“Hello! Hailing from Yamaguchi prefecture, I’m Shitao Miu. It’s not read ‘Shimo’ but rather ‘Shitao’. I’m Shitao Miu. Thank you! Ta-da~ I wrote my goal on this piece of paper. [sign: small print: 3 years, Shitao Miu. large print: Determined] What’s written here is ‘determined’. It means I want to do my best under my own willpower. Thank you for always cheering me on. Now that’s out of the way… I’m always doing things like slipping in the bathroom, and still I don’t know which way to roll the toilet paper. [<not sure these lines are right] I’ve been called both spacey and too serious. I’ll work hard so I can tell you all proudly that I’m neither spacey nor too serious. Thank you for your support! Byebye~”
        Hamamatsu Riona
“AKB48 Team 8’s Tokushima prefecture representative Hamamatsu Riona here. [in english] Hello everyone! This is Riona Hamamatsu from Tokushima! This will be my 3rd election. My theme this year is “Be myself”. Sing as myself, dance as myself, live as myself, do everything my own way. Also, since I’m good at English, I would like to bring Team 8 not only to all of Japan but to the entire world. Please cheer for me! Finally, I’ll be myself, and you should be yourself too! That’s all from AKB48 Team 8’s Tokushima prefecture representative Hamamatsu Riona.”
 Gyouten Yurina
“From Kagawa prefecture, I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Gyouten Yurina. I want to make everyone amazed [gyouten] today as well! I’m in my 3rd year of high school, 17 years old. Everyone, have you heard my catchphrase before? You haven’t? Then please remember it! This is my 3rd time running for election, but I want to put myself out there more than I have in past years! Up til now I haven’t had confidence in myself, and I could never get myself to say strongly that I want to rank in. But I think that’s no good, so I want to make myself a little more noticeable than before! Everyone, please cheer me on! I’ll surprise you! Byebye~”
   Takaoka Kaoru
“Hello! I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Ehime prefecture representative, Takaoka Kaoru. For this election, my goal is to get more people to know who I am. And so today I’m going to play Team 8’s first original song, ” 47 no suteki na machi e”, on violin! How was it? Please cheer for me!”
       Hirose Natsuki
“Hello! I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Kochi prefecture representative, Hirose Natsuki. This election will be my 3rd one. To everyone who voted for me and cheered me on, thank you so much. This year, my goal is to rank in, but ever since I became an AKB member I notice I’ve become very concerned about ranking. And the trophy I have here with me is from the 2015 Janken Tournament that I splendidly couldn’t win one match in. I’d like to do rock paper scissors with you all now. Here we go~ Rock, paper, scissors, shoot! Everyone, how’d you do?  This year I’d like to win at everything. Please keep cheering me on.”
     Yoshida Karen
“AKB48 Team 8’s Fukuoka prefecture representative Yoshida Karen here. Hello~ This is the first election I’ll be participating in. Performing in concerts with Team 8 this past year, I’ve had some tough experiences, fun and happy experiences, new experiences, all kinds of experiences. And I really enjoyed the tours and events in the rural areas. I especially liked our training camp, the memories of it are still imprinted strongly within me. It was really difficult, but I got through it with everyone and I think I really made progress. For this election, since it’s my first one, I’ll start out by doing my best to appeal and get people to remember my name. Please cheer for me. That was all from AKB48 Team 8’s Fukuoka prefecture representative Yoshida Karen. Byebye~”
        Fukuchi Rena
“Hello~ I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Saga prefecture representative, Fukuchi Rena. It’s been 3 years since Team 8 was formed. I think everyone in Team 8 has their own goals for the election this year, like ‘I want to rank in this year’ or ‘I want more people to know my name’. I also think there are a lot of members who think it’s still too soon to say they’d like to rank in, and I’m one of them. I’m sure it’s making some people uncomfortable that I, who is always screwing around, am making such a serious speech like this. However, I believe in the words that Takahashi Minami said in her speech last year ‘hard workers will always be rewarded’. So now and always, I will continue to do my best. That’s why for this election, I’d like a lot more people to learn who I am! I’m Team 8’s Saga prefecture representative, Fukuchi Rena! Please remember me! Thank you! This was AKB48 Team 8’s Fukuchi Rena. Byebye~”
 Kuranoo Narumi
“Hello everyone. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Kumamoto prefecture representative, Kuranoo Narumi. This time, I’m running for the 8th AKB48 Single Senbatsu Election. I was somehow the first one from Team 8 to put in my application this year. And it’s the year I’ve felt the strongest about wanting to rank in out of the 3 years I’ve run for election. Last year, I was aiming to rank in as a basis for opportunities. The wall our seniors have created is high, but I believe I can scale it, because Team 8 has already been around for 3 years. It’s time for me to leapfrog them! I’ve been making progress this past year, and I want to share happiness on that stage with all of you. Please cheer for me! I’ll do my best!”
        Yoshino Miyu
“I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Oita prefecture representative, Yoshino Miyu. Right now, I want to introduce a bunch of different hot springs to you. First is Beppa hot spring. Second is Myouban hot spring. Third is Kankaiji hot spring. Fourth is Kannawa hot spring. 5th is Hamawaki hot spring. 6th is Kamegawa hot spring. 7th is Horita hot spring, you can also call it Hotta. And last, 8th is Shibaseki hot spring. And the one I reccommend the most out of these is Myouban hot spring! Myouban is the most fragrant hotspring, and really gives you the feeling of a hot spring so please try it out! I hope you were able to memorize my face as I introduced these hot springs! I’ll do my best this year, so please cheer for me! Byebye~”
       Yaguchi Moka
“Hello everyone. I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Miyazaki prefecture representative, Yaguchi Moka. I’ve composed an essay based on my thoughts about the election. I’ll read it to you now. I became a 3rd year middle schooler. Team 8 has burst into its 3rd year. And our third election has inevitably arrived. I love AKB48. I love dancing to AKB songs and wearing adorable costumes. I thought that was enough for me. However, as our activities increased and the members became closer to each other, I started to lose confidence in myself. What caused me to write this was last year’s Team 8 summer training camp. Everyone truly gets along in Team 8 and there’s no competition between members, but a training camp is a training camp. For this training camp, some members would be chosen and some would not. It caused everyone to actually feel a sense of rivalry. After that, I set my sights sharply on being chosen for the theater opening performance. That’s why I was so happy when I was chosen for its senbatsu. I remember what my fans told me that time too. My fans are always going all out to support me. I would love to see different sceneries with my beloved fans. I want to aim higher. This election will be the start of that. I would appreciate it if you support me this year too.”
       Shimoaoki Karin
“I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Kagoshima prefecture representative, Shimoaoki Karin. This will be my 3rd election. I’ll do my best, so please cheer me on. I don’t really have a special talent, whereas most of the other members do. So I’ve been wondering what I should do. And I realized I’m good at playing one instrument. And that instrument is… the ocarina! So today I’ll play the ocarina for the first time for you. [plays 47 no suteki na machi e] I’ll do my best to keep spreading smiles, so please cheer me on!”
Miyazato Rira
“Hello everyone, I’m AKB48 Team 8’s Okinawa prefecture representative, Miyazato Rira. This year in April, Team 8 had our special anniversary performance in Okinawa. Also, I was able to do a lot of work last year in my hometown of Okinawa, so I was really happy. However, I’m still not able to express my own thoughts very well, so I think I’ve been creating an airhead character without really meaning to this year. But I’m really completely different from that so I’ll work hard to show more of my real personality from now on. Please cheer for me. That was all from AKB48 Team 8’s Okinawa prefecture representative, Miyazato Rira. Byebye~”