The popular idol group AKB48 announced at the AKB48 Group Summer Festival on Sunday that they are recruiting new “part-time” members — for 1,000 yen (about US$10) an hour. Typically, potential AKB48 candidates must first undergo audition and become trainees before being promoted to regular members. However the “Part-Time AKB” campaign will bypass this long process, similar to Glico’s campaign to recruit a member over 30 years old earlier this year.
Under the “Part-Time AKB” campaign, female candidates of middle school age or older (who are not already affiliated with a production) will compete in a preliminary screening and two auditions. The new members will then be announced in late September. The winners will sign an part-timecontract for 1,000 yen an hour with the AKS management company. They will then perform in live concerts, appear in handshake events and other events, star in television programs and commercials, and do just about everything else as one of the AKB48 members.
The campaign’s official website began accepting applicants at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday (8:00 a.m. EDT)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAGSqE4svEM
Source: Oricon via Hachima Kikō
More from Anime News Network
Idol supergroup AKB48 abolishes team system, team sayonara concerts to be held this summer
AKB48 idols Anna Iriyama, Rina Kawaei released from hospital
Idols ahoy! AKB48 to hold concerts at Universal Studios Japan every day starting in July
4 new versions of McDonald’s anime shorts with AKB48 idols streamed
Idol singer mega-group AKB48 cancels annual General Election following string of scandals
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Fewer ramen restaurants declare bankruptcy in Japan for first time in several years
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Green onion baths return to Japanese bathhouse to celebrate Labor Day
New Kura Sushi revolving sushi bar in Ginza is the chain’s most beautiful restaurant in Tokyo
7 reasons why you should visit Aomori Prefecture
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Japanese jam jar lids close on their own, as if by magic
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
AKB48, Japan’s biggest idol singer group, apologizes for selling “Date Tickets”
Tokyo’s AKB48 idol-themed cafe announces sudden, permanent closure
New single moves AKB48 to second place on all-time Japanese CD sales list, but is it enough?
AKB48 signs removed from exterior of AKB48 Theater building in Akihabara
Japanese idol supergroup AKB48 said to phasing out swimsuit modeling for younger teen members
Idol group AKB48’s new song is the third-best-selling Japanese single CD of all time【Video】
Man who attacked AKB48 members with saw at handshake event is jailed for six years
AKB48’s new idol outfits are so stylish everyone’s talking about the company that makes them
Saga Prefecture broadcasts its appeal by dancing to AKB48 【Video】
New Fukushima school gets uniforms designed by the AKB48 costume designer
AKB48 to hold exclusive show for coffee contest winners, Mr. Sato immediately buys over 300 cans
AKB48’s final original member, who had to shave her head, is leaving the group
AKB48 member tests positive for coronavirus
Leave a Reply