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)
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
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Tokyo cops arrest foreigner for suspected visa violation, don’t know what new residence cards look like
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese theme park adding Immersive Death Game with a “bomb collar” you have to wear
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
TKG Debate: What’s the best way to eat Japan’s beloved raw egg comfort dish?
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
The adorable, delicious joy of the Totoro cream puff gift box[Taste test]
Nintendo’s Animal Crossing crosses over to Baskin-Robbins Japan with special ice cream and merch
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
7-Eleven Japan to start selling Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches this summer
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino, tea and soda drinks for summer
“Phantom Egg Shop” opens in Japan, with a dozen rare Japanese varieties
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[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