The new Futaba Future School, a combined junior and senior high school set to open in Hirono, Fukushima Prefecture this April, is getting some pretty snazzy uniforms. They were designed by Shinobu Kayano, the woman behind AKB48‘s colorful and memorable costumes.
Kayano was introduced to the project through AKB48 founding producer Yasushi Akimoto, who just happens to be a member of the Futaba Education Recovery Support Group, a group that also includes award-winning advertising creative director Hiroshi Sasaki, who provided the school’s new logo.
Designed to impart “the desire for the students’ academic successes to reach the entire world,” the logo prominently features a stylized version of the kanji for mirai (未来) (future), made to look like the frame of a building. With the school name included, the entire effect is that of a dandelion head.
Applications for the school will be accepted from January 20-23, with the entrance exam conducted on February 3.
Source: Mainichi Japan via Brian Ruh
More from Anime News Network



AKB48 idols Anna Iriyama, Rina Kawaei released from hospital
AKB48 signs removed from exterior of AKB48 Theater building in Akihabara
AKB48 recruits new part-time idols – for US$10 an hour
Four teenagers mug man to buy special attack uniforms for meeting AKB48
New single moves AKB48 to second place on all-time Japanese CD sales list, but is it enough?
A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
Japan to get new high-speed train connecting Haneda and Narita airports, ease overtourism
7-Eleven Japan releases chocolate cookies that taste like freshly baked melon bread
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan moves to enforce language requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency
How to cook shiitake mushrooms like a Japanese manga character
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
Japan announces plans for twenty-fold increase in permanent residency fees, alongside higher visa costs
Tokyo’s giant Pokémon Stamp Rally is back for 2026 with exclusive prizes up for grabs
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
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
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
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
Idol singer mega-group AKB48 cancels annual General Election following string of scandals
New arcade game lets you get face-to-face with AKB48 members… and shoot them in the face
Tokyo’s AKB48 idol-themed cafe announces sudden, permanent closure
AKB48’s new idol outfits are so stylish everyone’s talking about the company that makes them
Japanese idol supergroup AKB48 said to phasing out swimsuit modeling for younger teen members
Idol supergroup AKB48 abolishes team system, team sayonara concerts to be held this summer
Hello Kitty and AKB48 collaborate for the ultimate fan merchandise from Thank You Mart
GMO’s pretty employees rival AKB48 with big smiles and short skirts
AKB48, Japan’s biggest idol singer group, apologizes for selling “Date Tickets”
Government’s Cool Japan Project to fund AKB48 sister group in Philippines
AKB48’s Indonesian spin-off group JKT48 forced to downsize due to pandemic
AKB48’s final original member, who had to shave her head, is leaving the group
Newsflash: AKB48 members attacked by saw-wielding “fan” at handshake event【UPDATED】
AKB48 to hold exclusive show for coffee contest winners, Mr. Sato immediately buys over 300 cans
Saga Prefecture broadcasts its appeal by dancing to AKB48 【Video】