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an information and news blog dedicated to covering the latest news for: AKB48, SKE48, NMB48, HKT48, JKT48

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AKB48 Is Looking for a Part-Time Member
Following OtonaAKB, AKB48 came up with a new form of temporary membership: part-time idol. Find out more about this new project here.
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AKB48 Team 8 Makes Theater Debut
AKB48 Team 8 performed its first theater show on August 5. Get more information about the shonichi performance here!
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SKE48 Announces 7th Generation Auditions
SKE48 is looking for new members and this time the fans will be part of the decision about who joins the group!
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AKB48 37th Single Senbatsu Election - Final Results
AKB48 held its election for the 6th time and for the 1st time Watanabe Mayu won it. Check out the full results here!
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Details on the AKB48 Group Pennant Race
The AKB48 Group teams will compete against each other in a new event, the AKB48 Group Pennant Race. Points will be awarded based on theater ticket applications, theater version handshake ticket sales and sousenkyo votes.
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23 August 2012

AKB48 27th Single Senbatsu Election - Commentary



My apologies, yes I know the election is way over, but while I (Melos) was away and confined in the army, this draft was sitting in the drafts dead in the water. Now that I get some free time every night, I rushed for this post to be completed and finally after nearly 2 months it is done. Better (very) late than never I guess.


PositionName
-----Future Girls Line-----
64. Komori Mika
"Thank you for voting for me. I was not ranked during quick-count and that made me very anxious, but I'm very happy to be ranked after all."

Sammy: I have no idea how Komorin must be feeling being at the last of the ranking because Komorin at last was something no one expected I think.
HoneyRoastedPeanuts: She didn't let it show at the event, but Komorin must have been pretty disappointed, especially if when you consider that she's being outranked by fellow team members Suuchan, Kobayashi and Harukyan - who were either below her or didn't rank at all in the previous years. Now that Wasamin is leading Next Girls and with Kikuchi coming in at 51, she's also the lowest ranking member in Warota 7. Not a good start.
MissMoonlight: What a bummer! Poor Komorin.
63. Nakanishi Yuka
"It's like a dream to be able to stand here like this. Thank you so much for voting for me and thinking about me, I am very blessed."

Ying: Nishinishi is one of those members with an underdog story; still, I never expected her to be this popular. I'm surprised that SKE senbatsu staples such as Kanakana and Matsurina didn't manage to place ahead of her. I could imagine how happy she was to have stood on that stage with that trophy in her hand, and I'm very glad that her hard work has finally paid off.
Sammy: Nishi deserves this, like without doubt.
HoneyRoastedPeanuts: She's a fighter in the theater and huge help to young/newer members. I'm honestly happy for her. Seeing her reaction I knew she was grateful even if "only" ranking at 63.
Jul3: Very happy for her to keep her ranking from the prelims.
MissMoonlight: Nishishi deserves this. She has come a long way from AKB Kenkyusei and finally she gets some reward for her work.
62. Yakata Miki
"I promised to not cry today - thank you so much for voting for me. I will keep smiling."

Sammy: MIKI! Miki's been gaining a lot of my attention lately, happy to her rank.
HoneyRoastedPeanuts: While the drop from the preliminary results was not unexpectedly rather huge, the fact that she's even among the top 64 is proof that SKE is going places these days. Having been selected for Senbatsu must have been one factor. There's probably still lots of people that don't even know her name but I'm sure we'll have something to look forward to this year.
61. Sato Sumire
"I am ranked 30 places lower than last time, and this must mean that there are a lot of things about me that I need to work on."

Sammy: My Team B oshi ;____; Seeing Suuchan this low nearly broke my heart, I mean just how!? This is the one thing, that bothers me a lot
emptystring: A little surprised she dropped to 61 - I thought she had enough exposures last year to at least be in top 40.
HoneyRoastedPeanuts: This was a little shock to me. It's similar to Komorin's case but I feel this will have more of an influence on her. I can't put my finger on what exactly it is that made her drop like this but I suspect it's because she hasn't gotten much exposure at all - positive or negative.
Jul3: Suprised to see her almost out of the rankings. Big shock.
60. Ogasawara Mayu
"Your support and confidence in me created this stage for me to stand on today."

Sammy: Maachun!!! She ranks. Maachun was the first NMB member that I noticed, good to see her rank!
HoneyRoastedPeanuts: Her exposure in Naniwa Nadeshiko has helped.
MissMoonlight: I only expected the Top 3 of NMB in the final ranking, so I am a bit surprised. But good to see Maachun in.
59. Oya Shizuka
"I am not so concerned about ranking, I was actually hoping to get more votes than last time, but that didn't happen, it would be nice if it'll increase from here on."

emptystring: another shocker, I thought she was actually a solid contender for mid-30s.
HoneyRoastedPeanuts: Personally I wanted her to rank higher - wouldn't be too surprising if she did. Her speech was very natural though. Knowing Shiichan, I don't think she minds ranking a little lower all that much. She loves her fans and loves what she's doing. She's a wonderful character and has her strong supporters but she isn't exactly Senbatsu material and she's fine with that. Someone to look forward to next year.
Melos: For someone who has worked so hard all these years and not giving up, she should be ranked higher. It's sad that she doesn't get much recognition for her work.
MissMoonlight: After finally getting some attention with her rank last year, I thought she would keep a stable position in UG. This is sad, Shii-chan has worked hard for so long and now this.
58. Ichikawa Miori

"I was beginning to think people are getting tired of 'Fresh Lemon' and was quite anxious about it. As long as there is support, I will continue being Fresh Lemon."

HoneyRoastedPeanuts: Awwww. That really is all I can say. She's such a little angel.
Melos: She's cute, but at the same time I've heard a lot of people say that they have gotten tired of her. I too feel that her peak has passed.
emptystring: I have, in fact, gotten quite tired of Fresh Lemon :P
57. Oba Mina
"I am very thankful to be able to stand on this stage."

kieyuku: Even though she fell quite a bit, I'm so happy that she still made it into the ranking. It was hard to tell where she'd rank after the whole scandal late last year. Glad her loyal fans came through for her.
HoneyRoastedPeanuts: Happy for her. After last year's scandal I had been a bit worried about her initially, but thanks to management's honest and fan-involved treatment of the case she didn't take too much damage.
56. Kimoto Kanon
"I am very happy to be here. But my target is Senbatsu, so I will work harder to get there."

Ying: As her oshi, I'm extremely elated that Non finally has ranked this year. But I did expect her to actually make Next Girls as all the dedicated E wotas decided to throw their votes behind her. #56 is still a wonderful position, and I hope that she receives ample screentime in the Future Girls PV. Ganbarunon!
HoneyRoastedPeanuts: She gotta do a little bit more to get into Senbatsu it seems.
Melos: Team E Represent! Although personally I would prefer if the representative was Haramina :P
55. Nito Moeno
"I can feel the weight and the expectations of the votes that ranked me at 55. I will do my best to not let you down."

emptystring: shocker #3, along with Sumire and Oya.
Jul3: Disappointed for her. Another big dropper.
Melos: I like Moeno a lot. And even though I've been a fan of AKB48 for a long time, I still find it sad that the better performing members don't get much popularity. It's something which I feel can be improved in the group.
54. Yamauchi Suzuran
"I am going to keep being myself and become a great idol golfer, please keep supporting me."

Sammy: Ranran this low is sooo not what I expected or want. She should have ranked higher. Period.
Jul3: I was really surprised that Suzuran ranked so low. I expected her to be Team 4's number two.
53. Matsui Sakiko
"I am really happy that I have enough supporters to be ranked at 53."

MissMoonlight: She dropped quite a bit which is sad but she does not get much promotion so it is not surprising. It might help if they would finally release her announced piano album.
52. Oota Aika
"I would like to thank all the fans for the time and effort to buy CDs and vote for me, I'm sorry that I have not done better. I will take pride in what I do and keep working harder."

Sammy: I feel bad for Lovetan, she dropped a lot even Ayarin taking over her.
Jul3: The 4th of the surprising drops for me. A big shame.
Melos: She is one of the front members of Watarirouka Hashiritai 7, so I don't understand why her rank is so low for this year. And lower than Ayarin even, who didn't rank ever
MissMoonlight: Poor Lovetan. She has always been at the top of UG and is a front member in Watarirouka Hashiritai, so what happened???
emptystring: Honestly the whole "cute" thing for Lovetan is getting old, maybe it's time to go for a more mature Lovetan.
51. Kikuchi Ayaka
"I'm very frustrated that I have not been ranked in the past, so I am very very happy to be able to stand here today. However I am not satisfied with the result, and will strive for better."

kieyuku: It's the first time Ayarin has ranked in an election. Her hard work has finally been recognized... It just seemed like for a long time nobody wanted to accept her after she came back to AKB. Last year, management even put her in senbatsu for Everyday, Kachuusha but she still didn't rank then. This is really amazing in so many ways. Congrats dear girl ;__;
Sammy: So happy to see Ayarin rank, god knows this girl needs to get a second chance and this might be it!
mammothb: Ayarin is ranked ;A; I'm so looking forward to seeing her in the new single's pv.
emptystring: So glad to see Ayarin being ranked - it's like her "redemption" is now complete.
MissMoonlight: I can only agree with the other comments above. Ayarin deserves it after making all her long way back.
50. Ishida Haruka
"I am very thankful to be here. But I am not content with being 50, and will come back for more in the coming years."

Sammy: Kyan! Almost center :( Still we will see her a lot in the future girl PV hopefully.
Melos: Harukyan didn't rank in 2011 because fans didn't like her bad attitude she showed during the Janken Tournament in 2010. It's glad to see her back in the ranking.
49. Muto Tomu
"I am very happy to be ranked at 49. I will not waste this opportunity given by fans, and will work very hard."

Melos: Where did she come from? Suddenly taking the Center position for the Future Girls like that.
emptystring: honestly this is the first time I heard about her. I suppose this is good for her popularity. Maybe we'll see more of her in ads/TV shows?
Sammy: Oh my god, Tomu was so unexpected, never knew she was so popular. Will be interesting too see her as the center.
Jul3: So surprised she ranked in the prelims and never thought she'd stick around for the real thing. And making centre too!
kieyuku: It was surprising when Tomu popped up during the preliminary results because she hadn't exactly had much exposure. She is indeed really pretty though. Being one of the oldest girls in the kenkyuusei is difficult since there's kind of an age limit for idols. Getting to center Future Girls will give her the boost she needs for her career.
MissMoonlight: There was this one CD shop who made a campaign for her. I wonder if that helped? Anyways, she catched my attention and I am looking forward to her as center.
-----Next Girls Line-----
48. Katayama Haruka
"I worked very hard in the past year and now I'm ranked 48th. I will work harder to become a more charismatic woman. Thank you so much for the support."

Sammy: Haachan! Finally, dead last in the line up but doesn't matter, she ranked. Congrats!
emptystring: I voted for her so I am ecstatic to see her being ranked. She is a "true" 48 member, ranked at 48th :P
Melos: Congrats Haachan, getting #48! A very lucky position.
47. Miyawaki Sakura
"Every day I will work harder than the day before to repay those fans who have voted for me. Thank you for all the support."

kieyuku: As the only HKT48 girl who ranked, it means the fans from Fukuoka chose to rally behind her as the representative for the group in the elections. I'm expecting to see Sakura as ace or at least second to Haruppi when they release a single.
Melos: I thought that Yuukosu was HKT48's most popular member? Why did the fans choose Sakura instead of Yuukosu? Well doesn't matter, Sakura is just as adorable. I hope to see more of her in the future.
Sammy: Sakura, my Team H oshi and the only HKT girl who makes it to the ranking. I absolutely had no idea she already had such a quite fan following. With this, Sakura's path is already carving out.
46. Yamada Nana
"My target was within the top 40, but that didn't happen. However I am very thankful for fans that support me and gave me lots of good vibes at handshake events."

Ying: Yes! Nanatan placed well in this year's election, though I am quite surprised that as N's #3, she ranked behind Ainyan. I've been following the girl since her days with H!P Kansai group SI?NA, and she has really grown. She may not be able to catch up with either Sayanee nor Milky in terms of popularity, but I hope she will continue to putting up a fight to remain as one of NMB's frontgirls.
MissMoonlight: Her face when Ainyan ranked higher than her looked like she was actually disappointed. But this is not a bad rank, so congrats Nana.
45. Tano Yuka
"I was only aiming for the 64th place, and had given up hope when my name was not called. To be ranked at 45th makes me very happy and I will keep working harder without losing myself."

Melos: Another surprise appearance.
kieyuku: Probably the most unexpected girl who ranked. She wasn't even in the preliminary results so this was more shocking than Tomu ranking!
Sammy: I love Tanochan but didn't expect her to rank and definitely not higher than Ranran.
Jul3: This came out of nowhere for me. Never thought she was that popular, despite being such an adorable happy girl. And she suddenly jumped up to be Team 4's number three girl. Congratulations!
HoneyRoastedPeanuts: This is one member who's popularity is due greatly to her steady performance at the theater. Really happy for her. On stage she's absolutely vibrant and at handshake events always happy and thankful. As a fan she makes you feel appreciated and welcome.

44. Nakagawa Haruka
"I will graduate from the nickname 'Harugon' because I feel like it is holding me back. I will be a new Nakagawa Haruka and please keep supporting me."

Jul3: In a confusing speech, Harugon announced she was graduating from Harugon. Seems she didn't want to be known by her nickname anymore and wanted something more mature.
43. Fukumoto Aina
"I have been given a lot of work since I joined NMB48 and experienced many different things. But from here on I will participate in even more things and broaden my horizon."

Sammy: Ainyan ranks higher than Nana breaking the whole Sayaka-Miyuki-Nana force, I actually love Ainyan so I'm happy.
Ying: Her speech was very entertaining, and she even did her Aina Hadohou bit as promised in her election appeal. I can see why she is so popular.
emptystring: Aina Hadouhou was so full of win. Even the cameraman was blown away.
42. Maeda Ami
"I am not very confident, I don't have a lot of character, but I will still do my best to deliver smiles to everyone."

HoneyRoastedPeanuts: She's high on my list of favorites. Her performance is always energetic, she's absolutely stunning, tall and one of the most naturally friendly girls at handshake events. I hope she'll get a bigger push soon.
41. Kobayashi Kana
"This is my first time standing here in 4 elections. I was very worried but Sayaka told me that my fans are not to be underestimated."

kieyuku: When did Kana get so popular?? D:
Sammy: I don't know either. XD
emptystring: Kana and Komorin should trade places.
Melos: I agree. This does not make sense. I think there's a conspiracy going on since Request Hour 2012 where Kurukurupaa ranked.
MissMoonlight: I don't get why she ranked so high, but her hug with Sayaka was priceless. The Election is worth watching also for such moments.
40. Fujie Reina
"Thank you for telling me to trust in myself and in you, my fans. It's what helped me get where I am."

Melos: Reinyan manages to hold her position at #40 for this year too. As long as she maintains her position, that's the least I can ask.
39. Nagao Mariya
"I didn't have much hope after ranking at 53 in the prelims. Thank you for voting for me."

Sammy: YAAAAGII~ YAY! Yagi is now the second most popular member of Team 4, guess that drama really helped her.
Jul3: Big surprise to see her jump above Suzuran, Minarun and Miorin to place 2nd in Team 4. Never expected that. With all of these girls and Tanochan, I think Team 4 were really well represented these elections and was happy for them. And Haruu's reactions to each of them ranking was so lovely. Such a true leader of the team despite not being Captain.
38. Miyazaki Miho
"I've dropped in ranks, but I believe you can't go up if you haven't experienced a low and I will keep on doing all I can to succeed."

Sammy: Myao ranked higher than anyone expected. She beat Lovetan and Harugon, her wotas really showed their strength this time
Melos: All this time I have been hoping that Myao will return to Senbatsu, but that hope is getting farther and farther. Don't give up Myao!
37. Nakata Chisato
"I've never been among the ranking members, but I'm glad I trusted the fans who told me they'd be voting for me no matter if I ranked or not."

Melos: OMG Finally!!! Congrats Chiichan!!! After 3 years, she finally ranks in the election. I have been waiting for this moment for ages! Chiichan BTW is one of my top 3 members in AKB48, and I have been rooting for her since the start of my fandom. She even ranked higher than some of the more prominent members! I want to thank all the other Chiichan wotas that helped her reach her dream.
Sammy: Chiichan my birthday twin, she finally ranks and it was high time. Congrats Chiichan!
MissMoonlight: Finally she got some attention after being in the deepest shadows for years. I had tears in my eyes when her name was called.
36. Nakaya Sayaka
"I didn't expect anyone but my fans to read "Hisenbatsu Idol" that I wrote, but seeing that there's lots of people who voted for me after getting to know me through the book I must say I'm a little embarrassed."

Ying: Wow, Nakayan manages to break into the top 40! I wonder if this is because of her role in AKB0048 has attracted anime otakus to join her cause, because she is definitely a talented seiyuu.
MissMoonlight: She deserves it. As happy for her as I am for Chii-chan.
35. Mukaida Manatsu
"Thank you for gettin me on stage. I'm going for a higher rank the next year."

Sammy: Manatsuuuuuu, ahh my 2nd favorite from KII after Airin, so hoping I'll see her a lot in Next Girl PV. Congrats Mana-chan!
34. Matsumura Kaori
"SKE's kenkyuusei are still unknown. There's many many girls that a far cuter than I am, can dance better or lead the group better than I do. Please look up their profiles online or come see our show at the theater!"

Melos: Of all the members in the 48 umbrella, it's probably Kaotan that benefited the most since AKB48 joined forces with Google+. As always, thank you Google.
Sammy: So happy for Kaotan. She totally deserves this spot.
HoneyRoastedPeanuts: Her speech was the best of the evening. It almost made me cry. If anyone was to talk about "effort paying off" it should be her and not Takamina.
33. Iwasa Misaki
"To finally stand on this stage, I can feel the weight of each and every CD that fans bought to vote for me."

Sammy: Seems like Wasamin's solo work + Warota has finally paid off. Center! I'm pretty excited for a Wasamin center PV.

mammothb: Despite being so pessimistic and dreaming that she got 65th in the sousenkyo, Wasamin is ranked 33th and the center for Next girls, wonder if Wasamin being the center will provide a more enka-ish song for the next girls..
Jul3: Congratulations to Wasamin for making centre! I'm really very happy for her. I was really impressed by her solo work and glad she is gaining attention. Am looking forward to her future enka solos!
MissMoonlight: YES! YES! YES! Wasamin Center! I just love her. She is so adorable.
-----Under Girls line-----
32. Ogiso Shiori
"I will honor this rank appropriately in the coming years."

Melos: Sexytan just barely scrapped the Under Girls line
31. Kizaki Yuria
"I'm not too good at neither multiplication nor division, but I will not forget this rank and the votes that it took to get to it."
30. Furukawa Airi
"I'm happy I could stand on this stage together with Chibi-airin and Gugutasu-san."

Sammy: My team KII oshi makes it to UG. Woo go Airin!
29. Suda Akari
"Yuuki rinrin, Akarinrin. Minna mo issho-ni. Akarinrin!"

Melos: My SKE48 Oshi has done it again! It would have been impossible for Akarin not to gain rank with all the popularity boost she has been getting in SKE48. That smile and positive attitude of hers is too contagious.
Sammy: Akarin!! Haha I think no matter what rank, this girl would still be shining her 1000 watt smile, god can't wait to see her in UG PV.
28. Yagami Kumi
"My fans promised me I'd be able to stand on stage smiling this year, and here I am smiling."

MissMoonlight: Good to see Kuumin rank. I actually thought she lost quite a bit of popularity compared to the popular 3rd Generation girls in SKE. Glad I got it wrong.
27. Oya Masana
"This has been my most fulfilled year ever since joining SKE48."

Melos: 6 SKE48 members in a row! I said last year that I didn't really understand her charm, and honestly I still don't even though I have known her for so long. She's popular in the theater, but she barely gets featured on TV shows. Masana definitely has some powerful fans.
Jul3: By this point, I was thinking that all of Under Girls would be filled with SKE48. I kept thinking, it's got to be AKB next, its got to be...

26. Masuda Yuka
"My rank might have dropped compared to last year, but the view from 26 is just as fabulous."
Sammy: Yuka breaks through all the SKE to 26 which is a drop from last year, but compared to other members, its not so bad.

25. Hata Sawako
"Please keep on supporting me until you get tired of me. Thank you very much."

Ying: Shawako seems less shy now. Though I'm not a big fan of her, I can see why she is so endearing to fans.
Melos: I have a thing for girls with opposite personalities, so Shawako ranks quite high in my ranking. Glad she also
MissMoonlight:I only came to like Shawako over the past year. Happy she could get such a good position again.
24. Takayanagi Akane
"I came here hoping I could get into Senbatsu. I'll follow that dream just like that dream of our original stage that finally came to be true."

Melos: Just when you thought that there won't be any more SKE48 in Under Girls. With this, SKE48 takes half the spots in UG. CHuri's wish for an original Team KII stage last year came true, I was expecting her to ask for a brand new one this year too LOL.
Sammy: Churi dropped in ranking but with new entries in this year's election, this isn't surprising still 24 out of 64 isn't bad.
Jul3: By now, I was thinking "that's got to be the end of SKE in Under Girls" but wondered if there would be a surprise member higher than Shawako or Churi. With eight members, SKE48 make up half of all the Under Girls, but kind of just make up the second row.
23. Shimazaki Haruka
"It's exactly one year to the day since Team 4's inception. Please keep supporting me and Team 4 as a group."

kieyuku: As expected of Team 4's current ace. I've been liking her more and more recently because of Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou so I'm happy for her.
emptystring: This is a great place for Paruru to start - not too low to go unnoticed but not too high that there is plenty of room for improvement.
Ying: People have been taking notice of her ungrateful attitude lately; perhaps she could've given a more heartfelt and sincere speech.
Jul3: Shimazaki-san! I love this girl to bits and was so happy for her to rank so high. I was thinking low 20's would be the best she could do and thought Ranran might outrank her. Congratulations Paruru! This is an amazing position for her.
22. Kuramochi Asuka
"With the fans support, I'll continue giving my best each day to reach a higher rank, because a woman isn't beautiful when she's all words but no action."

Jul3: Kinda disappointed with Mocchi's rank. All the French Kiss members dropped this time, and she is by far my favourite out of them.
Melos: Mocchi only dropped 1 rank, so it's not too much of a concern. She managed to get Senbatsu last year so I feel sad that she couldn't get back in this year.
MissMoonlight: Mocchi's rank history: 21-23-21-22. She has always been quite stable and that is good.
21. Sato Amina
"I came today, telling myself not to shed any sad tears, yet they keep coming. But everyone: these are happy tears!"

Sammy: Amina was expected to drop but it wasn't such a big drop and 21 isn't bad, happy for her.
Ying: Amina looked truly thankful up on that stage. It's tough when you yourself are quite popular but management always ends up shoving you to the side.
Melos: She did say in her appeal video that she doesn't think she would manage to enter Senbatsu this year. If only the Senbatsu was still 21 people, then she would still have made it in. It's sad because without the Election, Amina has almost no chance to enter Senbatsu any more.
HoneyRoastedPeanuts: Her speech was honest and something I can identify with. She says she's happy about this rank and the way she said it was absolutely believable.
20. Akimoto Sayaka
"It would make me happy if, from now on, I can become someone who can support from the rear."

Kyttyee: I'm a little bit sad that Sayaka's gone down in rank from last year, but at least she's still solidly within the Under Girls, so I'll continue to look for her in their songs ^_^
Ying: I actually gave my two votes to her, hoping that she would take Under Girls center if she stayed at #17. Yes, it is sad to see her drop, but she has gained more votes since last year so that alone should be a reason to celebrate. I'm happy for you Sayaka!
MissMoonlight: Yes, she dropped but it is still a good position. This is an answer to those who say she is not popualr anymore.
19. Watanabe Miyuki
"At last year's election my name wasn't called at all, so I'm all the happier I can thank you in this fashion this year."

Sammy: Miyuki ranking this high was not something I expected, but the ace of Team N is almost head to head with it's captain so congrats!
Ying: I like Milky... but I don't really see her appeal... besides the fact that she is cute.
Melos: Well Milky has the standard idol vibe like Mayuyu, Yukirin and Kojiharu. So I can understand her popularity. I didn't expect her to suddenly come up to #19 though.
Jul3: Milky! She was the highest new entry in this year's election and shows the upcoming popularity of NMB. Ranked so close to Sayanee as well, showing that both of them are big stars in NMB. Congrats.
18. Yamamoto Sayaka
"I'm very happy about jumping a whole ten ranks, but also sad that I couldn't make Senbatsu. That was my goal."
Sammy: Everyone expected Sayanee to be in senbatsu (well she would have been if it were the usual 21 seats) but her rise from last year is still pretty big.
Jul3: I expected her to make senbatsu, so was surprised to see her not make it.
Melos: Well she still is the top member of NMB48. But that was really too close for comfort. Would this turn out to be like SKE48 and Milky would rise above Sayanee next year?
17. Takajo Aki
"Of course I'm disappointed at not making it into Senbatsu, but I can use that feeling and turn it into something positive until next election, should there be one."
kieyuku: Now, Akicha dropping this much out of senbatsu to center Under Girls was one of the biggest surprises of the night. The senbatsu lineup is usually the most solid so for her to fall 5 ranks was a shock.
Sammy: Akicha dropping like this was indeed a surprise but center for UG isn't bad either.
emptystring: I prefer Akicha to be the center of Under Girls than a back-row dancer in senbatsu members. See also: "Kimi no Koto ga Suki Dakara".
Melos: Akicha has always been frontgirl material so she not making Senbatsu is unbelievable. While she still managed to get the center of Under Girls, I've heard members say that they prefer to be last in Senbatsu than center of UG.
Jul3: Shocked and disappointed to see her not make senbatsu.
-----Senbatsu line-----
16. Umeda Ayaka
"Working in this business, there's both fun and difficult times. But even if 99 percent of it were hardship, that one percent of happy tears would be reason enough for me to give my all."
Sammy: UMECHAN IN SENBATSU. She's my Team K oshi and I'm so so happy she made it to senbatsu.
kieyuku: Big congrats to Umechan for having come this far. It'll be interesting to see the new single with someone new in senbatsu lineup (that isn't massively expanded like for Manatsu no Sounds Good).
Melos: Umechan is on a run. Last year she surprised everyone by getting the center position in Under Girls, and this year she even managed to break into Senbatsu for the first time since Baby! Baby! Baby! (not counting Ue kara Mariko). I hope she will continue to be in the limelight even after the Election.
Jul3: So happy that she made in into senbatsu. Congratulations Umechan! A great story here.
MissMoonlight: Another one of those girls who really deserve it. Congrats!
15. Yokoyama Yui
"I don't need Tokumitsu's help this time."

kieyuku: I actually predicted for her to rise quite a bit and into media senbatsu, but rising to 15 ain't too shabby either. Congrats Yui!
Sammy: I also expected her a bit higher than this but nonetheless congratulations Yuihan!
mammothb: I was kind of surprised that Yui didn't rank to within the top 10 this year, but then again it may just be due to me being biased towards her.
Jul3: Was I watching last year's election? A hilarious performance by Yui again, crying all the way, but managed to keep it together just enough to turn down the presenter's offer off support in case she fell over.
MissMoonlight: I expected her to rank a bit higher, but every improvement is good. That crying-and-almost-break-down- reaction might be her trademark now.
14. Minegishi Minami
"Whenever I get asked whether I'd be happier to rank at 16 or 17, I used to say that I don't care much about ranks because I'm into variety more. But in fact I've always been thinking about ranking as high as even possible. Sorry I wasn't honest."

Kyttyee: Being a Miichan oshi, I'm of course happy that she's managed to maintain her status as part of the senbatsu! And she looks happy, so I'm glad for her. I look forward to continuing to see glimpses of her in the singles ^_^
13. Kitahara Rie
"After the preliminary results got out, I went home to read the comments on my blog. They were so heartfelt that my mom and me had to cry. She's reading the comments on my blog too, so leave her a message."
kieyuku: Obviously, being a Rie oshi, I'm pleased to see that she hasn't dropped in rank. She did get lesser votes this year though, and while 13 is all good, I hadn't expected Tomoomi to rise above her this year and thought Rie had a good chance at media senbatsu. But still, if Rie is smiling, I'm smiling too. Good job, Rie fans!
Sammy: Rie!! I wanted her to rise but she keeps her previous rank which isn't bad either.
12. Kasai Tomomi
"I can't believe that I'm standing here right now. I'm so grateful to be at this rank even though I couldn't show much of myself throughout last year."
Sammy: Kasai was a surprise especially since she has no subunits to back her up but this proves her wotas aren't to be messed with.
emptystring: Shocker #4 for me, I almost thought she wasn't going to get called when they finished announcing UG.
Jul3: For probably the last 10 positions, I was like "it'll be Chiyuu". And her name kept being called, finally, every position I was shouting "Chiyuu, Chiyuu, Chiyuu". I couldn't believe she ranked so high.
Melos: If media Senbatsu was still around, she would have gotten her place back in it. Congratulations!
MissMoonlight: I feared she would go down even more last year, so I am really surprised and happy she actually made such a big jump. With no sub-unit and not much promotion compared to other senbatsu girls this is a great achievement.
11. Miyazawa Sae
"What remains in the end is a rank, but what impresses me personally are the love and actions of each and every one of you."
MissMoonlight: One of few the girls who could stay stable and that is an achievement. Congrats Sae and stay as genki as you are.
10. Matsui Rena
"Thank you for all your support. I will strive to be a member even worthier of your congratulations and even more able to show gratitude in return."
Melos: A reversal in the ranking this year, Rena and Jurina switched positions. I could never have called for this. I always thought Rena would continue to be the more famous SKE48 member.
kieyuku: I thought Rena would rise higher this year, but hey, 10 is great and Rena looks happy. She also looked happy for Jurina too. It's somehow heartwarming... knowing that they don't treat each other like rivals but as friends.
Jul3: Was really surprised that she ranked below Jurina. I actually thought that she would take 6th place and Jurina would just scrape into the top 10.
HoneyRoastedPeanuts: Wow. I had seen her easily make her way into Kami 7. 
09. Matsui Jurina
"I won't change no matter where I am. So let me make this promise that I will serve in both Team S and K to the best of my powers."
kieyuku: Jurina ranking above Rena was a surprise. I used to dislike Rena because Jurina is SKE's ace and Rena always ranked above her...yet I got used to it that Rena gets more screentime than Jurina in AKB singles, and I also grew to like Rena eventually. And this year, Jurina wins Rena. Lol, I'm speechless. Well, I like them both anyway so it doesn't matter anymore.
Sammy: I screamed when Rena was announced before Jurina. My oshi is back as #1 member in SKE. She has worked hard.
Melos: Congratulations Jurina for getting back your place as the top SKE48 member. Sorry I'm just biased towards Jurina.
MissMoonlight: Jurina ranking better than Rena was such a big surprise. I am happy because I really love her. It's her reward for taking the pressure of being SKE's ace for years.
08. Itano Tomomi
"I had been worried since last year, wondering whether there was still a place for me in AKB. But that I'm just doing fine the way I'm doing it is something these 50 thousand votes have shown me."
Sammy: Annnd.... Tomochin keeps her rank! Majority (including me) expected her to fall, but good that she kept it.
emptystring: both surprising and unsurprising.
Kyttyee: Tomochin!! I'm glad she's managed to maintain her rank, so I'm quite happy for her. Even though I love her, I can't say I really expected her to hold on to it, as so many other lovely girls have come up and rising in the past year, so yay!
Melos: She managed to hold on to the 8th place, but it's still out of the Kami 7.
mammothb: Still the Kami8.
07. Kojima Haruna
"Please make me your ichi-oshi!"
kieyuku: Harunyannn~ No comment on her rank, I'm satisfied she's still in kami7 even if she dropped. Congrats Nyan~!
Sammy: Kojiharu wotas helped her maintain her spot in Kami7. Guess the preliminary results gave them that motivational boost.

06. Takahashi Minami
"Some people say that effort doesn't necessarily always pay off. That might be true. Luck is important too. But without effort there's no beginning to things."
Sammy: Ahh!! Takamina!! She rose just one rank but I'm still happy for her.
Kyttyee: I'm glad to see that she's gone up in her rank, even if just a little. Girl's so talented and works so hard, she really deserves it ^_^
Melos: It's 6th place, but I feel that AKB48's acknowledged Captain should be ranked even higher for everything she has done for the whole group. She is the pillar of AKB48.
05. Shinoda Mariko
"Members that need me to step aside for them to move up won't be successful in this group. Come at me if you want to beat me. I'm right here waiting."
Ying: Sad that Mariko-sama keeps dropping by 1 every year, but I feel that her presence in AKB is necessary to keep the interest of many casual fans. Her speech... just amazing; it was full of maturity and resilience against a status quo in which young and fresh talents are much more preferred.
emptystring: best. speech. ever.
HoneyRoastedPeanuts: Not what I wanted to hear from her. It sure sounds all fancy and "strong", but in the end she doesn't seem to understand the position that she's in and how the group is supposed to work. It's one thing to motivate the younger girls and make them get a move on. But looking at how the higher ranks have pretty much stayed the same over the years and considering the common fan's unwillingness to go with something new, it'll eventually be up to management to make the younger girls overtake the older members. If Mariko really thinks that they're able to achieve that by themselves, then she's either overestimating the younglings or not aware of her own status.
04. Sashihara Rino
"I'm not going to whine about things anymore. Maybe that means I'll stop being a hetare, but please keep supporting me nonetheless."
Sammy: Sasshi now officially Team A's most popular member, all the effort she has put has finally paid off.
Jul3: I predicted her to rank 4th as she has gained huge popularity, but didn't think she'd outrank Mariko.
kieyuku: I'm sorry, I still can't understand what enabled her to rise this much to push down all the other veterans. I just feel she doesn't deserve to rank this high. For her to rank above members like Takamina just rubs me the wrong way.
emptystring: Maybe people can really relate to the "hetare" factor. I still don't understand, though. Not to discredit her, but I think Takamina would have ranked higher if the management did not deliberately push her last year.
Melos: Outranking Mariko was quite a surprise. I feel that her rise in popularity is too sudden. I don't get the "hetare" character either
HoneyRoastedPeanuts: The "hetare" thing is fine with me but ranking four in the elections isn't exactly "hetare" anymore. Ranking this high just doesn't go well with the image that she sells.
03. Kashiwagi Yuki
"Having this many fans who supported and helped me keep this rank is what I am most proud of in my life as an idol."
emptystring: Biggest shocker of the night. How did the Queen of Handshake Events lose to a robot?
Ying: Yukirin's popularity remains relatively stable. I guess her wotas didn't feel any threat coming from Mayuyu's camp.
Melos: D'awww Yukirin is no longer at the top of Team B. I was even hoping that she would have a close fight with Yuko. I guess I was aiming too high. IMO Yukirin is the type of girl I prefer as the Center. Acchan is too reserved, Yuko is too wild, and I just prefer her over Mayuyu.
HoneyRoastedPeanuts: Quite a surprise. If asked too I would have bet money on Mayu not outranking Yukirin, but I guess in hindsight everything always makes more sense.
02. Watanabe Mayu
"I've always followed in the footsteps of my seniors, but us younger members have to open up new paths and I hope I can be one of them who will lead them into a new era."
emptystring: BREAKING NEWS: Mayuyu has emotions!
kieyuku: MAYUYU!!!!! Ahhhh!! I couldn't be more pleased that Mayu went up to #2 and confirmed her position as Team B's ace. This rank also somewhat shows that management pushing her as the next AKB center is a good move. She's generally likeable, experienced in the idol world and also young enough to hold the reins for a few years more.
Sammy: Happy for Mayuyu, didn't expect her to outrank Yukirin at all but she always did wanted to be in the top 3.
Jul3: I literally jumped out of my chair and shouted "YES!" when the announcer said Kashiwagi. Can't remember anything past that point or even took notice as I was far too happy. Beyond my wildest expectations for her. CONGRATULATIONS MAYUYU!
01. Oshima Yuko
”I don't possess any special talents; I only tried did everything to the best of my ability and with a smile on my face. This seed was only able to bloom because the fans have watered and given sun to it.”
kieyuku: What can I say? No surprise here.
Sammy: No surprise there for me either. Team K's ace back to #1.
Kyttyee: Neither for me ^_^
Melos: Without Acchan participating, there really is no one capable of challenging Yuko for popularity.
Ying: Yup, she really had no competition this year.
mammothb: Be it gimmick or what not, I'm really glad Yuko is back to #1 in perhaps her last sousenkyo (given all the hints about this being her last chance and so) And this time, she sheds tears of joy unlike the one we saw in Documentary of of AKB48: Show Must Go On.
Jul3: So happy for her, was a little scared that Yukirin might steal the crown from her. But now we have the Oshiri Sisters 1-2 and I really couldn't be any happier for this result. It is interesting that Yuko actually lost 14k votes compared to last year. She's made it 2-1-2-1 now in elections. A great champion and queen. Congratulations!
MissMoonlight: Glad to get a Yuko-centered single once again.

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