How I got to know about AKB48 other than seeing them for the first time on Oricon. In fact, I think all of you should watch this to understand what AKB48 is all about (even though you're not a fan, and I have to say, neither am I a fan of them as well).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fanfcs8DcKc
It's from BBC's Japanorama. Really insightful. Then you understand what AKB48 really
IS about.