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It's hard for me to give them too much credit because they just don't appeal to me. But that said, they have had some level of impact.
I think image-wise, they have deviated a bit from what was more typical in the past, like with MoMusu. Sub-groups and solo projects certainly existed and were a major component of MoMusu, but the regional aspect of AKB and its associated groups is something unique -- I think they've even had overseas units, right? Their huge number of girls is comical, but also changed things -- I remember when MoMusu having 13 girls at their peak was outrageous! I also think the idea of having daily theater performances (in addition to the other gimmick-y events like handshakes) has mad them accessible in a way that major stars were not in the past.
So, all that to say, I don't necessarily think their music will stand the test of time or be remembered, or specific members of the group even will be -- but they have had some kind of impact as a whole.
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