On November 2nd, the final audition for JKT48, the first sister group of AKB48 based overseas, in Jakarta, Indonesia, was held at a hotel in Jakarta. At the audition, the 28 first generation members for this new group have been selected.
Akimoto Yasushi, the judge and the general producer, commented at the press conference, “Though there are many differences in cultures, languages, customs, and national characters (in comparison to Japan), I felt the certainty of success at the audition today.” He continued, “Japan is having a hard time because of the Tohoku earthquake, but I believe JKT48 can be the bridge between the two countries.”
JKT48 will make their debut within the year, and another overseas sister group TPE48 which is based in Taipei, Taiwan, is scheduled to debut next summer. According to Akimoto, he is also planning to create more sister groups based out of Singapore and Thailand as well.
There were about 1,200 applicants/inquiries for the audition, and they reduced them to 50 girls after the selection and the interview. The judging for dance and singing, as well as the interview were all held at the final audition.
Congratulations to the 28 members!
source:
http://www.tokyohive.com/2011/11/fir...kt48-selected/
complete profile of 28 members here
http://jkt48.com/memberlist-id.html#top
3rd November 2011, 04:44 AM
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