[News] HKT48: We're taking applications

[Bigtop]

Think you've had enough AKB48 fever? Well, think again, because this time it's coming out of Fukuoka, the birthplace of Ayu and YUI...

Fukuoka-based HKT48 begins taking applications

It was announced during AKB48’s handshake event on Sunday that there will be another new addition to the family. Producer Akimoto Yasushi has started accepting applications for HKT48, which will be based in Fukuoka on the southern island of Kyushu.

AKB48, which was born in Akihabara, Tokyo, has already spawned two other regional groups: SKE48 in Sakae, Nagoya, and NMB48 in Namba, Osaka. Akimoto has actually been targeting the Hakata ward of Fukuoka since 2008 – when the “adult” SDN48 group was launched, he stated that the next group would likely be HKT48, followed by groups in Osaka and Sapporo. However, NMB48 ended up launching first, in October of last year.

Naturally, HKT48 will continue the tradition of being “idols that you can meet.” They will have their theater established in the Hawks Town Mall of Fukuoka’s Chuo ward, rather than in the neighboring Hakata ward.

Applications are open for girls between the ages of 11 and 22 who can sign an exclusive contract with HKT48. The pool will be narrowed down first by an application screening, then interviews, then judging on the candidates’ dancing and singing abilities. More information about the first audition is available on the HKT48 website (http://www.hkt48.jp).

Source: Mantan Web via Tokyograph

[YuriChan]

^You forgot that Shiina Ringo is from Fukuoka.

[Amrai-chan]

I think the idea of this was mentioned when SKE debuted.

I think it will be good for people in that area who want to go see a 48 group.

It will be bad for those who don't like AKB or any of the other 48 groups for any reason be it There's too many (when you only need to know a few members) or they don't like their music (when they have probably only heard singles and not stage songs which are more diverse) and so on.

It will also be bad for fans who think they now have to learn more names. I think if Johnny's can have a lot of groups so can Aki-P and whoever is going to manage them.

[dreamland2.0]

TOO MANY!!!!!
And what does HKT stand for anyways? I thought it was a Hong Kong group or something xD

[FIRSTKLAS]

Pretty soon, every girl in Japan will be in a 48 group.

[Bigtop]

Originally Posted by dreamland2.0

And what does HKT stand for anyways? I thought it was a Hong Kong group or something xD

Regarding on Hong Kong: That stands for Hong Kong time, which is an hour behind Japan.

But that's not the point: HKT in this context stands for Hakata, which is the primary metropolitan area (ward) of Fukuoka, which has the train station and the major airport there. People coming to Fukuoka from other prefectures and elsewhere outside Japan usually come to this area, and that's where HKT48 will be located, primarily because it is Fukuoka's ward as a gateway to Fukuoka visitors around the nation and around the world.

[NintendoHTF1242]

Originally Posted by FIRSTKLAS

Pretty soon, every girl in Japan will be in a 48 group.

Lol'd so hard. You deserve a cookie <3

[Amrai-chan]

It seems they are taking applications from people overseas. Someone from here give it a try lol

[dreamland2.0]

OMG I WANT TO!!!!!!! Is 19 almost 20 too old????????????????

[LacusClyne]

^they are taking girls from 11 to 22 years old, either half blood japanese or pure blood foreigners for HKT48, so you can.

but the ctach is you have to be staying in Japan or around there, from the application, there seems to be few stages of auditions so you will have to travel there quite often.
if i am not overage, i won't mind flying to Japan and stay there during the audition period, my elementary japanese is enough for me to get a part time job, and survive there for 3 months for the time being.