2019 in AKB48 Group

The following is a list of events and releases that occurred in 2019 by the AKB48 Group.

In January, the Assault of Yamaguchi Maho resulted in public scrutiny and backlash towards the AKB48 Group. Throughout the year, several group events and activities were also scaled back or cancelled, including the annual Senbatsu Election and Janken Tournament, variety shows AKBINGO! and AKB48 SHOW!, and the radio show AKB48 no All Night Nippon.

Members

• January 1: NMB48 holds its second team shuffle NMB48 Dai Sokaku.
• March 25: Abbigail Shaine De Guzman, Alexie Iris Dimaayo, Alyssandra Corteza, Amanda Isidto, Anne Nicole Casitas, Chelsey Yssacky Bautista, Christina Samantha Tagana, Chrisylle Joy Mondejar, Dana Yzabel Divinagracia, Francese Therese Pinlac, Je-ann Benette Guinto, Karla Jane Tolentino, Klaire Presno, Maria Jamie Beatrice Alberto, Miho Hoshino, Missy Ainza, Naomi Roniele De Guzman, Nicelle Joy Bozon, Shay Anne Enciso, and Trisha Labrador join MNL48 as 2nd generation Trainees.
• April 21: NGT48 announces disbandment of Team NIII and Team G. All promoted members will belong to 1st Generation. Kashiwagi Yuki ends her concurrent position with the group.
• April 27: Amanina Afiqah, Amirah Fatin, Cindy Nugroho, Cornelia Vanisa, Devytha Maharani, Eriena Kartika, Fiony Alveria, Flora Shafiq, Gabriella Stevany, Keisya Ramadhani, Lulu Salsabila, Nyimas Ratu Rafa, Pamela Krysanthe, Reva Adriana, Reva Fidela, Salma Annisa, Umega Maulana, and Zahra Nur join JKT48 as 8th generation Academy members.
• May 21: Kato Minami demoted to Kenkyuusei following a social media scandal.
• August 25: Cheng AnZi, Gong LuWen, Gui ChuChu, Hu XinYin, Jian QiangWei, Kong KeXin, Li YuMiao, Risa, Liang ShiAn, Liu Liu, Pan QiuYi, Pu ZhiYing, Shi AiBei, Tan JunXi, Wang YuRan, Wu YiTing, Xiong FangNi, Zeng SiChun, Zhang QianFei, Zhang QiaoYu, Zhang YingLu, and Zou RuoNan join AKB48 Team SH as 2nd generation Trainees.
• June 2: BNK48 announces formation of their first sister group, CGM48, based in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
• October 6: Fukutome Mitsuho, Tokunaga Remi, and Kamachi Yukina join AKB48 as Team 8 members.
• October 13: Nunoya Riru, Inoue Miyuu, and Hasegawa Momoka join AKB48 as Team 8 members.
• October 14: Shiobara Karin, Suzuki Yuka, Matsumura Miku, and Uemi Sorano join AKB48 as Team 8 members.
• October 26: Chayanan Jedpeenongruamjai (Milk), Chutipapha Rattanakornyannawut (Parima), Jirattikan Tasee (Pepo), Kodchaporn Leelatheep (Champoo), Kyla Ziyun Khoo, Manichar Aimdilokwong (Marmink), Manita Chanchai (Kaiwan), Napassanan Thambuacha (Angel), Nattarika Boontua (Nena), Nicharee Sungkhathat Na Ayudhya (Nicha), Phattaratida Chongprasankiat (Fahsai), Phitchayapha Supanya (Nenie), Pimnara Rumruaymunkong (Latin), Pinpana Saengboon (Ping), Pitchayathida Sonthisakwanna (Meen), Pronwarin Wongtrakulkit (Pim), Pundita Koontawee (Fortune), Rapeephan Chaemcharoen (Mei), Ravinda Alan (Jayda), Sita Teeradechsakul, Supapit Sripairoj (Jjae), Vithita Srasreesom (Kaning), and Wacharee Danphasukkul (Punch) join CGM48 as 1st generation Trainees.
• October 27: Ikeda Yura, Imaizumi Miria, Utsumi Rine, Osaki Serika, Kawamata Anna, Kawamata Yuuna, Kudo Riko, Kojima Aiko, Kondo Arisu, Sako Himeka, Shimizu Sara, Suzuki Ayaka, Takao Sayaka, Taguchi Reika, Tanaka Miho, Tamura Natsuki, Nakahiro Yayoi, Harada Sayaka, Maemura Himea, Minami Yurina, Muneyuki Rika, Yoshizaki Rinko, Yoshida Sara, Rissen Momoka, and Watanabe Natsuki join STU48 as 2nd generation Kenkyuusei.
• November 9: Onoue Mizuki joins AKB48 as a Team 8 member.
• November 19: Aoki Rika, Igarashi Hayaka, Ishizuka Mizuki, Ito Miki, Kato Yui, Kiuchi Rikako, Kito Mikuru, Sawada Kanon, Seya Moka, Sugiyama Anan, Nishii Mio, and Hayashi Mirei join SKE48 as 10th generation Kenkyuusei.
• December 1: Adzana Shaliha, Caithlyn Gwyneth, Chalista Ellysia, Christabel Jocelyn, Indah Cahya, Iris Vevina Prasetio, Kathrina Irene, Marsha Lenathea, Nabila Gusmarlia, Olivia Payten, Putri Elzahra, Shinta Devi, and Tiara Sasi join JKT48 as 9th generation Academy members.
• December 21: Miyata Ruka, Weng Tung-hsun, Wu Chi-hui, Yuan Tzu-chu, Lin Ting-li, Chou Chia-an, Wu Wan-ling, and Lin Jia-ni join AKB48 Team TP as 2nd generation Trainees.
• December 28: Sakagawa Hiyuka joins AKB48 as a Team 8 member.
• December 30: Aakanksha Bakshi, Ashwin Virk, Bhavika Chadha, Binita Budathoki, Dhwani Singh, Diksha Parmar, Eliza Sehgal, Freya Grover, Iqra Khan, Khushi Dua, Kiran, Loveena Nandwani, Mahika Sharma, Manasvani Pant, Mannat Sandhu, Rachna, Samragyi Bansal, Sanvi Arora, Shivangi Negi, Sonali Singh, Sonali Talwar, and Vidushi join DEL48 as 1st generation Trainees.

Auditions

• January 31: MNL48 announces 2nd Generation auditions.
• June 15: CGM48 announces 1st Generation auditions.
• June 19: DEL48 announces 1st Generation auditions.
• July 25: SKE48 announces 10th Generation auditions.
• August 3: STU48 announces 2nd Generation auditions.
• December 14: BNK48 announces 3rd Generation auditions.

Kenkyuusei promotions

• March 1:
  • Kawano Nanaho is promoted to Team N.
  • Shiotsuki Keito and Yamamoto Mikana are promoted to Team BII.
• March 30: Eve Antoinette Ichwan and Riska Amelia Putri are promoted to Team J.
• April 27:
  • Anastasya Narwastu Tety Handuran, Gita Sekar Andarini, Angelina Christy, and Yessica Tamara are promoted to Team KIII.
  • Gabriel Angelina and Nabila Fitriana are promoted to Team T.
• May 2:
  • Maria Jamie Beatrice Alberto, Erica Maria Macabutas, Dana Yzabel Divinagracia, Lorelaine Sañosa, Klaire Presno, and Ashley Nicole Somera are promoted to Team MII.
  • Loulle Angelyn Villaflores, Miho Hoshino, and Daniella Mae Palmero are promoted to Team NIV.
  • Amanda Isidto, Chelsey Yssacky Bautista, and Nicelle Joy Bozon are promoted to Team L.
• May 13: Kurosu Haruka is promoted to Team 4.
• June 3: Princess Rius Briquillo is promoted to Team MII.
• June 15: Lau Hiu-ching and Lin Yu-hsin are promoted to Team TP.
• July 27: Okada Rina and Kobayashi Ran are promoted to Team K.
• August 3: Oki Yuka, Shinano Soraha, Nakamura Mai and Yura Akari are promoted to STU48 3rd Draft.
• September 6: Francese Therese Pinlac is promoted to Team L.
• September 7: Otake Hitomi and Saito Haruna are promoted to Team B.
• September 9:
  • Ota Riona and Minami Haasa are promoted to Team N.
  • Horinouchi Momoka is promoted to Team M.
  • Shinzawa Nao is promoted to Team BII.
• September 10: Stephanie Pricilla Indarto Putri is re-promoted to Team KIII.
• September 12: Sato Minami and Michieda Saki are promoted to Team A.
• September 15: Izumi Ayano is promoted to Team N.
• October 5:
  • Aurel Mayori and Azizi Asadel are promoted to Team J.
  • Guan TianTian is promoted to a full member of AKB48 Team SH.
• November 5: Guinevere Faith Muse is promoted to Team MII.
• November 18:
  • Jidarpha Chamchooy (Panda), Juthamas Khonta (Kheng), Khawisara Singplod (Myyu), Plearnpichaya Komalarajun (Juné), Rachaya Tupkunanon (Minmin), Rinrada Inthaisong (Piam), Sumitta Duangkaew (Faii), Warinrat Yolprasong (Niky), and Weeraya Zhang (Wee) are promoted to Team BIII.
  • Chanyapuk Numprasop (New), Dusita Kitisarakulchai (Natherine), Janista Tansiri (Bamboo), Mananya Kaoju (Nink), Nannaphas Loetnamchoetsakun (Mewnich), Natticha Chantaravareelekha (Fond), Nuttakul Pimtongchaikul (Gygee), Phattharanarin Mueanarit (Nine), Sirikarn Shinnawatsuwan (Phukkhom), and Tarisa Preechatangkit (Stang) are promoted to Team NV.

Notable departures

• January 4: Adachi Reina resigns from SKE48. At 5 days, she has the shortest tenure in the Japanese AKB48 Group.
• April 28: Sashihara Rino graduates from HKT48.
• May 2:
  • Takahashi Juri graduates from AKB48. She announced that she signed under South Korean label Woollim Entertainment and would debut in Rocket Punch in August 2019.
  • Matsumura Kaori graduates from SKE48.
• May 12: Kojima Mako graduates from AKB48.
• May 18: Sugahara Riko, Hasegawa Rena, and Yamaguchi Maho graduate from NGT48. Yamaguchi was the victim of a publicized assault case in early 2019.
• June 9: Kodama Haruka graduates from HKT48.
• October 30: Kawakami Rena graduates from NMB48.
• November 30: Ota Yuuri graduates from NMB48.

Releases

Singles

• January 14: AKB48 Team SH - Shonichi
• January 30: JKT48 - High Tension
• February 13: STU48 - Kaze wo Matsu
• February 20: NMB48 - Tokonoma Seiza Musume
• March 13: AKB48 - Jiwaru DAYS
• March 26: BNK48 - Beginner
• April 10: HKT48 - Ishi
• April 11: MNL48 - 365nichi no Kamihikouki
• June 10: AKB48 Team SH - So long!
• July 24: SKE48 - FRUSTRATION
• July 26: MNL48 - Kimi wa Melody
• July 26: AKB48 Team TP - TTP Festival
• July 29: AKB48 Team SH - Shoujotachi yo
• July 31: STU48 - Daisuki na Hito
• August 14: NMB48 - Bokou e Kaere!
• August 25: SGO48 - Heavy Rotation
• September 18: AKB48 - Sustainable
• November 6: NMB48 - Hatsukoi Shijo Shugi
• November 25: MNL48 - High Tension
• December 7: SGO48 - Koi Suru Fortune Cookie
• December 25: AKB48 Team TP - Yuuhi wo Miteiru ka?

Events

• January 11: AKB48 Group First Singing Contest
• March 13: AKB48 announces cancellation of their annual Senbatsu Election.
• March 29: SKE48 2nd Generation 10th Anniversary Performance ～10-nen Tatte mo Minna ni Aitakatta～
• April 27: MNL48 2nd General Election
• May 12: AEON Card SKE48 Original Performance
• May 16: Nojima Kano Solo Performance
• October 31: AKB48 Group Second Singing Contest

Concerts

• January 5 - January 5, 2020: Team 8 National Tour 〜47 no Suteki na Machi e〜 2019
• January 8 - January 9: HKT48 Fresh Member Concert 2019 in Hakata-za ~Mirai wa, Watashitachi no Te no Naka ni...~
• January 12:
  • AKB48 Team A Tandoku Concert 〜Utsukushikimonotachi〜
  • AKB48 Team K Tandoku Concert 〜Team K no K tte nan no K?〜
• January 13:
  • AKB48 Kenkyuusei + Draft 3-kisei Concert 〜Yukuzo! Nobishiro ☆ Paradise〜
  • AKB48 Team B Tandoku Concert 〜Megami wa Kawaii Dake Janai〜
  • AKB48 Team 4 Tandoku Concert 〜Tomodachi ga Dekita〜
• January 14:
  • AKB48 Team 8 Cuties Concert 〜We are!! Cuties!〜
  • AKB48 Team 8 Foxies Concert 〜The Only One!! Foxies!〜
  • AKB48 Team 8 Everybody Concert 〜Come On!! Everybody!〜
• January 15: Murayama Yuiri Solo Concert 〜Watashi wa Watashi no Michi wo yuku〜
• January 16: Yahagi Moeka Solo Concert 〜Minna Matomete Suchi ni Sasechau zo ♡〜
• January 17: Okabe Rin Solo Concert 〜Moshimo~shi! Rinrin Oshi Desho!?〜
• January 27: AKB48 Group Asia Festival 2019 in Bangkok
• February 5: Kaotan no SKE48 Request Hour Setlist Best 25
• February 28 - May 29: SKEBINGO! PRESENTS SKE48 Concert en no Kanto Tour 2019 ～Minasan Nagaraku Omatase Shimashita～
• March 26 - April 23: NMB48 Kinki Juuban Shoubu 2019
• April 6: MNL48 First Generation: Living The Dream Concert
• April 27: AKB48 Group Spring Festival in Yokohama Stadium
• May 28: Sashihara Rino 11nen Arigatou! Dai-Kanshashai
• July 7 - December 10: AKB48 Zenkoku Tour 2019
• July 11 - January 24, 2020: STU48 Zenkoku Tour 2019 ~Fune de Iku wake de wa arimasen~
• August 2 - August 4: Tokyo Idol Festival 2019
• August 24 - September 21: AKB48 Group Asia Festival 2019 in Shanghai
• September 4: NMB48 LIVE TOUR 2019 in Summer
• September 16: SKE48 47 Prefectures Zenkoku Tour "Reiwa Gannen Saikai" ～Ki wa Jukushi Sugita!?～
• October 19: AKB48 in Taipei 2019 ～Are You Ready For It?～

Request Hour

• January 19 - January 20: AKB48 Group Request Hour Setlist Best 100 2019

Graduation

• February 5: SKE48 Matsumura Kaori Graduation Concert 〜Kore de Owaru to Omou na yo?〜
• April 28: Sashihara Rino Graduation Concert ~Sayonara, Sashihara Rino~
• July 21 - October 22: HKT48 Kyushu 7 Prefecture Tour ～Ano Shihainin kara no, Sotsugyou.～
• October 25: Kawakami Rena Graduation Concert ～Nikorame Tsudzukete 9-nen! Oishiku Meshiagare～
• November 25: Ota Yuuri Graduation Concert ～I wanna keep loving you～

Anniversaries

• March 31: STU48 2nd Anniversary Concert
• October 4 - October 5: SKE48 11th Anniversary Concert
• December 8: AKB48 14th Anniversary

Stages

• February 2: Revival of Team 8 1st Stage PARTY ga Hajimaru yo.
• February 19: Senshuuraku of Team BII 4th Stage Renai Kinshi Jourei.
• February 21: Senshuuraku of Team M 1st Stage Idol no Yoake.
• February 23: R24 Special Stage
• February 28: Senshuuraku of Team N 4th Stage Mokugekisha.
• March 2: Shonichi of Team M 3rd Stage Dareka no Tame ni.
• March 10:
  • Shonichi of Team N 5th Stage N Pride.
  • Shonichi of HKT48 Kenkyuusei Stage Revival Nounai Paradise
• March 13: Shonichi of Team BII 5th Stage 2 ban-me no Door.
• April 8: Kojima Karin Produce Performance "Namba Ai 〜Ima, Kojima ga Omou Koto〜"
• April 16: Shonichi of STU48 1st Stage GO!GO! little SEABIRDS!!
• July 9: Shonichi of SKE48 Stage Te wo Tsunaginagara.
• July 26 - July 28: NMB48 Crown LIVE 2019
• August 30: Shonichi of AKB48 Special Stage Boku no Natsu ga Hajimaru.
• September 18: Shonichi of NGT48 1st Generation 1st Stage Yume wo Shinaseru Wake ni Ikanai
• December 20: Senshuuraku of STU48 1st Stage GO!GO! little SEABIRDS!!

Year-In-Review
2018 AKB48 Group	2019 AKB48 Group	2020 AKB48 Group