The amount of people who watch a ‘couple of videos’ (obviously HR and KFC, no doubt) and then think they know enough to fairly form an extensive opinion about AKB48 LOL.

I think you didn’t like them because their songs and videos are not their main selling point. Sure, songs and albums are a big portion of sales, but a lot of fans buy them and the merchandises because they like the characters of the idols. And by that, I mean that 48g spends effort to showcase these girls in different situations (variety shows, dramas, etc etc) that reminds us they’re just like us, human beings trying their best. The same feeling when you relate to a fictional character, only this character is someone you can meet and talk to. Fake ? Maybe. But relatable. You don’t simply dismiss someone who say out loud the thoughts you’ve been burying deep in your mind. That is why they’re very successful.

I don’t like a lot of their songs also, but hearing Maeda’s energetic voice and Mayuyu’s clumsy personality (you don’t usually see this in their music because these character defining moments show up mostly in interviews and shows) cheers my day up somewhat.

And I don’t approve the fanservice, it’s cringy for me. I mostly just stay away from the things I don’t like and enjoy what I can.

I think you could say that about any idol group – Could they get any faker? Kpop, Jpop, Cpop, Tpop.
Have you ever watched any of the AKB48 documentaries??
AKB48 isn’t just for looks and acting cute for pervy old me (though it may seem like it). Unlike in Kpop, AKB48 is meant for polishing young girls into the entertainment industry, like how Takamina is now a singer, and Acchan is a (successful) actress.
Though yeah, I do agree sometimes their themes are weird, AKB48 girls really put their effort into their job. If you watch their documentaries, “The Show Must Go On”, “No Flower Without Rain” or “The Nonfiction” you’ll really see how much hardship they go through.
So yeah, in YOUR eyes, you might see a girl group of Japanese girls acting cutesy and all, but what I see are girls who are becoming what they want to be; entertainers.

Dude… I don’t know if you are naturally like this, but it feels like you are desperately not trying to hurt someone’s feelings. Which is fine… .but its so I don’t know drawn out. You are so desperate to not hurt feelings you go on tangents about the Beetles, and the nature of good music. I still live in the states so I don’t know if it’s that Japanese politeness but it feels daunting to read in English. I would not have a problem with this aside from the fact that the title of your article is somewhat confrontational. It insinuates that not only are you saying that AKB 48 is “fake” and by extension bad. But you extended this by saying “faker” than they already were. You didn’t talk about why you initially thought they were fake, and you explained the whole “idol creation concept” which insinuates that the article was a clever pun in which you are “attacking the group on both fronts” (being fake… IE bred for our mass consumption with sugar coated unrealistic depiction of perfect girls) However, you beat around the bush not talking about this… therefore, the title comes off as unnecessarily harsh and shock mongering…. I don’t know why I’m mad. Mostly because I expected to see a well articulated critique related to why the music quality is unsatisfactory. Instead I feel the title was shock mongering for a click with a article that basically says nothing that you would not have gotten on the news… This is also really old news and I am responding much later… it just grinded my gears for some reason… sorry for rant..

I’ll tell why they (AKB48) sell so much. Its because guys want to shake hands with them on concerts. They buy their album on these events so that they can get to shake hands with all the members. Thats really why there are so many of them and why they have so many sister groups as well.

I’ve talked to many Japanese people who think that AKB is not good for Japanese music.

My Japanese friend is a huge fan of this group(I’m Korean) so I tried watching a few of their mvs because I was genuinely curious about Japanese pop music and wanted to try. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it sure wasn’t 30 12 yr olds in fucking lingerie being creepy. I wanted to gouge my eyes out so bad after watching… The music isn’t that bad, actually but it just seems like a bunch of extremely underage robotic girls singing at once to a rock(???)ish song. I shouldn’t be the one to say “ there’s too much of them” because you know, kpop but seriously…. Imo Japan can do a lot better considering they have the second biggest music industry in the world and a lot of talented people. I wondered for a long time why Japanese pop wasn’t socially accepted but now I get it. I wouldn’t play any of AKB48’s songs in public even if I was offered a whole fucking house. Of course music is subjective and this is just my opinion but I bet most people have the same one. I’ve seen a lot of “weird” mvs in my life growing up when kpop was becoming popular globally but this…. The girls in AKB48 have a lot of talent, yes and they shouldn’t waste it doing this shit. I’m not saying J-pop in a whole is bad, the artists actually produce unique songs that represent their country well ( cough*korea*cough) and its superior to the crap that is Chinese pop but J-rock is a LOT better. You could take a low-budget low-profile girl group from say, USA, put them next to a Japanese GG, and the American one would be ten times better even considering how shitty American pop is. I’m not impressed, Japan.

I discovered AKB48 a few years ago and had to think hard about whether I was a fan or not. The answer is: Yes, but only about 5% of the time.

I agree that few, if any, of their songs are the kind you sing along to at home but for me they have never been about that. For me, it’s all about the over-saturated music videos. 95% of the time I don’t like the look of the video and that’s that. The other 5% (Kimi wa melody, Blackout, Gingham check and yes even Sayonara crawl to name a few) are all visually gorgeous. I enjoy looking at the costumes, the settings and the close-ups of the singers’ expressions. I also like the sentiment behind (or interpreted) through many of their songs. It often reminds me of times in my own childhood and I enjoy that. I don’t actually follow any singers or even know their names – deliberately. It’s entertainment, falsehood is expected, so I just enjoy the end products only.

It’s not contested that the group leans pretty heavily (and shamelessly) on the sexuality at times lever to gain and keep popularity – but anyone who hates the group for *that* is misplacing their disgust. Ain’t their fault that tactic works as well as it does. Ain’t their call that it gets used either. Speaking as someone who finds sexuality in all things (movies, music, life) to be off-putting and irritating – I like ’em.

To be honest akb48 is plain Weird and their music sends shivers down my spine already.

Hi..It’s quite interesting story.Sorry for my English language.English is not my common language.Hope everyone here will understand what I’m trying to share..

My opinion about AKB48 is just only this 2 Thing..Music and Member..

1.Music Style: An anime?Children theme?Video game theme? Oh come on..It’s their music culture.Since 80′-90′ Japanese song are like that,just listen to PRINCESS PRINCESS – Sekai de Ichiban Atsui Natsu Heisei or from Rebecca – Friend. AKB48 just continue this trademark with their own way,i think everyone here just hear the explicit part of their song and not hear the Implied part in their song,that’s way everybody say it is like anime theme.It’s funny to someone who say they like and love the music without knowing the meaning on the melody.Unlike a KPOP who their music influence from U.S Style,AKB48 music style is more to their culture with a pure Asian flavored into it.Try to listen with a different way and you will found a beautiful Music behind it.For information their song is mostly covered by many famous orchestra group and orchestra group will not cover a song like shit..below is the link to prove my word :-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg3BxWX3ryI

Not only that, a legendary Guitarist Marty Friedman (MEGADEATH) love AKB48 song too.In the interview,Heavy rotation(MV you link),Aitakata and Labrador Retriever is his favorite song.Here link about AKB48 feat Friedman :-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8givfgVwAs

Music Genre: AKB48 have a have a various genre in their song and it’s not about bubblegum pop only..Jazz,Ska,Latin,modern rock,alternative rock,dance pop,Electro pop,ballad,Oldies,Contemporary pop,Tango,Cha-cha etc (you name it).I list that song below so anyone who considered themselves as music lover got to know AKB48 is not just have a suck bubblegum pop genre..for example:-

Kodoku Na Hoshizora – Japanese folk genre with a bit Jazz element into it
Seifuku Ga Jama Wo Suru – Dance pop
Bird and Confession – modern rock
Beginner UZA and Kurumi no Dialogue – Electro pop
Give me 5 – SKA
Oogoe Diamond,Blue rose and Kagami No Naka No Jeanne D`Arc – 80′- 90’rock

and many more..If somebody still say their music/song is not interesting,than they ear got a seriously problem.For all people who like criticized they song just try to compose or write a song yourself and try promote it,after you hit above 16 million copy sale on 1 week then you got my respect..

Song lyrics: As much we know the 48family founder Akimoto Yasushi (some hater call him Crazy Bastard) is AKB48 songwriter together with Inoue Yoshimasa,Nonaka Yuuichi,Tanaka Yuusuke for music and arrangement.This all guy is genius no doubt about it.Song like Shonichi will prove your Statement ”no real substance” completely wrong.In Shonichi there are lyrics writen from a real experienced of member for example

Harugon experiance:-
There were days when I was the only one who couldn’t dance
And cried on the way home
And days when I couldn’t sing the way I wanted to
And lost confidence
My rivals always
Seemed to shine

Mayuyu experiance:-
There were days when I cried in frustration
When I got injured and had to sit out
And days when I gave up
Trying to balance school and lessons
But I could hear
An “Encore!” somewhere

2.Member:- Some haters criticized their cannot sing..yes,mostly the member cannot singing or dancing better..”Idol” definition here is someone who want to catch their dream with their effort..AKB48 is only their 1st Platform to became artist,singer,actress,MC,Model,Comedian etc.When they got ready to enter the entertainment industries then they will graduate.

Vocal Ability:- Actually they is a good singer,i’m not joking.See AKBINGO Episode 177,178 and 179 (AKB DIVA Contest)
yes their vocal not a best like Mariah Carey,Celine Dion,Rihana or Beyonce who have a amazingly vibrator voice but what surprisingly their octava,vocal range,falsetto is great.I can play a guitar and piano (just a little bit) then when i try to play their song i realize their song and vocal is unique.They all have a ability to change their vocal tone minor to major tone and able to hit such difficult tone like F#m7,C9,EbM7 and such.For example song like Koike have at least 12 keychord with 140-145 BPM with 4/4 on Melody or Skrit hirari begin with Keychord Am in opening and Bbm Keychord before ending.same melody with different key tone..while a song like for example Macklemore – can’t hold us it’s simply 4 Keychord overall.So for me as a music lover this kind of vocal and song is more than impressive!

Bikini,underwear and sexy issue:- Come on guys,if you think japan is for porn only then you out of moral.no offense..in the Heavy Rotation or ponytail to shushu a various bikini/underwear company sponsor them on 2 propose.First it’s their concept for themselves CM and Second it’s for Bikini/Underwear CM.So it’s like kill 2 bird with 1 stone.About the sexuality,can anyone here tell me if any AKB girl who in under age make some photobook or gravure?As much as i know only 17-18+ years old member allow to do that.

They are fake?:-Well no one knows,but if they fake what a profit or point they got?I see many of fan’s mention about documentary..i think the haters not understand what documentary meaning.For fan’s please don’t hate a haters,For Haters..Just see a Show name ”Kin Sma Special – AKB48 The History Of AKB48” then you will understand why their tears fall and for what,then think logically when you at their place can you acting your act?
Just put yourself in other people’s shoes to make you mature.

Representative of japan:-Everyone here know about the AKB project ”what can i do for some one”right?AKB member collect a charity for tsunami victim nearly 15milion USD to help the people in that disasters.So not only their personality and music is representative for japan but also their humanity for all mankind.

While i read a few comment before,i really don’t understand and just wonder why many people write many bad comment about this great idol group.As a fan i cannot blame a haters out there,if they don,t like it,i cannot force them to like it.AKB48 or 48familys just want their exist certified in entertainment industries and many people can accept them and know them as idol better.So why we can not support them to make their dream came true?

Hi..It’s quite interesting story.Sorry for my English language.English is not my common language.Hope everyone here will understand what I’m trying to share..

My opinion about AKB48 is just only this 2 Thing Music and Member..

1.Music Style: An anime?Children theme?video game theme? Oh come on..It’s their music culture.Since 80′-90′ Japanese song are like that,just
listen to PRINCESS PRINCESS – Sekai de Ichiban Atsui Natsu Heisei or from Rebecca – Friend.AKB48 Just continue this trademark with their own way,Unlike a KPOP who their music influence from U.S Style,AKB48 music style is more to their culture with a pure Asian flavored into it.Try to
listen with a different way and you will found a beautiful Music behind it.For information their song is mostly covered by many famous orchestra and orchestra group will not cover a song like shit..below is the link to prove my word :-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg3BxWX3ryI

Not only that, a legendary Guitarist Marty Friedman (MEGADEATH) love AKB48 song too.In the interview,Heavy rotation(MV you link),Aitakata and Labrador Retriever is his favorite song.Here link about AKB48 feat Friedman :-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8givfgVwAs

Music Genre: AKB48 have a have a various genre in their song and it’s not about bubblegum pop only..Jazz,Ska,Latin,modern rock,alternative rock,dance pop,Electro pop,ballad,Oldies (you name it) I list that song below so anyone who considered themselves as music lover got
to know AKB48 is not just have a suck bubblegum pop genre..for example:-

Kodoku Na Hoshizora – Japanese folk genre with a bit Jazz element into it
Seifuku Ga Jama Wo Suru – Dance pop
Bird and Confession – modern rock
Beginner and Kurumi no Dialogue – Electro pop
Give me 5 – SKA
Oogoe Diamond,Blue rose and Kagami No Naka No Jeanne D`Arc – 80′- 90’rock

and many more.If somebody still say their music/song is not interesting,than they ear got a
seriously problem

Song lyrics: As much we know the 48family founder Akimoto Yasushi (some hater call him Crazy Bastard) is AKB48 songwriter together with Inoue Yoshimasa,Nonaka Yuuichi,Tanaka Yuusuke for music and arrangement.This all guy is genius,no doubt about it.Song like Shonichi will prove your Statement ”no real substance” completely wrong.In Shonichi there are lyrics writen from a real experienced from member for example

Harugon experiance:-
There were days when I was the only one who couldn’t dance
And cried on the way home
And days when I couldn’t sing the way I wanted to
And lost confidence
My rivals always
Seemed to shine

Mayuyu experiance:-
There were days when I cried in frustration
When I got injured and had to sit out
And days when I gave up
Trying to balance school and lessons
But I could hear
An “Encore!” somewhere

2.Member:- Some haters criticized their cannot sing..yes,mostly the member cannot singing or dancing better..”Idol” definition here is someone who want to catch their dream with their effort..AKB48 is only their 1st Platform to became artist,singer,actress,MC,Model,Comedian etc.When they got ready to enter the entertainment industries then they will graduate from AKB.

Vocal Ability:- Actually they is a good singer,I’m not joking.See AKBINGO Episode 177-178 (AKB DIVA Contest)
Yes their vocal not a best like Mariah Carey,Celine Dion,Rihana or Beyonce who have a amazingly vibrator voice but what surprisingly their Octava,vocal range,falsetto is great.I can play a guitar and piano (just a little bit),when i play their song i realize their song and vocal is unique.They all have a ability to change their vocal tone minor to major tone and able to hit such difficult tone like F#m7,C9,EbM7 and such.For example song like Koike have at least 12 keychord with 140-145 BPM with 4/4 on Melody or Skrit hirari begin with Keychord Am in opening and Bbm Keychord before ending mean same melody with different key tone..while a song like (for example) Macklemore – can’t hold us it’s simply 4 Keychord overall.So for me as a music lover this kind of vocal and song is more than impressive!

Bikini,underwear and sexy issue:- Come on guys,if you think japan is for porn only then you’re out of moral.no offense..in the Heavy Rotation or ponytail to shushu ,many various bikini/underwear company sponsor them on 2 propose.First it’s the concept for member self CM and Second it’s for Bikini/Underwear CM.So it’s like kill 2 bird with 1 stone.

They are fake?:-Well no one knows,but if they are fake what a profit they got?I see many of fan’s mention in comment section about documentary..i think the haters not really understand what is documentary meaning.For fan’s please don’t hate a haters,For Haters..Just see a Show name ”Kin Sma Special – AKB48 The History Of AKB48” then you will understand their tears fall for what,then think logically when you at their place can you acting your act?Just put yourself in other people’s shoes to make you mature.

while i read few comment before i really don’t understand and just wonder why many people write many
bad comment about this great idol group.As a fan i cannot blame a haters out there,if they don’t like i cannot force to like it but AKB48 is just a group who want their exist certified in entertainment industries,so why we can not support them to make their dream came true?

as a 12 year old i love akb48’s songs cuz they r dancy and makes u want to goof around listening to the song…… but i prrefer prizmmy

First, if you measure every artist against Michael Jackson, 99.9% of them are going to come up wanting. So much for that argument. Well, there’s no accounting for taste, rap proved that. If you don’t like their singing, don’t listen. Because while I’ll admit I don’t like all their songs, some are very good. Akimoto writes (or has ghost writers) pump out song after song, so they’re not all going to be hits. OTOH, some will be just fine, thank you. This is coming from a 59 year old guy who doesn’t watch the videos. So for me, it’s all about the music. AKB is more of a chorus line than a singing group. What he has done is offer a new way for girls to get entertainment business exposure. If they’re good enough, they’ll make it. If not, they can go on to something else. None of those girls is being forced to do that.

Not all akb48 songs are cute and idol like
each team has its own image
Team A represents freedom
Team K has a strong and powerful image
Team B is cute and idol like

I think it’s important to understand properly their body of work before criticizing them hastily. I shall thus defer my judgement until I’ve masturbated at least 10 times to their “Heavy Rotation” PV.

umm not im not a fan i rather listen to kpop boy groups im not fans of kpop girl either much less jpop girl groups. ima go to japan creat a girl group and make unique songs my geez like the kawaii stuff has to have its limit

umm no im not a fan i ra
ther listen to kpop boy groups XD ima go to japan and make myself a girl group and make unique songs lmfao the kawaii stuff has to have its limit

i am an AKB (and sister groups) fan so what you said I didn’t like my oshi is Sae-chan i love her to death and if you have anything to say about Sae-sama i will do something to you

AKB48 lip sync..there is no doubt.. it is very common in their music variety shows and music station. However, you all crtique without having watched enough Japanese programmes where they sang live. Sure yous say they can relax on the scene while dancing..but you do know how it is like to dance nonstop without a break? Why don’t you trying dancing all their Dark side songs non-stop.. sure they dun sing live during their concerts unlike other pop groups.. Have you watched their daily theatre shows? It is all live singing… There is nothing wrong displaying sexuality or whatever scenes that you all irk about..this has been something that has been passed down since the debut of idols in the 1970s..i am surprise that many Japanese people themselves do not know about “idol” in Japan. In modern context, AKB48 is just adapting and changing the definition of idols. Oh, btw.. do you know that the director of Heavy Rotation is a lady? Are you all trying to deny her rights as a women who thought that the concept fits them? You all should go read the interview.. Having alot of members has its pros and cons..the cons is that there will be Anti-s that will dislike certain members..the pros is that..you will be able to find a few members to support and like..if you can’t..it just means that your life is more complicated or your taste cannot be found easily..oh..just to ad on.. majority of idols in Japan would have done a bikini or swimsuit photoshoot.. so what is wrong with that? It is just Japanese pop culture…if you want change the culture..why don;t you try changing the Japan’s WWII “Comfort Women”.. get a grip you jabronis..

They make no secret of the fact that they are manufactured and are not polished professionals. They are advertised as a diamonds in the rough musical act consisting of Idols you can actually meet and shake hands with and support and cheer for like an athlete. Anyone who descries them for not being an authentic band or flawless professionals is judging them on something they never intended.

http://youtu.be/tcuRAVyEPbs

uza live http://youtu.be/KzXNT3OPpaw?list=F

http://youtu.be/WIdWXhV33vs one of my fav

http://youtu.be/MphuZ4EFZjU?list=FL check this one beginner

watch their documentaries and you’ll see why we fell in love with akb48 and only people that appreciate them will understand and see that they’re not fake and that they work hard for us the fans and for the group for me to like bands and such. it takes alot after i saw an akb48 anime i learned more about them trough youtube google some of they’re doramas and the rest from akbingo and i thought they were great i love the fact that they’re always dedicated to their work and fans

Your question: Are you an AKB48 fan? I want your honest to goodness opinion. If you are a fan, which song is your favorite?

I am an AKB48 fan and my favourite song is Kaze wa Fuiteru, and to be honest, I don’t like your article.

Your post will make AKB48’s new fans confuse, make old fans upset, make AKB haters happy and make people don’t know AKB misunderstand. You don’t know well about AKB48 but you write an article about them like you know everything.

Seriously?
You judge AKB48 in a single song?Why don’t you try other songs?They have 500+ more!
Eguchi Aimi was made for a candy commercial…she didn’t and won’t participate in any song.

I’m also a girl. And I think :
1. Cute songs
Team K has so many cool songs, and have you heard UZA ??? That song is so cool. And I think that song doesn’t have the cute pv, the pv of UZA kinda umm gothic, UZA also has the most hard dance
2. Gravure photoshoot
I think members do that because of their agency,manager, and AKB’s management want them to do it, and not all of AKB Member like to wear bikinis like Takahashi Minami. And one of AKB48’s sister group, JKT48 even didn’t have costume that shows their belly or tummy.
3. Fans
I don’t think fans fantasies their oshi like that, but we never know what they are thinking, except if we can read mind. Maybe some people think “show-panties-group” or “quantity over quality” but for fans their oshi is not beautiful,sexy,cute because of their physic but their behavior, their hardwork, their speciality, and their talent
4. Talents
AKB is an idol group not a vocal group, idol group doesn’t always sing,some of them maybe want to be singer and have beautiful voice like Takahashi Minami, Watanabe Mayu, Yokoyama Yui, etc but some of them want to be modes

I like most of Team K’s songs, RIVER, Beginner, UZA, Kaze wa Fuiteiru
For the normal (not too cute and not too dark songs) hebirote, gingham check, mae shika mukanee

I really like AKB48 and I think there music is very popish and could be classified as annoying if you’re only listening to the voices but if you listen to the words of their lyrics and then add in the voices it adds literally that much more depth my favorite songs are beginner and River 🙂 I’m a new fan and I look forward to hearing a lot more from them ^~^

While I don’t personally like Idol music very much, it’s clear to me why producing agencies like them so much.

An individual singer, or even a band, is an inherently unpredictable enterprise. They might be a bust right at debut, or prove to be a one-hit wonder. They might strike success and then ditch the company that launched them, change music style and lose the favor of their public, become quarrelsome as the success gets to their heads, or just up and die of overdose in a public toilet. Producers have to put up with these risks because the artistic persona of a solo singer or band is irrevocably tied to actual people – you cannot get someone else to be Hamasaki Ayumi, or TM Revolution, or Porno Graffiti (bands sometimes can manage to change a member or two, but they often lose popularity, and rarely survive losing the lead singer).

In this sense Idols are advantageous in that they have a more predictable success curve. As long as the basic routine – cute young girls, happy bright music, and choreography numbers in slightly pedophilic costumes – continues to find a sympathetic audience (whoever those may be), it’s relatively easy to turn a success. The only problems are that the shelf-life of an Idol is somewhat short, and the persona of solo or small-group Idols (think three to five) still identifies very closely to the actual girls.

In a large Idol troupe, however, the artistic persona is not tied to any single member, but to the group as a whole. As members grow old or otherwise fail to comply to its image, they can be cast off and replaced by someone else; the group sustains very little damage, as (1) members are barely distinguishable from each other and (2) in the case of a dishonorable discharge, the person being ousted takes all the blame for whatever situation led to it, keeping the group’s reputation immaculate. As long as nothing disastrous happens (like a scandal involving the group’s producing agency, or a change in audience tastes), such a troupe can continue to exist indefinitely, switching members as worn cogs are replaced in a machine.

This is AKB48 in a nutshell: an Idol group as an entity independent from their members, much like a company will live on mostly unchanged, even as employees come and go. Commercially it’s a work of beauty, the interchangeability of the Idol taken to its logical extreme. Artistically… Well, their productions are colorful and pretty to watch, and the music isn’t bad to hear. But it may not turn out to be your thing, if you prize creativity or a unique identity.

Honestly, I do like AKB48. Now, bear with me here, I don’t like them because of the girls, since I am one and am currently straight. I don’t like them because they’re “KAWAIIIIIII!!!!11 <3 <3" I like them for the simple fact that their music is fun and it's catchy. When I feel sad, I turn on Pierce the Veil because that's just how I feel (to be honest, I'll find any excuse to turn on PTV but that's not the point.) If I feel angry, I turn on Disturbed or Three Days Grace (again, any excuse) and if I feel cutesy and bubbly I turn on J-Pop. Sure, like all things it has its tropes, but that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable. AKB48 is a good group in its genre and yes, they do work very hard, and I think that deserves some credit (I mean, they're not even allowed to date, the poor things.) And you know what? "Beginner" is my work out song and I'm proud of that because that is a damn good song. (Also, PLEASE listen to Hatsune Miku and no, she doesn't just do J-Pop, she gets put into many different genres of music, as do all Vocaloids and my God it's addicting the way they're so versatile! Just-Just listen to all the Vocaloids, because some people don't like Miku since her voice is very high pitched (which in some songs just adds to the creepy factor…you'll understand eventually))

Great article. I think AKB is just a symptom of the manufactured bands in Japan. Japan’s Boy Bands are another example of this. I suspect these bands are a reflection of the consensus and conformity of Japanese culture, while American pop reflects… actually, I prefer to listen to rock. (: If you haven’t done so already, maybe you can do some research into the Jpop industry and get a better idea!

My favourite song is “Ikiru Koto”. It’s quite a sad song honestly, I also enjoy Ruby, How Come ?, Sugar Rush, Yuma no Kawa, Kinmokusei and Dessan. RIVER and Beginner are also good ^^
In your article, you said that you liked “good music”. Saying “I hate pop/AKB” is way more respectful tbh ^^ Also, music tastes are subjectives. I never liked rap music because most of the rappers are actually really close to pop singers : they have a manufacted image of the badass gangsta who’s been in jail numerous times, using homophobic, racist and sexist slurs… Most of that is crafted (well actually the rappers in my country) and they are not as badass, mean, intolerant and dangerous as they want to look. But they have to look like that to be considerated as “legimitate” and “true” rappers. And some of them made/make a shit ton of money with that. I hate the music and everything but I would not say it’s not good music because I know that my tastes are not and should not be universal. I’m not touched by the lyrics or the beats, that’s all.
I’ve always prefered manufactured and crafted groups because I honestly think that shallow things are also good things. With shallow things, you get what you see/hear, no need to be a tortured poet, to overthink or to analyse every single word of each song to enjoy it. It’s just good fun. I also enjoy listening to Zemfira and Rammstein but I just can’t listen to them all day along, what they do is way too “heavy”, serious and depressing (especially Zemfira…). Pop is all about the show and the visual most of the time, I never understood why people complained about that because that’s just what makes mainstream pop. Pop is visual. Pop is to the musical industry what action films are to the movie industry : visual not deep, just to impress the viewers.
Well this will be a fan rant and you’ll roll eyes, but AKB sells more than music. I like the fact that EVERYTHING is perfectly marketed. Some of their lyrics are really really shallow but some of them are actually great and I was surprised (Ikiru Koto, Beginner, RIVER, Yuma no Kawa, Dessan…). Yes, it’s super childish, but that’s what I like about them : the fact that they use childhood, school and teen years to convey their message (that’s an important part of life after all). But what made me a total fan were the dramas for the single So Long!. I didn’t expect a pop group to tackle these serious issues Oo So yes, they make super sexualized songs but there is something more : the teamwork, the bond (even if it’s fake) between the girls… And well, as pop music is a visual misic kind, they are of course “fake”, even if I don’t consider using a lot of make up and doing plastic surgery as a bad thing. Not my body, not my business.

Another thing people needs to stops surgery shaming.

What do you think of Exile?

I love AKB48 but I hate their songs, okay? I completely agree that 90% of their songs are bubblegum pop crap whatever, yes, but I just like the members. I just wish that group wasn’t about satisfying old pervy old men.

I LOVE AKB48, but not for their songs (mostly). I really just like the girls themselves, especially when they get to be themselves on AKBingo and other variety shows.

It’s Jpop, of course it’s fake. It’s all commercialised and overproduced. I prefer real artists who write their own music

First up, I like AKB48 — no true reason, they just make me happy when I’m watching them. I have read a lot about the industry and I know they are probably some of the hardest working people I have heard of (idols I mean). And idols are meant to entertain perform and make you feel good– that’s where the cutesyness comes into. They are NOT fake.. They are true HUMAN BEINGS with true emotions – look up arigatou by the original forth team 🙂
So yeah, agree to disagree ☺️

Kamen Rider Girls is my favourite girl group

do you really think think any of the girls there are talented ? take a look at morning musume , do you see any of those graduated years ago making any name ? nope , none.

With the makeup and contacts, they all look like ugly white girls. It’s a sequel to White Chicks. The fact that their Voltron Idol that combines the best factors of their most popular idols is still a 6 or 7 at best says it all.

Can’t help but be reminded of “Perfect Blue”.

I thought so the first time I listened to heavy rotation, I didn’t like it at all not to mention that I hate the MV for exploiting too much sexuality. But then I listened to some of their other songs… It was so good I shed tears, it reminds of my childhood watching animes and stuff, it’s an instant time machine for me… i can say that I like AKB group the most now, but i still hate most of their primary singles… But some of their songs are so good that I started to hate my self for liking them haha.
But still I chose not to follow their gimmicks marketing (handshake,election,etc) listening to their songs is enough for me

I am a Girl, And Slightly a Akb Hater and Fan….(Not trying to Offend anyone)

The only reason I found out about Akb0048 is because Of their Anime..I searched them and saw Their Game shows and stuff even though I didn’t understand them I watched them but sometimes I thought…Why are they all Japanese…Why can’t there be Some American people there but then I remembered oh They sing in Japan…Still Japanese people are famous with many American people but Asian People aren’t to fond of American Singers….American singers are (My Opinion) More Unique and Japanese Akb48 Singers are more of a Kawaii-Hello my name is Cute Girly type…All they do is pick the most Prettest and train them to sing…I didn’t notice they were 30 so that was a Flaw to me, Other than that I think it’s weird that American singers lately sing about their Romance Troubles and stuff for example: Taylor Swift…(No Offence) But Akb48 is different, They can sometimes have the courage to do crazy things like the Game show and Etc. But the thing I hate the most is that they dress in Bras and stuff and make Girls feel bad about their body sometimes….Well…Japanese Skinny is Like Not eating Meat for a whole 30 Years….

Are they..lesbian tho? Tooooo many kiss
Dont geet me wrong,im not a hater

I was lurking around this old post when I noticed that you do respect akb48 somewhat (#comment-1544817018) so how come your blog post is just bashing them and not giving them a fair chance?

I like the sound..

I hate them. Been listening to GOOD jpop since the 90’s. Jpop was also good either lyrics or voices . They are not good singers, they are not good dancers or even exceptionally pretty. UGH . Thanks to this bitches, the real GOOD jpop disappeared since they started making money with the shaking hands events. They DON’T deserve anythng but the trash can. ugh.

Well, I am an anon, and this post is probably a few years old, but I couldn’t resist correcting this:

“I haven’t listened to Hatsune Miku, but I will have to take a listen; I
am interested to see how similar her style of music is to AKB’s.”

You can’t compare them because Hatsune Miku is not a singer, therefore, her songs do not have a specific genre of music. She is a mascot for the vocaloid program, which could also be called an instrument, since it can be used by everyone, and anyone can use it as they feel like to create vocals with different notes (even though some certain genres fit the voice better than others, but that’s why there are many types of voices, and not just the so popular Hatsune).

Honestly the underwear couldn’t fix that video. Some of the girls were just stubby, but my problem was their teeth. I’m used to asian pop stars with crooked teeth, but these girls all had creepy poorly perfected teeth. One looked like her braces were cockeyed. My mom was a dental hygienist so maybe I’m more into teeth than normal, but this was just bad.

Time to add on to

http://youtu.be/AjV8Z26yVS8

I will be honest first song i’ve ever heard was heavy rotation in japan and I hated it which in turn made me hate akb. I had to listen to it for hours because it was their newest album and everyone was in love with it. People would sing it on the train and you would people humming it that I got irritated by it. But after searching up who they were and learned more about them and how they struggle to get to where they are now. I started to admire them especially all the remaining 1st generation before acchan graduated. Their desire to do their best for the fans who supported them and help them through the rough and hard times. They went from 8 people to reaching their 1830m dreams. These idols have plenty of talents and it’s being different in their own way. Gravure photos are everywhere throught the world, you don’t complain about seeing them in magazine or online. In my eyes it’s a good way to increase sales and popularity so why not use it? There’s nothing wrong with it.

P.s. This me raging to all those who keep saying paruru is the next acchan, she isn’t and can not be. Paruru doesn’t have the aura to pull people in like mayuyu, yuko or acchan. Nor does paruru feel or know the struggle of the 14 year old acchan who probably had it the hardest. Being a new group and having tons of antis at such a young age. If paruru can take akb onto the world stage I am all in for paruru as center. But until then mayuyu as center!!!

I really don’t understand hater like you. It is just normal that every artist have their fans and antis. If you don’t like AKB what was the point of making this article? what did you want when you wrote each and every paragraphs? If you don’t like it just leave it be, let the one that like them enjoy their music and performance, as for you just listen other music that you like.

For me are like Chipmonkeys

if you want to sing in japan you best bet is to look like a 10 year old girl and wear skimpy clothing for the perverted Japanese males(pedophiles) . and you need to learn how to auto tune because all Japanese singers cant actually sing they auto tune everything and it is quite obvious.

Yup:D

As it seems you’ve started to notice, they’re popular because of their basic concept- idols you can meet. Musically, they run a range from terrible to probably top 0.001% (great, but not countrywide talent level like an Ayaka). But it’s hard to go to a live and watch them perform and then give them all high fives on the way out and maintain Internet level hate. Something may even catch your eye or your fancy- like acchan who was the only to give a high five of sufficient force for a westerner, or maybe that girl who’s sword prop broke in the middle of a performance but still had the professionalism to carryon as if nothing was wrong. Once they’re real to you it’s easy to at least like some of them. Or even if you can’t meet them in real life, if you follow their google plus or whatever, can you really hate them? They don’t really respond to individuals but they’ll sometimes respond to the general thread of comments. They’re real and you can affect them.

And that’s a bit of the benefit of the troupe. With so many members they can go all over on parties of 3 and 4- while 16 hold down the fort at the theater and others work on tv programs or photoshoots or radio or stage perfoances or voiceacting. Or hold art exhibits or recently, actually write a handful of their own songs. They can hit a wide number of fields, while still being relatively accessible- they spend days doing handshake events and such. If you choose a relatively obscure one she might even remember you exist. Therein is the greatness- akb is so big everyone knows about them, and yet has facets that are small enough that you may actually be able to make a sort of connection.

I love akb48..their music is so awesome:)

I’m a fan of AKB48! they are so cute!! kawaii!! 😀 my fav. song is pajama drive and temo demo no namida!

Seriously, AKB isn’t that all cliche and all. They have different images, ok so it got a bit, uninteresting now that the original members graduated mostly, but they are still interesting and unique in their own way. There are the cliche common idols, the un-idol like guy-ish members, the surprisingly fail members, the funny members, and others. And even though this might be rude, but I can’t say that they are all cutesy. Note: I can listen to this music all day. Plus, just saying I think that sites like Yahoo! are a bad resource if you want information about AKB and such. You need something that actually follows AKB48 and Japanese stuff. And please note that just because they don’t have many elementary school fans doesn’t mean that they aren’t good. AKB48 was popular around teenage girls as well. But seriously, when I first saw AKB’s songs in elementary school, I was a bit embarrassed, but seeing as the singing was good, I still like their songs, but was not much of an avid fan. Then the year afterwards, i saw their unique traits a bit more. They aren’t exactly fitting into the image of cutesy perfect girls that people say they are. Yeah, melon-pan obsessed, coward, gorilla(I’m sorry Sayaka), kind of stupid, likes Takarazuka, good actress. They work hard too. Plus their songs are better than most Boy-Band music or ALL American music I’ve heard in my life which is a pretty big number. And tiny girl voice only applies to some of the girls and that’s either because of their image or because of their age. Note that I haven’t read the comments below yet.

I readed your post and actually I think it’s interesting and you showed some points. What I find interesting about the group is the energy contained in some songs, like korogaru ishi ni nare, others that give me a relaxed and good mood like bingo. If you want to see if they sound good listen Sakura no Shiori, Bird, Korogaru Ishi ni Nare, Uza and Beginner. They all are different to the J-pop idol formula

To be honest, I don’t think you can compare AKB to Jacksons 5 and specially Michael and The Beatles, they are let’s say in the top tier worldwide. I actually listened without watching their videos and that’s when I started to like AKB (I got curious with Sakura no Shiori, liked them with 10nen Zakura and Sakura no Hanabiratachi 2008, started to be a fan with River) AKB is the bigger (in success not only number and they have the record guiness in number lol) in japan. As far as I know, they were not only the best selling idol japanese group (that’s because obsessed zombie-like fans) but it was the one that got out of the idol market and succeed with regular market.

About their songs, some of them have silly or light and sweet themes, some sound terrible, but some are interesting. I think their singles had become more and more souless, but there are some interesting songs and that separate from the “formula” A lot of songs talk about unrequested love, but others about graduation and cherry blossom (a pass rite to japanese people, Sakura songs) and others risk more like talking about bullying, wanting to sleep with someone but being unable to (age, society, not being ready, etc), a girl fallin’ in love with other girl, a protest song about the world not caring about others suffering (released way before japan tsunami), rebelion about using school uniform, etc.

Finally, AKB is as far as I can notice, the group that is more autentic, they normally act as themselves (or a cartoon-like selves) with less stereotypical behavior than other idol groups.

I made that post before I got to the end, and since you asked fans what their favourite songs are, I gotta say, you better listen to Stand up.

Are they talented? Definitely not. But their songs actually do have more variety than you think. It’s just that the most popular ones (the ones you’re exposed to) all sound similar. They literally have hundreds of songs between the main group, subgroups and soloists so it’s just a matter of finding something unique.

No I’m not their fan, they suck and when I am feeling useless and humiliated I would just search AKB48 on google and laugh at their faces because they look so ugly, watch their videos and thinking that having such inferior people make me feel far more superior. But boy do they suck. Yeah! They provide good entertainment of being sluts. They are good sacrifices, i rather see sluts like that rather than my girlfriend being like that hahah!

Besides their music, if you’re saying they have fake personalities and haven’t watched any of their variety shows then it’s pretty obvious that all you’re impressions are based on what you’ve seen from just their pvs and promotions.

If you don’t like their music okay that’s fine, go listen to something else.
If you’re complaining about how they don’t have talent, then it’s time to wake up and understand that they are NOT made to be an extremely talented group, they are more like an idol group in training and have an “idols you can meet” concept – this idea is so that they grow closer to their fans rather than acting all “celebrity like”, people mostly like them for their personalities.

Some talents from AKB48:

Iwasa Misaki’s enka singing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_dYl0LbGoI

Takahashi Minami’s “Bird”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSDDR1MMpN0

Kashiwagi Yuki’s solo “Chinmoku”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHWzeyo9034

Maeda Atsuko in J-Drama “Q10”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEEu5pBTMws

(She’s a robot in the drama. Check it out. It’s REALLY good.)

Oshima Yuko in J-Drama “Watashi ga Renai Dekinai Riyuu”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F53CEAw9No4

Other great singers include Masuda Yuka, Akimoto Sayaka, Sato Natsuki, Kuramochi Asuka, etc. Sashihara Rino is great at humor. Takahashi Minami is good at CM (She is the current co-host for shows “Mujack” and “Shin Domoto Kyoudai”).

Some footage from AKB48’s 2011 general election:

#17-21: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boATCpYNw28

(Yokoyama Yui is #19. That is as emotional as I’ve ever seen someone gets …)

#1-2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-pL_78r-P8