Single AKB48 58th (Ne mo Ha mo Rumor) [2021/09/29)

Postponed until a later date (TBC) due to news events (presumably the PM's speech on lifting the state of emergency which is scheduled for this evening):
https://twitter.com/AKB48_staff/status/1442700985671897090

Better news is that there'll be a performance of the new single on 'Buzz Rhythm02' on NTV 10/1 at 25:34 JST:
https://twitter.com/AKB48_staff/status/1442695451489157122

And news of a lottery for purchasers of the CD using a serial code with each copy:
https://ameblo.jp/akihabara48/entry-12700583811.html

Prize A: 450 people will win an online talk with one of five member groups (90 per group)
Prize K: 70 people will take part in an online game with one of 14 members (5 per member)
Prize B: 10 people will receive an autographed poster.

EDIT: AKB48×CyberAgent Legit Dance video with Naachan, Hiichan and Yokochan:



'Making Movie'



Long interview from 'Natalie' about the new single with YuuNaa, Miion, Hiichan and Miu:
https://natalie.mu/music/pp/akb48_14

 

out of all the versions, the CM version is still the best. It fits with recent modern styles of MV: vibrant, fun, and elegant. It also has the best costume. The other MV seems amateurish in comparison. The fishboy version didn't seem have the best angle (and weird color?). It reminds me of Music Station cameraman LOL

 

Naachan says out loud what every fan has been thinking..

Cr: Twitter

 

not only have they lost out on sister group support, but also physical handshakes. every other idol group has also made a loss in sales due to the fact that fans dont go for virtual hanashikai as much as physical akushukai

 

I don’t think they should feel too bad if they end the streak. It’s been a rough couple of years for everyone, even in the music industry. I like the single and I’m proud of how passionate the girls are, regardless of management’s mistakes.

 

300k first day is my bet, let's see.

 

Yuiri, Yukirin and Miion visited the main record stores in Shibuya today to promote the new single:
https://twitter.com/yuirii_murayama/status/1443121405382447106

 

There will be a live broadcast on TikTok today, with a full dance number
https://twitter.com/uwasaAKB48/status/1443123407751507969

 

Naru and Miu dance to 'Rumor':

 

320,489 copies sold on the first day.
https://twitter.com/HEARTSTATION648/status/1443138651496402945?s=20

 

There might still be time for a large increase for the weekly figure because AFAICS the CDs from the resale rounds at Chara-ani haven't yet been sent out, nor the ones from the Limista signings, so presumably they're yet to be counted.

 

Considering the current times, this is great number.
At least in my own expectations

Edit because i have a preference for direct links

https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/js/d/2021-09-28/

 

Do we even want them to sell a million copies?

First day sales
450,171 Nogizaka46
445,852 Nogizaka46
408,815 Nogizaka46
384,973 Hinatazaka46
320,489 AKB48
300,704 Sakurazaka46
178,048 SKE48
177,046 SKE48
161,148 STU48
128,237 NMB48
120,109 HKT48
73,010 NGT48

Can we finally start acting like an idol group instead of K-Pop wannabes?

 

I don't think it will increase much.

Not gonna lie. AKB kinda needed to 'flop' so now what, management will do better next time?

 

They knew that without the SG members and with the pandemonium the sales would take a hit, so this "flopping" is somehow manufactured to be their worst possible result. It's a pity that we never got an AKB-only single before the panini hit to see how much the AKB girls actually sold and how much was the SG pulling the boat.

But alas, we now have a narrative. They've officially been surpassed by Nogi & Co. Now, what are they (management) gonna do about it? Cause I swear to god if I have to see another Zoom PV I'm gonna start swinging.

 

Sales Are ok. Time to move on managment. better release some good music/idol stuff than trying to rescue their damn million strike

 

320k is actually a pretty good number, considering that AKB is battling it out on their own.

 

I mean... they're not bad per se and they'll be #1 for the week. But selling 100k less than rival groups with half the number of members... something has to change.

But again, I feel like management did their "best" to make this a flop. Hanareteitemo taking up space, the lack of proper PVs except for the A-side, that cover... did they even try? fff

 

I think it’s ultimately good for them to have broken the streak (by quite a large amount too) Hopefully it encourages management to stop being so complacent and to actually put effort in again

 

Worst 1st day sales since Sakura no Shiori in 2010. Maybe now AKB members will realise how much sister groups have carried them since the golden age.

I don't think there's any magic bullet to rescue sales, it's going to have to be done by word of mouth. A good start would be members improving hs service whether physical or online. Can akb afford to carry salty chicks like Myao anymore?