2018 in AKB48 Group

The following is a list of events and releases that occurred in 2018 by the AKB48 Group.

The AKB48 group continued its overseas expansion by debuting four new groups outside Japan, namely, TPE48 (which was later rebranded as AKB48 Team TP), MNL48, AKB48 Team SH, and SGO48. To commemorate the 10th year of holding the Senbatsu Election, foreign AKB48 groups were also allowed to participate in the year's election and be featured on AKB48's 53rd single. Lastly, 39 members within the AKB48 Group (excluding STU48 and foreign groups) participated in the South Korean survival show, Produce 48, for an opportunity to debut in the idol group IZONE.

Members

• January 21: The AKB48 Group 3rd Draft Kaigi was held.
  • Ishiwata Sena, Otake Hitomi, Omori Maho, Okada Rina, Katsumata Saori, Kamiyama Riho, Kitagawa Yuri, Kuramoto Miyuu, Kobayashi Ran, Saito Haruna, Sato Shiori, Suenaga Yuzuki, Tada Kyoka, Nagano Megumi, Harasawa Otohi, Furukawa Nazuna, Honda Sora, Yahagi Moeka, and Yoshihashi Yuzuka are drafted into AKB48.
  • Otani Yuki, Kozuma Honoka, Nakano Airi, Nishi Marina, and Hirata Shiina are drafted into SKE48.
  • Abe Wakana, Izumi Ayano, Osawa Ai, Ota Riona, Kawano Nanaho, Kumamoto Hinako, Sakamoto Nami, Sato Ami, Shiotsuki Keito, Sugiura Kotone, Nakano Mirai, Maeda Reiko, Mizobuchi Maria, Minami Haasa, Yamasaki Amiru, and Yamamoto Mikana are drafted into NMB48.
  • Ito Yueru, Seki Ai, Baba Sayaka, Matsuda Yumi, and Watanabe Akari are drafted into HKT48.
  • Ando Chikana, Sato Kairi, Takahashi Nanami, Tsushima Yunako, and Fujisaki Miyu are drafted into NGT48.
  • Oki Yuka, Shinano Soraha, Nakamura Mai, Mizoguchi Aiko, and Yura Akari are drafted into STU48.
• February 4: Chan Ka-hei, Chang Fa-fa, Chang Ching, Chen Lin, Chen Shih-ya, Chen Shih-yuan, Chen Wei, Cheng Chia-yu, Cheng Yu-wei, Chia I-chen, Fujii Mayu, Gao Yun-jue, Honda Yuzuka, Huang Tzu-ching, Kao Yen-chen, Kuo Shin-yu, Lau Hiu-ching, Lee Chen-si, Lee En-yun, Lee Meng-chun, Li Cai-jie, Li Jia-li, Lin Chia-ying, Lin Chieh, Lin Chieh-hsin, Lin Yu-hsin, Lin Yi-yun, Liu Jie-ming, Liu Yen-ting, Lo Jui-ting, Liu Yu-ching, Oyama Mirei, Pan Tzu-yi, Po Ling, Chiu Pin-han, Sin Tik-kei, Tsai Ya-en, Tsai Yi-jou, Tseng Shih-yu, Tung Zih-syuan, Wang Yi-chia, Wen Chen-chun, Weng Li-fei, Chang Yu-lin, and Zhou Jia-yu join TPE48 as 1st Generation Trainees.
• April 1: Iriyama Anna goes on hiatus to "study abroad" in Mexico for the telenovela Like, la leyenda.
• April 8: Amanda Priscella, Anastasya Narwastu Tety Handuran, Ariella Calista Ichwan, Denise Caroline, Erika Ebisawa Kuswan, Erika Sintia, Gita Sekar Andarini, Graciella Ruth Wiranto, Jihan Miftahul Jannah, Kandiya Rafa Maulidita, Putri Cahyaning Anggraini, Rinanda Syahputri, Riska Amelia Putri, and Shalza Grasita join JKT48 as 6th generation Academy members.
• April 13: NGT48 holds its first team shuffle NGT48 Team Shuffle and announces formation of Team G.
• April 28: Abelaine Trinidad, Alice Margarita De Leon, Althea Itona, Alyssa Nicole Garcia, Angelica Mae Batocael, Ashley Cloud Garcia, Aubrey Binuya, Aubrey Ysabelle Delos Reyes, Carol Reyes, Cassandra Mae Pestillos, Celinedion Dionisio, Christine Ann Coloso, Coleen Trinidad, Cristine Jan Elaurza, Dana Leanne Brual, Daniella Mae Palmero, Daryll Matalino, Dian Marie Mercado, Edelvira Bandong, Edralyn Tocop, Ella Mae Amat, Erica Maria Macabutas, Ericka Joyce Sibug, Eunys Abad, Faith Shanrae Santiago, Francinne Rifol, Gabrielle Skribikin, Guinevere Faith Muse, Hazel Joy Marzonia, Jamela Magbanlac, Jemimah Caldejon, Jennifer Nandy Villaruel, Jessel Montaos, Jhona Alyanah Padillo, Kaede Ishiyama, Karina Dannah Vital, Khyan Jewel Cacapit, Kleif Guillian Almeda, Kyla Angelica Marie De Catalina, Kyle Guillian Almeda, Lara Mae Layar, Lorraine Leigh Lacumba, Lorelaine Sañosa, Loulle Angelyn Villaflores, Madelaine Epilogo, Mariz Iyog, Marsela Mari Guia, Mary Grace Buenaventura, Micaella Joy Yabut, Necca Adelan, Nica Mae Fortuno, Niña Editha Guirnalda, Polaris Yna Salazar, Princess Labay, Princess Erica Sanico, Princess Rius Briquillo, Quincy Josiah Santillan, Ruther Marie Lingat, Ruth Carla Dela Paz, Sandee Garcia, Sayaka Awane, Shaina Duran, Shaira Duran, Sharei Engbino, Sharlene Trixie Tano, Sheccaniah Faith Baler, Shekinah Arzaga, Sherry Ann Rebadulla, Valerie Joyce Daita, Vanessa Yap, Vemberneth Villanueva, and Zennae Inot join MNL48 as 1st Generation members.
• April 29: Chanyapuk Numprasop (New), Dusita Kitisarakulchai (Natherine), Janista Tansiri (Bamboo), Jidarpha Chamchooy (Panda), Juthamas Khonta (Kheng), Kamonthida Rotthawinithi (View), Khawisara Singplod (Myyu), Maira Kuyama, Manipa Roopanya (Khamin), Nannaphas Loetnamchoetsakun (Mewnich), Natcha Krisdhasima (Oom), Natticha Chantaravareelekha (Fond), Nawaporn Chansuk (Cake), Nuttakul Pimtongchaikul (Gygee), Pakwan Noijaiboon, Paweethida Sakunpiphat (Fifa), Phattharanarin Mueanarit (Nine), Pimnipa Tungsakul (Deenee), Plearnpichaya Komalarajun (Juné), Punyawee Jungcharoen (Aom), Rachaya Tupkunanon (Minmin), Ratah Chinkrajangkit, Sirikarn Shinnawatsuwan (Phukkhom), Sumitta Duangkaew (Faii), Tarisa Preechatangkit (Stang), Warinrat Yolprasong (Niky), and Weeraya Zhang (Wee) join BNK48 as 2nd Generation Trainees.
• May 2: Team MII, Team NIV, and Team L are formed with 16 members each.
• June 12: Otsuka Nanami, Ogoe Haruka, Kawagoe Saaya, Komiyama Sara, Sogabe Yume, Takazawa Tomoka, Terada Hina, Tominaga Yu, Hagiri Runa, Furusawa Mana, Furutate Aoi, Mashimo Kaho, Mimura Hino, Morohashi Hinata, Yamazaki Mirii, and Watanabe Ayusa join NGT48 as 2nd generation Kenkyuusei.
• July 24: Chen YiXin, Dai ZiYan, Dong FangChi, Guan TianTian, Li ShiQi, Liu Hui, Liu YiHan, Shen Ying, Shi KeYan, Song XinRan, Wan FangZhou, Wang YuDuo, Wei Xin, Wu AnQi, Xu YiTing, Ye ZhiEn, Yuan RuiXi, Zhai YuJia, Zhou NianQi, Zhu Ling, and Zhuang XiaoTi join AKB48 Team SH as 1st Generation members.
• July 28: Okamoto Rena, Ogawa Yuuka, Odan Yui, Kitamura Mana, Kobayashi Rina, Sadano Haruka, Shobu Marin, Shinzawa Nao, Deguchi Yuina, Namba Hinata, Hara Karen, Horinouchi Momoka, Miyake Yuria, and Yokono Sumire join NMB48 as 6th generation Kenkyuusei.
• September 29: Aiko Harumi, Angelina Christy, Aurel Mayori, Azizi Asadel, Calista Lea, Dhea Angelia, Febi Komaril, Febrina Diponegoro, Febriola Sinambela, Freya Jayawardana, Gabriel Angelina, Helisma Putri, Jessica Chandra, Jesslyn Callista, Kanya Caya, Mutiara Azzahra, Nabila Fitriana, Rifa Fatmasari, Viona Fadrin, and Yessica Tamara join JKT48 as 7th generation Academy members.
• October 29: Miyawaki Sakura, Yabuki Nako, and Honda Hitomi depart their respective groups to promote as IZONE for 2 years and 6 months.
• November 17: Châu Ngọc Đoan Thảo, Đặng Thị Huỳnh Như, Huỳnh Ngô Kim Châu, Koseki Yumi, Lê Mẫn Nghi, Lê Nguyễn Như Thảo, Lê Nguyễn Phụng Nhi, Lê Phạm Thuỷ Tiên, Lê Sunny, Lê Thị Thu Nga, Ngô Thị Cẩm Nhi, Nguyễn Hồ Trùng Dương, Nguyễn Lê Ngọc Ánh Sáng, Nguyễn Lê Thuỳ Ngọc, Nguyễn Quế Minh Hân, Nguyễn Thanh Hoàng My, Nguyễn Thị Lệ, Nguyễn Thị Minh Thư, Nguyễn Thị Nhi, Nguyễn Thị Thúy Nga, Nguyễn Trương Tường Vy, Phạm Lâm Ánh Trúc, Thái Gia Nghi, Trần Cát Tường, Trần Lý Minh Thư, Trần Nguyễn Phương Vy, Võ Ngọc Xuân Ca, Võ Phan Kim Khánh, and Vương Mai Linh join SGO48 as 1st Generation Trainees.
• December 31: Aoumi Hinano, Akahori Kimie, Adachi Reina, Arano Himeka, Ikeda Kaede, Ishikawa Kanon, Iriuchijima Sayaka, Ohashi Mako, Oba Sayaka, Okamoto Ayaka, Kawashima Miharu, Shirai Yukino, Sugiyama Natalie, Suzuki Ena, Suzuki Kokona, Takeuchi Nanami, Tanabe Mizuki, Nakasaka Miyu, Hirano Momona, and Fujimoto Fuyuka join SKE48 as 9th generation Kenkyuusei.

Auditions

• January 21: AKB48 Group 3rd Draft Kaigi
• February 1: NGT48 announces 2nd Generation auditions.
• April 29: NMB48 announces 6th Generation auditions.
• May 27: HKT48 announces 5th Generation auditions.
• August 10: SGO48 announces 1st Generation auditions.
• September 17: SKE48 announces 9th Generation auditions.

Kenkyuusei promotions

• March 12: Abe Maria, Chen Shih-ya, Chen Shih-yuan, Kuo Shin-yu, Lin Jie, Chiu Pin-han, Chang Yu-lin, Honda Yuzuka, Sin Tik-kei, Tseng Shih-yu, Lu Yu-ching, Liu Jie-ming, and Pan Tzu-yi promoted to TPE48 Team Unknown.
• March 30: Riska Amelia Putri are promoted to Team J.
• April 13:
  • Seiji Reina, Takahashi Mau, Nishimura Nanako, and Miyajima Aya are promoted to Team NIII.
  • Kado Yuria, Kusakabe Aina, Nakamura Ayuka, and Nara Miharu are promoted to Team G.
• May 1:
  • Okada Miku, Sakamoto Marin, and Nakamura Izumiare promoted to Team S.
  • Oshiba Rinka is promoted to Team KII.
  • Kurashima Ami, Shirayuki Kohaku, and Nonogaki Miki are promoted to Team E.
• May 27: Sania Julia Montolalu is promoted to Team J.
• June 8:
  • Francinne Rifol, Niña Editha Guirnalda, and Sandee Garcia are promoted to Team MII.
  • Coleen Trinidad is promoted to Team NIV.
• June 30:
  • Seiji Reina, Takahashi Mau, Nishimura Nanako, and Miyajima Aya are promoted to Team NIII.
  • Kado Yuria, Kusakabe Aina, Nakamura Ayuka, and Nara Miharu are promoted to Team G.
• July 9: Cassandra Mae Pestillos is promoted to Team MII.
• September 16:
  • Ishiguro Yuzuki and Otani Yuki are promoted to Team S.
  • Nakano Airi is promoted to Team KII.
  • Nishi Marina, Hirata Shiina, and Fukai Negai are promoted to Team E.
• September 29:
  • Ariella Calista Ichwan and Diani Amalia Ramadhani are promoted to Team J.
  • Erika Ebisawa Kuswan is promoted to Team KIII.
  • Rinanda Syahputri is promoted to Team T.
• November 26:
  • Ito Yueru and Watanabe Akari are promoted to Team H.
  • Baba Sayaka is promoted to Team KIV.
  • Seki Ai and Matsuda Yumi are promoted to Team TII.
• December 8:
  • Yamane Suzuha is promoted to Team A.
  • Nagatomo Ayami and Yahagi Moeka are promoted to Team K.
  • Omori Maho is promoted to Team B.
  • Tada Kyoka is promoted to Team 4.
• December 22:
  • Kandiya Rafa Maulidita is promoted to Team KIII.
  • Gabryela Marcelina is promoted to Team T.

Notable departures

• January 7: Sato Sumire graduates from SKE48. She was the last AKB48 7th Generation member to leave the AKB48 Group.
• April 4: Yagura Fuuko graduates from NMB48.
• April 18: Kitahara Rie graduates from NGT48.
• April 30
  • Ichikawa Miori graduates from NMB48.
  • Celinedion Dionisio, Kleif Guillian Almeda, Kyle Guillian Almeda, Nica Mae Fortuno, and Sherry Ann Rebadulla graduate from MNL48. They currently have the shortest tenure in the AKB48 Group, which is 2 days.
• August 12: Kojima Natsuki graduates from AKB48. She was the last 11th Generation member to leave the group.
• November 4: Yamamoto Sayaka graduates from NMB48.

Releases

Albums

• January 24: AKB48 - Bokutachi wa, Ano Hi no Yoake wo Shitteiru

Singles

• January 15: SKE48 - Muishiki no Iro
• January 31: STU48 - Kurayami
• March 14: AKB48 - Jabaja
• April 4: NMB48 - Yokubomono
• April 11: NGT48 - Haru wa Doko kara kuru no ka?
• May 2: HKT48 - Hayaokuri Calendar
• May 30: AKB48 - Teacher Teacher
• July 4: SKE48 - Ikinari Punch Line
• August 29: STU48 - 2nd Single postponed due to disasters in Setouchi area
• September 19: AKB48 - Sentimental Train
• September 28: MNL48 - Aitakatta
• October 3: NGT48 - Sekai no Hito e
• October 17: NMB48 - Boku Datte naichau yo
• November 28: AKB48 - NO WAY MAN
• December 1: MNL48 - Koi Suru Fortune Cookie
• December 12: SKE48 - Stand by you
• December 19: Fortune cherry - Himawari no Nai Sekai

Events

• January 5: LAGUNA MUSIC FES.2018 New Year Special
• January 21: AKB48 Group 3rd Draft Kaigi
• April 28: MNL48 1st General Election ~Walang Atrasan~
• June 16: AKB48 53rd Single Sekai Senbatsu Sousenkyo 〜Sekai no Center wa Dare da?〜
• October 14: SKE48 LIVE in LAGUNA
• December 1: AKB48 Group Unit Janken Tournament 2018
• December 31: Countdown Performance 2018 → 2019

Concerts

• January 13:
  • AKB48 Team 8 Senbatsu Concert ~Bokutachi wa Nekkyou Suru~
  • NGT48 Tandoku Concert ~Mirai wa Doko Made Aozora na no ka?~
• January 14:
  • Hotei Sokudo to Yuuetsukan Fresh All Stars Concert ~Zero Position no Mirai~
  • AKB48 16th Generation Concert ~Kimi no Namae wo Shiritai~
  • AKB48 Group Seijin Shiki Concert ~Otona ni Nanka Naru Mono ka~
• January 15: Nakai Rika Solo Concert ~Nakai Rika Campaign Chuu~
• January 16: Okada Nana Solo Concert ~Watashi ga Taisetsu ni Shitai Mono~
• January 17: Yokoyama Yui Solo Concert ~Jitsubutsu-dai no Kibou~
• January 18: Sashihara Rino Solo Concert ~Idol to wa Nanka?~
• January 21: STU48 Tandoku Concert ~Fan ni Natte Kudasai~
• January 28 - October 13: Team 8 National Tour 〜47 no Suteki na Machi e〜 2018
• February 25 - February 27: HKT48 Spring Arena Tour 2018 ～Kore ga Hakata no yorikata da!～
• March 31: SKE48 Tandoku Concert ~Sakae Fan Nyuugakushiki~
• April 1: AKB48 Tandoku Concert ~Jabajatte Nani?~
• April 13: NGT48 Tandoku Concert ~Toki wa Kita! Niigata kara Zenkoku e!~
• April 28: SKE48 Tandoku Concert 10-Shuunen Totsunyuu Haru no Fan Matsuri! ~Tomodachi 100-nin Dekiru ka na?~
• June 16: AKB48 53rd Single Sekai Senbatsu Sousenkyo Concert ~Sekai no Center wa Dare da?~
• July 30 - September 28: NMB48 LIVE TOUR 2018 in Summer
• August 1: AKB48 Group Kanshasai ~Rank in Concert~ (Senbatsu Sousenkyo Rank-in (17th-100th) members performance)
• August 2: AKB48 Group Kanshasai ~Rank in Concert~ (Senbatsu Sousenkyo Rank-in (2nd-16th) members performance)
• August 3 - August 5: Tokyo Idol Festival 2018
• August 6: Mihama Kaiyuusai 2018 SKE48 Special Live show supported BY AiiA
• August 8: 8gatsu 8nichi wa Eito no Hi Natsu da! Eito da! Pitto Matsuri 2018
• August 13: AKB48 Group Kanshasai ~Rank-gai Concert~ 2018
• September 8 - October 3: STU48 Charity Concert Tour "Ganbarou! Setouchi"

Request Hour

• January 19 - January 20: AKB48 Group Request Hour Setlist Best 100 2018
• September 15 - September 16: SKE48 Request Hour Setlist Best 100 2018

Graduation

• April 3: Ichikawa Miori Graduation Concert ~Ima ga shun! Namba Sodachi Fresh Lemon, Shukka Shimasu~
• April 4: Yagura Fuuko Graduation Concert ~Onaji Sora no Shita de~
• April 14: Kitahara Rie Graduation Concert ~Yume no 1115-nichi Niigata no Onna ni Narimashita!~
• April 16: Ichikawa Miori Graduation Concert ~Ima ga shun! Saitama-ken san Fresh Lemon, Shukka Shimasu~
• October 27: SAYAKA SONIC ～Sayaka, Sasayaka, Sayonara, Sayaka～

Anniversaries

• September 28 - October 5:
  • SKE48 10th Anniversary Revival Performance
  • SKE48 10th Anniversary Concert
• October 2 - October 17: NMB48 8th Anniversary LIVE
• November 26: 777 n Tettatte HKT48 ~7th Anniversary wa Tenjin de Dai Fiber~
• December 8: AKB48 13th Anniversary

Other

• January 15 - March 26: SETOBINGO! airs on Nippon Television.
• April 3 - June 26: First season of SKE48 ga Hitoffuro Abisasete Itadakimasu! airs.
• April 10: AKB48 Dice Caravan releases on mobile devices.
• June 15 - August 31: Produce 48 airs on Mnet.
• July 2: Arcana no Himitsu releases on mobile devices.
• July 19 - July 22: Team 8 performs the stage play KISS KISS KISS.
• July 25 - September 26: Majimuri Gakuen airs on NTV.
• August 16: AKB48 Beat Carnival releases on mobile devices.
• August 25: TPE48 is rebranded into AKB48 Team TP.
• September 4 - December 25: Second season of SKE48 ga Hitoffuro Abisasete Itadakimasu! airs.
• October 19: SKE48 releases new documentary DOCUMENTARY OF SKE48 "Idol".
• November 28: NMB48 no Mahjong Teppen Tottande! releases on mobile devices.
• December 24: AKB48 releases new documentary Legend of AKB48: New Chapter.

Year-In-Review
2017 AKB48 Group	2018 AKB48 Group	2019 AKB48 Group