 |
AKB48 has officially reopened their renovated theatre after nearly three months of closure since September. The grand reopening was attended by Yasushi Akimoto, Takahashi Minami, all AKB48 members, staff, and devoted fans.
Watch: Yasushi Akimoto Interview Video (Sponichi)
The event marked a double celebration, with AKB48 performing their brand-new setlist, "Koko Kara da", and commemorating the theatre’s 19th anniversary.
After watching the live performance, Yasushi Akimoto, the mastermind behind AKB48, expressed his joy over the success of the event.
“A new chapter for AKB48 is about to begin. However, I hope some things remain unchanged even as everything else becomes new,” he shared.
Akimoto highlighted the challenge of creating the first theatre setlist with 16 songs in nine years.
“Balancing between preserving traditions and finding new ground was the toughest part.
I reviewed over 1,000 song candidates to make this feel like an adventure,” he revealed. Initially, management proposed a 12-song setlist to shorten the performance.
However, Akimoto insisted on adding four more tracks, believing it would enhance the show’s vibrancy and impact.
The setlist creation was a collaborative effort involving former member Takahashi Minami, adding a nostalgic yet refreshing touch to the performance.
Akimoto expressed his ambition to continue innovating for AKB48, hoping to create new legends and follow the group’s evolving journey.
The grand reopening and the electrifying debut of "Koko Kara da" signal a promising era for AKB48, rekindling excitement among fans and members alike.