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| Watanabe Mayu Winning AKB48 Senbatsu Sousenkyo for 37th Single |
The AKB48 Senbatsu Sousenkyo (General Election) was one of the most exciting and intense events in idol history.
Fans had the power to decide which members would be in the next single’s senbatsu, and the competition was fierce.
While the election officially ended in 2018, it left a lasting impact on how AKB48 and its sister groups operate these days.
So, how did voting work in the past, and are there still ways to support your oshi? Let’s break it down.
How Voting Worked in the Past
From 2009 to 2018, the AKB48 Senbatsu Sousenkyo was held almost every year.
Fans could vote for their favourite members through several methods, but the most common way was buying the latest single.
1. Voting via CD Purchases
Each election single came with a voting ticket inside.
After purchasing, you’d enter the unique code on the official website and select the member you wanted to support.
The more CDs you bought, the more votes you could cast—leading to dedicated fans buying dozens (or even hundreds) of copies.
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| Voting Card - AKB48 General Election (Facebook/Ning) |
2. Fan Club Memberships & Mobile Voting
Aside from CDs, official fan club members and AKB48 mobile subscribers also got extra voting rights.
Each membership granted one vote, meaning die-hard fans often signed up for multiple accounts to maximise their impact.
3. Voting via AKB48’s Official Game Apps
During later years, players of AKB48’s mobile games (AKB48 Group Official Music Game and Dobbon!) could earn voting tickets by reaching certain in-game milestones.
This gave a more interactive way to participate, though it still required dedication (and sometimes money).
Why the Election Was a Big Deal
The Senbatsu Sousenkyo wasn’t just about popularity—it shaped the careers of AKB48 members.
Ranking high meant getting centre position, more screen time, and increased media exposure. It also pushed idols to connect more with fans, since every single vote mattered.
Some of the most legendary moments in AKB48 history happened on election night, from Sashihara Rino’s shocking victories to Matsui Jurina’s emotional 2018 win.
Fans poured in millions of votes, making it one of Japan’s most talked-about events every year.
How Fans Support Their Oshi
Even though the Senbatsu Sousenkyo is gone, there are still ways to influence member rankings:
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AKB48 Group Request Hour: Fans vote for their favourite songs, determining which ones are performed at the event.
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Online Fan Polls & Showroom Streaming Events: Members often hold special challenges where fan interactions count towards rankings.
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Music & Merchandise Sales: Supporting your oshi by buying her photobooks, singles, or concert tickets helps boost her popularity.
While the election era has ended, its spirit lives on. Fans still rally behind their favourites, showing that AKB48’s legacy is built on the passion and dedication of its supporters.