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| STU48 Kicks Off 4th Gen Auditions with Big Dreams |
STU48 just dropped a major announcement during their 8th Anniversary Concert in Hiroshima—they’ve officially opened auditions for their 4th generation members starting today, 5 April 2025.
This time around, the search is open for girls born between 2 April 2001 and 1 April 2014.
So basically, if you’re in 6th grade or up to 24 years old, and you’ve got dreams of becoming an idol, this might be your chance.
Applications for the first stage will be accepted from 5 April until 8 May.
After that, those who make it through will move on to in-person auditions held in Setouchi’s three key cities: Hiroshima, Takamatsu, and Kobe.
Second stage screening will be all about self-promotion—showing off your personality, charm, and what makes you you.
It’s set to take place on 31 May in Hiroshima, 1 June in Takamatsu, and 7 June in Kobe.
But don’t expect to see the venue address online—the organisers are keeping it under wraps and will only share details with those who pass the first cut.
Applicants are reminded to only submit the form once, and only through the official STU48 website.
Results from the first round will be sent via email from the @stu48.com domain, so it’s a good idea to double-check your email filters—and don’t be surprised if they call you too.
If you’re selected, there’s a big commitment ahead. You’ll need to move to Hiroshima (or at least nearby) and take part in regular performances.
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| STU48 Launches 4th Gen Auditions |
And yes, a full exclusive contract with STU48’s agency is part of the deal. But don’t worry—no prior entertainment experience is required.
The final selection and announcement of new members is expected to happen in early July, in Hiroshima. And if you pass everything?
Your big debut will be at @JAM EXPO 2025 in Yokohama Arena this August.
This big announcement came right at the end of STU48’s local 8th Anniversary concert at Phoenix Hall.
Captain Azumi Okada fired up the crowd, saying, “We’re really lucky to be able to celebrate our 8th year here in Setouchi too! Let’s enjoy it till the very end!”
The group kicked off the concert with a live band version of “Hitorigoto de Kataru Kurai nara” and their heartfelt peace anthem “Hana wa Dare no Mono?”.
New uniforms were also revealed—pure white, sailor-inspired looks that truly fit the Setouchi vibe.
Fans were treated to iconic songs like “Chiheisen wo Miteiru ka?”, the debut single “Kurayami”, and “Ame no Knock”, the theme for their upcoming film Oniberashi, dropping this June.
Only four 1st-gen members remain—Chiho Ishida, Mahina Taniguchi, Aoi Hyodo, and Akari Fukuda.
During the concert, they reflected on the journey so far, with Akari picking a lyric from their debut original song Setouchi no Koe that carried her through the early days: “As the days of youth pass, what will I leave behind?”
Chiho added, “So many of our songs are relatable. I hope fans continue listening with the lyrics in mind.”
And during “Hetare-tachi yo”, Akari made a cheeky shout-out: “We’ve sold out Phoenix Hall! In our 9th year, we’re aiming to be the Hiroshima Carp of the idol world!”
The encore closed with the huge announcement video revealing the 4th gen auditions.
Azumi gave one last heartfelt message, “STU48 has gone through so many hellos and goodbyes over these 8 years. We’ve all stood here in Setouchi with our own dreams and hopes. I hope we can keep being a source of light for others—and shine in our 9th year too.”
Applications are now open—so if you've ever dreamed of joining Japan’s one-and-only shipboard idol group, this might just be your sign.