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AKB48's 66th Single Sekai Senbatsu Brings WRD48 Back

Sekai Senbatsu from AKB48’s 66th Single Brings Back WRD48 Vibes
AKB48 Drops Global Surprise: 66th Single to Feature 'Sekai Senbatsu' with OG Legends and Overseas Aces

AKB48’s ready to shake up the idol world again, and this time, they’re calling in reinforcements from across the globe. Officially announced on May 28, the group's upcoming 66th single—set to drop on 13 August 2025—will feature a "Special Sekai Senbatsu" lineup, packed with AKB48 legends, fresh faces, and fan-faves from every active international sister group. Yes, even graduates are coming back for this one!

And leading the charge? None other than Oguri Yui, the golden ace of AKB’s current generation, taking centre position and proving she’s still got the shine.

This is the 4th project in celebration of AKB48’s 20th anniversary

🎤 Who’s In the Sekai Senbatsu?

AKB48 66th single senbatsu members wrd48 mv

This is no ordinary senbatsu, folks. Here’s the full superstar lineup:

💎 From AKB48 (Japan):

  • Oguri Yui (Centre)

  • Yagi Azuki

  • Sato Airi

  • Ito Momoka

  • Kuranoo Narumi

  • Yamauchi Mizuki

  • Chiba Erii

  • Mukaichi Mion

  • Akiyama Yuna

  • Hanada Mei

  • Arai Sae

🎓 Legendary AKB48 Graduates:

  • Maeda Atsuko (yes, Acchan is back!)

  • Takahashi Minami

  • Kojima Haruna

  • Sashihara Rino

🌍 Overseas Sister Groups:

Basically, it’s a dream line-up that looks like someone opened a 48G time capsule and added a world map filter.

Maeda Atsuko (1st Generation) said, per Modelpress: "I'm truly honoured to be part of the 20th anniversary single. As an OG, it makes me really happy to be included in one of Akimoto-sensei’s creations once again. I’ve got a strong feeling that they’ve prepared something truly beautiful for us. The current AKB48 members have both the visuals and performance skills, so I’d love for them to confidently create a new AKB48—not by copying or chasing after the past we built, but by forging their own path. With this 20th anniversary as a turning point, I really hope the group evolves into something completely different. I’m looking forward to what’s next."

Kojima Haruna (1st Generation):

"This year marks my 20th anniversary since debuting as a first-gen member, so I’d been thinking, ‘Is there something I can do to give back?’ That’s why I was genuinely happy when they reached out to me for this. The last time I was on a single cover was for my graduation single, Shoot Sign—though back then I was in full-on pro-wrestler gear! (laughs) So this time, getting to wear a beautiful dress and shoot in such a lovely atmosphere made it really fun. I always catch the current members dancing on TikTok and such—they even came to greet me today—and honestly, they’re all just sparkling. They’ve got this glow about them. I think the 20th anniversary is a perfect opportunity, and I really hope the girls give it their all. I’ll be cheering them on! With the AKB48 Theatre getting a fresh makeover and everything, I’ve heard the group is aiming for a ‘second golden era’—and if this single can be one of the sparks for that, I’d be absolutely thrilled."

Takahashi Minami (1st Gen / AKB48’s First General Manager): 

"I think the current AKB48 members are incredibly vibrant and full of life. Anniversaries like this are proper festive explosions, and I really hope this celebration helps shine a new spotlight on today’s AKB48. I was appointed as the AKB48 20th Anniversary Cheer Squad Leader during the recent spring concert, so I’m sure some fans were like, ‘Of course she’s showing up’—probably not much of a surprise, right? But I’ll give it my all anyway! (laughs) We’ve already done the jacket shoot without even knowing what the song is yet, but I had this moment where I thought, ‘Ah, this really feels like AKB48.’ I’m genuinely excited to see what kind of track it turns out to be. I believe this 20th anniversary single is special because it’s not just about the present—it’s about everything that came before as well. I’m honestly so happy it’s all coming together in this form. I reckon Akimoto-san’s going to put a lot of heart into this one. I can’t wait!"

Christine Joyce Dela Cruz “CJ” (MNL48): 

"I'm truly honoured to be able to take part in this single as MNL48’s representative. I really hope this project will be a success, and I’m looking forward to sharing the stage and collaborating with AKB48. I’m confident in the passion I bring to my performances, so I’ll be giving my absolute all for this single."

🌀 “World 48” Comeback?! Fans Buzzing

AKB48 66th Single Sekai Senbatsu Members List

Fans are already calling it a revival of the long-dormant “WRD48” concept—a full-on World 48 comeback with global collaboration vibes. The best part? Each sister group is reportedly releasing the 66th single in their own language later on, giving it a full international spin. A proper worldwide rollout for the 48 brand.

And it's not just a one-off. BNK48’s Lookked teased that “more surprises” are still under wraps, fuelling speculations that this project might grow even bigger.

👀 What’s Next?

AKB48 66th Single Senbatsu Members Lineup MV WRD48

With a global senbatsu, cross-group releases, and returning queens on the roster, this single’s shaping up to be a nostalgic yet futuristic 48G moment. Whether you’re a day-one fan from the Acchan era or a newer stan from KLP48, August is looking spicy.

One thing’s clear—AKB48’s 66th single isn’t just another release. It’s a love letter to the franchise’s past and a bold step into the future. The countdown to August 13 starts now.

#AKB48

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