The rest of the world sure thinks so, because 48 girls just isn’t enough! It has been reported that producer/song writer Yasushi Akimoto, who created the group AKB48, has been receiving offers for spin off groups from production companies and TV stations in seven different countries. Some of the countries include China, Thailand, Italy, and Singapore.
According to Yomiuri Shimbun paper’s website Akimoto believes that “the era of imitating the West is over. Now we export Japanese culture.” The companies wish to licence AKB48′s format and concept and introduce it within their own countries. The spin-offs would include costumes modeled after high school uniforms, a special theater for performances, 48 members and a name that ends with “48,” as well as songs written by Akimoto.
And I thought it was a pain just to learn the names of 13 members in a certain group but 48? I guess its cool that other countries are looking to export some Japanese culture into their media. Is the AKB48 concept the right one?
source: animenewsnetwork.com
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