In these weekly summaries, I go through the latest episodes of AKB48′s various shows. This week was marked by members’ various solo appearances in non-AKB shows. That will continue until the end of the year since there will be many specials dominating the TV in celebration of the year ending. Yuihan appeared on Platinum London Boots and seemed to do well – although I have only seen a lovely video of her singing Koi suru Fortune Cookie. Some fans suggested that she may be better off in shows like her own Kyoto show rather than the fast-paced variety world.
AKBingo (24.12)
Members: Aigasa Moe, Iwata Karen, Iwatate Saho, Okada Nana, Oshima Ryoka, Katayama Haruka, Kitazawa Saki, Kojima Mako, Kodama Haruka, Sato Sumire, Shinozaki Ayana, Takashima Yurina, Takahashi Juri, Tanaka Natsumi, Tano Yuka, Nishino Miki, Minegishi Minami, Murashige Anna
This week’s AKBingo started the traditional year-end run with a fashion show episode that mostly featured first-timers as well as a couple of HKT members making a refreshing comeback. Saki made her AKBingo debut and was even given a chance to leave an impact with her own joke. Out of the other Team 4 members, Yuurin showed admirable development with her capability to join the conversation even when the focus was on HKT. However, Team 4’s presence on variety shows is still mostly marked by Miichan whose influence and importance are undeniable. HKT members were less remarkable with even Natsumikan making an unusual mistake although she more than made up for it with her trademark sharpness in other places. Meanwhile the current “regulars” continued their good stride on the show with Karen coming up with one of the best boke outfits and Tano living up to her recent reaction queen image.
The next episode will continue with the year-end traditions by delivering a new handreading special even though the result last time was a complete fiasco in hindsight. Most likely they will pass that problem by having Bad Boys or one of the members crack a joke about it. Most of the preview was reserved for the weird sight of Takamina crying and it’s certainly a good way to catch attention – although I have a feeling it will end up being quite unremarkable.
Variety 48 