The Day I Smiled Because of AKB48's Big Surprise
I never thought I would write something like this. After many years of following the idol world, finally, something happened that made me smile and say to myself, “Is this real?” Yes, this time I want to talk about big news from AKB48 — something that I believe is a part of 48 Group history.
For the first time ever, all overseas sister groups officially joined the AKB48 Senbatsu lineup. This is not just a performance together. This is not about global fan voting. This is the real thing — they are now in the official main lineup of AKB48. For me, this is more than just a change. This is a big step, maybe even a revolution.
All Sister Groups Got a Place in Senbatsu
For a long time, I have dreamed about the day when international sister groups would be given the same stage as AKB48. In the past, it always felt like they were “the loved little sisters,” but never invited into the main room of the house. Now, things have changed.
Here are the members who joined the Senbatsu:
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Gracia (JKT48 – Indonesia)
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Hoop (BNK48 – Thailand)
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CJ (MNL48 – Philippines)
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Reichi (AKB48 Team TP – Taiwan)
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Chuchu (AKB48 Team SH – China)
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Lookked (CGM48 – Thailand)
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Yi Shan (KLP48 – Malaysia)
Maybe not everyone knows these names yet, but their presence in the AKB48 Senbatsu means more than numbers or popularity. They are the proof that a dream from a small local stage can reach the bright lights of Tokyo.
This Is Not the First Time, But It Feels Different
Yes, this is not the first time AKB48 had overseas members. In 2013, during the single Sayonara Crawl, there were members called “Kaigai Members.” But they were Japanese AKB48 members who were sent to sister groups, not original members from foreign countries.
This time, it is totally different. These girls are real members of their own groups. They grew and trained in their home countries. They are not “transfer students.” They are the real faces of their own groups. That’s why this moment feels more honest and more meaningful
Proud to Be a Wota from Indonesia
As someone from Indonesia who has followed JKT48 for a long time, seeing Gracia in the AKB48 Senbatsu made me emotional.
Gracia is not the type of idol who shines loudly from the start. She is calm, consistent, and works hard. Her journey from the third generation of JKT48 to the main lineup of AKB48 is a beautiful story. It shows that hard work and patience really do bring results.
I think many Indonesian fans will agree with me — Gracia deserves this place.
Other Sister Group Members Shine Too
I always believed that talent has no borders. Seeing the other sister group members in Senbatsu proved that.
Hoop from BNK48 is full of energy. She has a strong personality and is very fun to watch.
CJ from MNL48 has a powerful voice and strong stage presence. She always gives her best.
Reichi from Team TP is known for her reliability and good performances in many events.
Chuchu from Team SH is maybe not the most famous, but now she proves that quiet hard work is powerful too.
Lookked from CGM48 represents a newer group, but her improvement shows great promise.
Yi Shan from KLP48 was the biggest surprise. KLP48 is still very new, but they already have a member in AKB48 Senbatsu! That means AKB48 really sees the whole family, not just the big sisters.
I Hope This Is Not Just a One-Time Gimmick
To be honest, as a longtime fan, I sometimes worry that this is just a temporary project — a one-time thing for marketing.
But at the same time, I feel hopeful. Many fans gave positive reactions, even fans outside the 48 Group fandom. This might be the beginning of something bigger.
I hope we will see more collaborations in the future — not just one song, but maybe joint concerts, training programs together, or even a truly global election system.
A Reminder That the Stage Is Big
In the end, I don’t see this only as an idol story. I see it as a life lesson.
Sometimes, we start from a small stage. Sometimes, we feel unseen. But if we keep going, maybe one day we can stand in the spotlight.
To Gracia, Hoop, CJ, Reichi, Chuchu, Lookked, and Yi Shan — thank you. You are an inspiration. Not only for your fans, but for everyone who is chasing their dreams.
One Final Lesson
If there is one thing I learned from this moment, it is this:
“Never underestimate small steps — they might lead you to the big stage.”
