2013年07月08日
The AKB48 選抜総選挙 took place. Certainly one of the most expected days of the year for wota world wide. This year, it was really surprising, full of emotions and surprises. Those came both for fans and members alike. In this ocassion I will comment and review all the elections from the current to the first. Also I will comment on some of the speeches of this fifth general election.
32nd Single 選抜総選挙 (2013)
選抜：
1.- 指原梨乃 Sashihara Rino 11.- 板野友美 Itano Tomomi
2.- 大島優子 Oshima Yuko 12.- 島崎遥香 Shimazaki Haruka
3.- 渡辺麻友 Watanabe Mayu 13.- 横山由衣 Yokoyama Yui
4.- 柏木由紀 Kashiwagi Yuki 14.- 山本彩 Yamamoto Sayaka
5.- 篠田麻里子 Shinoda Mariko 15.- 渡辺美優紀 Watanabe Miyuki
6.- 松井珠理奈 Matsui Jurina 16.- 須田亜香里 Suda Akari
7.- 松井玲奈 Matsui Rena
8.- 高橋みなみ Takahashi Minami
9.- 小嶋陽菜 Kojima Haruna
10.- 宮澤左江 Miyazawa Sae
The first thing that called my attention after the position of my 神押し, was the name of the centre position: Sasshi. Defeating Yuko is quite the feat. ゆきりん got forth, besting the predictions, that ranked her at 5th place. Marikosama's graduation announcement was also a shocker. WMatsui's positioning was also an interesting one, they tooked down にゃんにゃん and たかみな. Before the third elections we spoke of a 神7 then of a 神8. Now I think both terms are obsolete, but to some this marks a new kami-7. Mariko and Tomochin are graduating, meaning two spots are open to join that select group of the top 7 or 8. Sasshi took Acchan's spot. This might really be the start of a new era for AKB48.
The speeches, I will comment three: Sasshi's, Mariko's, Yukirin's.
指原梨乃 Sashihara Rino
It was rather a series of comments, shock reactions and surprise gestures. That's basically her speech.
篠田麻里子 Shinoda Mariko
First of all, Marikosama is my 3rd Oshimen. She clearly addressed her graduation and her feelings towards AKB48. The devotion of her kouhai and the work of the new generations, made her believe it is the correct time to step away. and let the juniors do their best. Personally, I shara Nyan nyan's feelings, of wanting her to stay, but watching her and respecting her desire and will. If she has no regrets, then there is nothing more than to support her onwards. The odelst member of all the groups, and certainly one of the most entertaining and beautiful. It is sad to see her go from AKB48, but we all knew this was going to happen sooner or later. All we, fans, can do is to support Mariko on her new endeavours, and keep following and providing our constant cheers as she moves forward with her dreams and wishes. But even though we want to say that whole-heartedly, it is still bitter and impossible to say "YOU WILL BE MISSED, AKB48 WILL MISS YOU".
柏木由紀 Kashiwagi Yuki
My favourite member of the entire groups and proyect. She is really a tricky person. The momentum left by Marikosama was picked by her and softened for the remaining speeches. Her words, about kouhai-senpai relationship, her desire to become a "legendary idol" and her tone, visibly still affected by Marikosama's announcement, seemed as if she was also going to declare her graduation. With this speech the door was left opened for the real announcement to be done sooner rather than later. I have only seen Yukirin visibly affected, i.e. controlling her tears, once during Acchan's graduation and now. At the team shuffle in Tokyo Dome, she was dissapointed and shocked because of Mayuyu's transfer to Team A. But no sign of tears, and neither where those present during the final performance of Team B, the one she captained. Acchan and Marikosama are two of the people Yukirin grew to like with much ease. It woul not surprise me if she followed their foot-steps and graduated in the next few months or next year.
Next Time, is 2012 selection.
