AKB48 in NYC
A Japanese TV news report about Akihabara-based idol group AKB48 traveling to New York to give their first American concert at the NYAF:
The report notes that AKB48 started out as a group aimed at a small niche market, but they have since gained popularity outside the Akihabara otaku community. An informal survey of young men revealed that most of them liked AKB48, and a visit to their theater in Akihabara showed that they’ve also got a lot of female fans. The Yomiuri Shimbun has selected AKB48 members for some of its advertisements, a move that is interpreted as a sign that they now appeal to a mainstream audience.
A brief review of idol history places AKB48 in a new category: “idols you can visit.” They hold daily concerts at their theater in Akihabara, where polite fans remain seated so that everyone has a view of the show. Unlike other idol groups, they are easily accessable and it is not uncommon for them to shake hands with hundreds of fans who have come to see their shows. They may not obtain the mega idol status, but they do have a lot of loyal fans.
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