AKB48 has become headlining news all over the world. Their latest feature came from a front page story in the Wall Street Journal, one of the world's leading publications for business news.
The article not only talks about AKB48 as being a hugely popular group in Japan, but also as a brand and a business model. Not only do endorsements increase the girls' exposure and thereby increase the group's popularity, but they also increase sales of products in a weakened economy.
"As Japan continues to struggle with its prolonged economic slump, AKB48 has become a one-group stimulus package," the Journal stated.
The group's influence has been felt all across Asia. With stores in Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai, as well as new groups planned for Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, China and Indonesia, AKB48 has become a model for creating a success idol group.
How does Yusushi Akimoto, the group's creator, manage to create such a popular and influential group of girls?
"AKB48 are unfinished. Other groups make their debut after auditioning and practicing, but AKB48 are unpolished. Fans can watch them progress," Akimoto stated.
With their singles selling millions of copies, concerts selling out and their influence in the Japanese market undeniable, it seems as though Akimoto knows what he's doing by breaking the tradition of training perfect girls before debuting them.
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