Overseasidol.com — Japanese idol group AKB48 is stirring excitement among fans once again with reports suggesting that their 66th single, expected to be released this summer, will feature a historic reunion of some of the group’s most iconic former members.
Just weeks after the release of their 65th single, Masaka Confession, on April 2, 2025 which marked the official start of their 20th anniversary celebrations, AKB48 is rumored to be preparing an even grander follow-up.
According to a report from Japanese media outlet JPrime, the upcoming single will not only serve as a continuation of their anniversary festivities but also include members of the legendary “original Kami7,” the group’s most beloved first-generation lineup.
The seven members reportedly returning for this special release include Maeda Atsuko, Takahashi Minami, Oshima Yuko, Itano Tomomi, Shinoda Mariko, Kojima Haruna, and Kashiwagi Yuki.
Notably, Kashiwagi is believed to be filling in for Watanabe Mayu, who was part of the original Kami7 before her retirement from the entertainment industry.
While no official confirmation has been released by AKB48’s management or the former members themselves, fans are already abuzz with speculation.
The same JPrime article hints that Maeda Atsuko once the symbolic “center” of the group during its peak may be returning to lead the group again in this new single, potentially sharing the spotlight with current members.
If confirmed, this will mark the second time AKB48 has invited its iconic former members to participate in an anniversary single.
The first instance was in 2016 for their 10th anniversary single “Kimi wa Melody”, which similarly brought back several fan favorites and was met with widespread acclaim.
