Overseasidol.com — AKB48 marked its 20th anniversary with a grand concert series titled “AKB48 20th Year Live Tour 2025 in Nippon Budokan,” held from December 4 to 7, 2025.
Even before the event began, fans were already buzzing with excitement following the announcement that iconic former members such as Maeda Atsuko, Oshima Yuko, and Itano Tomomi would appear as special guests.
On the second day, December 5, the audience was treated to unexpected comeback Honda Hitomi, now an active member of the K-POP group SAY MY NAME, made surprise appearances.
The moment they stepped onto the stage, the entire venue erupted in cheers.
Another emotional high point came when Honda Hitomi appeared during the performance of “47 no Suteki na Machi e,” a beloved song from Team 8 AKB48’s unit composed of representatives from all 47 prefectures.
As the former representative of Tochigi Prefecture, Hitomi took the stage wearing the team’s signature headband marked with her home region. The moment her face appeared on the big screen, the crowd roared with excitement.
During the following MC segment, Hitomi greeted the audience with, “Long time no see, I’m Honda Hitomi!,”. She revealed that her participation in the concert had been decided at the last minute.
Hitomi expressed how meaningful it was to stand on the Budokan stage again alongside the members with whom she once started her dream.
She added that even though she is now active in South Korea as part of SAY MY NAME, her opportunities began thanks to AKB48.
“AKB will always be my pride and my treasure,” she said. “As an OG member, I want to continue working hard so I can represent the group with honor,”.
Before leaving the stage, Hitomi playfully promoted SAY MY NAME’s upcoming single, drawing laughter from fans and members alike.
