Overseasidol.com — On December 8, AKB48 celebrated exactly 20 years since their theater debut with a commemorative gathering at the AKB48 Theater in Tokyo.
The event brought together General Producer Yasushi Akimoto, former members Minami Takahashi and Rino Sashihara, along with current members Narumi Kuranoo, Yui Oguri, and Momoka Itou, who spoke to the press about the group’s two-decade journey.
The highlight of the day came when Akimoto unexpectedly asked Rino Sashihara to write lyrics for future AKB48 songs, a surprise announcement that instantly stole the spotlight.
Akimoto revealed that he had long envisioned AKB48 members expanding their creative roles beyond performing.
“From the beginning, AKB48 has been a place where people with different dreams come together those who want to be actresses, singers, and more.
I’ve always thought it would be ideal if some of them eventually became lyricists or composers,” he explained.
Sashihara was chosen after recently winning the Lyricist Award at the 67th Japan Record Awards with “Tokubetsu, Shite” performed by her produced group, =LOVE.
“Since Sashihara-sensei has now received a Japan Record Award for her lyrics, she naturally became the first person I wanted to ask,” Akimoto said.
The surprise left Sashihara visibly stunned. She excitedly asked whether she would be writing for a coupling song or how much freedom she would be given.
Akimoto laughed and replied, “If the lyrics are good, it could even be the title track,”.
Though humble and joking that it would feel awkward if she were only assigned a coupling song, Sashihara received high praise from Akimoto.
“Her lyric-writing ability is exceptional. She understands where the hook should be, what parts need to be catchy, and what fans will resonate with,” he said, expressing his full confidence.
He emphasized that AKB48 is currently in a crucial phase where producing a successful song is more important than ever, making Sashihara’s involvement especially significant.
Responding to the challenge, Sashihara said enthusiastically, “I’ll do my best to beat ‘AI Akimoto Yasushi.’ I’m really honored and excited!,”.
