From AKB48's 20th Anniversary Documentary:
Oshima Yuko: "AKB48 in the past was very individualistic. I think the goals were really clear and easy to understand. Things like 'Budokan', 'Tokyo Dome' or 'Reaching #1 with this Single', they were very straightforward.
For the current members, it's harder. Figuring out clear goals and working toward them. During our time, we already did most of these things. Even so, I think the girls who join still geniunely want to become idols in AKB48. So an AKB48 made up of girls who truly want to be idols, who truly want to be AKB48, is a very strong dream to have.
Compared to us, I think they have even stronger attachment and love. Together with our memories of the 20th Anniversary and of the past, it feels they are embracing and carrying all of that within them.
That's why I think this is a new, original form of AKB48."
Now I’m in a group called say my name, but the reason I can pursue my dream and grow bigger is because of AKB48. Being part of AKB48 is so precious to me From now on, I won’t forget to thank you I’ll proudly be an AKB48 OG member without feeling any shame and I will do my best
Thank you to Ma'am Leni for passing down the baton of leadership to RISA, who has consistently proven her mettle of leadership and ability to transcend toxic partisanship and populist fanaticism!
It has been confirmed by "Suga-chan Saiko No.1" of comedy trio "Party-chan", that he is dating former AKB48 member Yuki Kashiwagi, a few weeks after she appeared as a secret guest at Suga-chan's 10th anniversary concert - both are 33 years old. https://t.co/oNiy46yPaE