Online, they are already calling it MXC48. Is this really happening?! It seems like nothing more than rumor right now, but a trail of quietly hidden tidbits makes people wonder. What do you think of a 48 sister group in Mexico?
It seems that MEX48 is another possible name :)))
There are several reasons why this rumor came to light, the most recent being a story on TV show called News Zero, which aired on Fuji TV. Here are some screen captures from the program:
It says: “Meeting with overseas music industry people”.
“An offer was received [from someone] wanting to make a group similar to AKB48 in Mexico.”
Music-industry person: “I want to bring the AKB48 project to Central and South America”
Of course, this may be very shaky evidence — it doesn’t really mention names anywhere, but a meeting with Aki-P at the table might lend it some credence. Who knows.
Second pieces of evidence? An online news article from Dentsu Online. Dentsu featured an interview with Akimoto about JKT48, the first overseas sister group.
In one segment of the interview, Akimoto is asked about his plans for future overseas groups. Here’s a snippet and translation:
Question: “Please tell us about your future plans for expansion overseas.” (今後の海外展開について教えてください。)
Akimoto: “In Jakarta, we saw success and a real economic impact… we received offers from many places, including the Phillipines, Thailand, China, Malaysia…”. The rest is just… fate. We’ve also seen interest in America and South America. In the next year or two, we really hope to expand.” (ジャカルタでの成功や経済効果を実際に見て、フィリピン、タイ、中国、マレーシア…あちこちからお話を頂いています。後は縁、ですね。米国や南米も興味を示してくれていますし、来年再来年にかけて、きっと広がっていくと思いますよ)
What’s the doubt here? One word: TPE48 (is that word?). The sister group forming in Taiwan was announced way back in 2011, and we even saw news about auditions this year!. As of yet, nothing really concrete has materialized though.
Okay, last bit of possible evidence? Akimoto Yasushi posted on Tano Yuka’s 755 chat about the visit of a Mexican TV producer, about a month ago. Coincidence? Here’s the message (and translation):
Akimoto: “A Mexican TV producer watched a theater performance, and highly praised your performance!”
Tano Yuka: “I’m so honored!! I’m more fired up now!”
Most people just kinda laughed it off at the time, but in the context of these news rumors, suddenly it seems a little more relevant.
So there you have it! Are you convinced? And would you welcome an MXC48 / MEX48?
Author: reika
I’m writing about useless and stupid things a lot, and I like to laugh. My policy is 一期一会。It means treasure your meeting with everyone!