The predictions are flying in! The “data collection researchers” behind the official election guide book 2016 have published their own predictions for this coming election.
The official posters for AKB48 Election 2016 haven’t officially been posted online, but are being displayed in select local venues in Japan. Here’s a collection of gallery photos that have appeared so far.
First, here’s the main digest poster (which is official, as far as I can tell):
This next poster comes from Twitter user @gugitter:
This last part comes courtesy of HKT48 theater manager Ozaki Atsushi’s Google plus page. The first floor of “fashion building” Solaria Stage in Fukuoka City, will feature official election posters on display (HKT48 only, naturally):
Not to be outdone, NMB48’s own manager (Kaneko Takeshi) shows us the NMB48 theater adorned with official posters:
With the election so close by, we’re seeing everyone and everything offering up their predictions. Gekkan Entame magazine provides their predictions, with interesting results for up-and-coming members, and a battle at the top!
Miyawaki Sakura taking over and surpassing her senior members. Part of me says this is a big stretch, but another part says it’s totally possible!
Suda Akari also experiences a huge jump, after being dropped to #18 last year. The same goes for Furuhata Nao, who was ranked #24 last year.
With Watanabe Miyuki, Matsumura Kaori, and Takahashi Minami out, that leaves some room for up and coming members. It’ll be interesting to see how this works out!