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The 1st to 3rd Generation are known as the Original Teams or Original Members because they were the first 3 generations to form the group's earliest teams, with the 1st Gen forming Team A, the 2nd Gen forming Team K, and the 3rd Gen forming Team B, respectively. Members of these three generations are considered to be official members since the team's founding, having never been to Kenkyuusei but only undergoing a short period of training to make their debut.

From the 4th generation to the present, they were initially called AKB48 SEEDs before being changed to AKB48 Kenkyuusei (AKB48 Research Students) later on. The AKB48 Kenkyuusei would take part in an in-training team of members that would work as subs and unders for the official members in various activities (mostly theater performances). And finally, when any of the official members graduate, a girl will be promoted to fill the space.

From the group's founding until the present, AKB48 has used various methods for recruiting new members. They are sorted by the date they were first introduced, as follows:

Method 1 is the regular audition, which is caused by the management announcing applications for regular auditions. First introduced through the 1st generation auditions in 2005.

Method 2 is Kennin, or the concurrent position format, which involves members from sister groups that had a concurrent position in AKB48, which was introduced for the first time at the Saitama Super Arena Concert. However, as of the AKB48 Team Shuffle 2017, no sister group members hold Kennin positions in AKB48 any longer. From December 8, 2017, to April 30, 2023, all Team 8 members were Kennin members in one of Team A, Team K, Team B, or Team 4. Team 8 officially went on hiatus in April 2023, and all members of Team 8 became full members of Team A, Team K, Team B, or Team 4. When Team A, Team K, Team B, and Team 4 were disbanded on October 17, 2023, all promoted AKB48 members became regular members instead.

Method 3 is the draft meeting, which is a method of recruiting members that represented all the teams of the AKB48 Group at that time. Finding new talent that is missing from their current roster, first introduced in the AKB48 Group Draft Kaigi 2013.

Method 4 is Transferred Members, where members of sister groups are permanently transferred to AKB48, first introduced in AKB48 Group Daisokaku Matsuri.

Method 5 is Team 8's audition, which is different from regular auditions in that there will be one member from each of Japan's 47 prefectures. There is a separate audition every time a member graduates to replace members who have graduated. (But the separate auditions for Team 8 have not had auditions since the beginning of 2020.)

Method 6 is Temporary Members Auditions. This method of recruiting allows members to stay in the group for a short period of time. Most of them will come from special events. Currently, there are 3 types: Otona AKB48, Baito AKB, and Baito AKB Paruru Selection. And there is another form of temporary members, namely exchange students, which was first introduced in 2018 when members from foreign sister groups Mobile from BNK48 and Stefi from JKT48 were chosen to be exchange students of AKB48. Mobile BNK48 has been an exchange student from September 15, 2018 to October 17, 2018, and Stefi JKT48 was an exchange student from September 17, 2018 to October 17, 2018.

And the last method that the group has ever had for recruiting new members is the special audition, which has only been done once, namely the AKB48 Taiwan Audition which Ma Chia-Ling was the winner of the audition and later debuted as a member of AKB48.

AKB48 has had a total of 335 original members over their 18 generations, 3 draft generations, Team 8 auditions, and special auditions. They have had an additional 4 transferred members, 16 Kennins, and 56 temporary members.

Currently, eleven generations (1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th, 14th and 1st Generation Draft Members) do not have any remaining active members. Although the 10th generation has no more members left in AKB48, there is still Izuta Rina, who is now a part of CGM48.

As of February 2024, AKB48 has 28 members and 18 Kenkyuusei.

Regular Auditions Members[]

AKB48 Original Teams (1st Gen - 3rd Gen)[]

  • Bolded names indicate members, which are still active in AKB48 or one of the sister groups
  • Italicized names indicate members with pending graduations

1st Generation (Original Team A)[]

  • Announced on October 30, 2005.
  • 20 members formed Team A on October, 2005.

Members (21): Itano Tomomi, Usami Yuki, Urano Kazumi, Oe Tomomi, Oshima Mai, Orii Ayumi, Kawasaki Nozomi, Komatani Hitomi, Kojima Haruna, Sato Yukari, Takahashi Minami, Tojima Hana, Nakanishi Rina, Narita Risa, Hirajima Natsumi, Hoshino Michiru, Maeda Atsuko, Masuyama Kayano, Minegishi Minami, Watanabe Shiho | Shinoda Mariko (joined the group on 2006/1/22)

2nd Generation (Original Team K)[]

  • Announced on February 26, 2006.
  • 17 members formed Team K on February 26, 2006.

Members (17): Akimoto Sayaka, Imai Yu, Uemura Ayako, Umeda Ayaka, Oshima Yuko, Ohori Megumi, Oku Manami, Ono Erena, Kasai Tomomi, Kobayashi Kana, Sato Natsuki, Takada Ayana, Noro Kayo, Hayano Kaoru, Masuda Yuka, Matsubara Natsumi, Miyazawa Sae

3rd Generation (Original Team B)[]


  • Announced on December 9, 2006.
  • 13 members formed Team B on December, 2006.

Members (13): Inoue Naru, Ota Aika, Kashiwagi Yuki, Katayama Haruka, Kikuchi Ayaka, Saotome Miki, Tanabe Miku, Nakagawa Haruka, Nakaya Sayaka, Noguchi Reina, Matsuoka Yuki, Yonezawa Rumi, Watanabe Mayu

AKB48 SEEDs / Kenkyuusei (4th Gen - 19th Gen)[]

4th Generation[]

  • Announced on May 26, 2007.

Members (18): Iinuma Yurina, Uriya Akane, Oya Shizuka, Kaneko Satomi, Kuramochi Asuka, Kozuka Rina, Saeki Mika, Sato Amina, Suzuki Nae, Deguchi Aki, Nakata Chisato, Nakanishi Yuka, Naruse Risa, Fujie Reina, Fujimoto Sara, Muranaka Satomi, Yoshioka Saki, Watanabe Marie

5th Generation[]

  • Announced on October 6, 2007

Members (13): Arima Yuka, Ishida Haruka, Uchida Mayumi, Kitahara Rie, Kohara Haruka, Sashihara Rino, Chikano Rina, Tomita Mayu, Nakatsuka Tomomi, Nito Moeno, Hatayama Arisa, Miyazaki Miho, Yamada Mizuki

6th Generation[]

  • Announced on April 28, 2008.

Members (4): Katano Yurie, Takajo Aki, Nishizawa Sara, Nonaka Misato

7th Generation[]

  • Announced on December 2008.

Members (11): Ishiguro Remi, Iwasa Misaki, Katono Mizuho, Kikuchi Ayaka, Komori Mika, Sato Sumire, Suzuki Shihori, Suzuki Mariya, Hayashi Ayano, Maeda Ami, Matsui Sakiko

8th Generation[]

  • Announced on April 2009.

Members (15): Asai Madoka, Ishii Ayaka, Ishibe Aya, Imai Yurie, Ueki Asaka, Kaku Grace, Komatsu Mizuki, Komizu Nanami, Sakamoto Rio, Sano Yuriko, Sugiyama Miku, Tomite Ami, Nishikawa Nanami, Miki Nikoru, Muranaka Satomi

9th Generation[]

  • Announced on September 20, 2009.
  • The ninth generation formed parts of the first incarnation of Team 4.

Members (14): Ishiguro Atsuki, Ito Ayaka, Oba Mina, Kinumoto Momoko, Shimazaki Haruka, Shimada Haruka, Takamatsu Eri, Takeuchi Miyu, Nakamura Mariko, Nagao Mariya, Fujimoto Sara, Mori Anna, Yamauchi Suzuran, Yokoyama Yui

10th Generation[]


  • Announced on March 31, 2010.

Members (10): Abe Maria, Iriyama Anna, Ichikawa Miori, Izuta Rina, Iwasaki Hitomi, Kato Rena, Kanazawa Yuuki, Kobayashi Marina, Nakamata Shiori, Fujita Nana

11th Generation[]

  • Announced on July 24, 2010

Members (10): Ushikubo Sara, Okazaki Chinami, Kawaei Rina, Kawakami Marina, Kojima Natsuki, Suzuki Shihori, Toyoda Saki, Natori Wakana, Morikawa Ayaka, Yamaguchi Nau

12th Generation[]

  • Announced on April 3, 2011

Members (10): Iwata Karen, Omori Miyuu, Saeed Yokota Erena, Sasaki Yukari, Suzuki Rika, Takahashi Juri, Tano Yuka, Hirata Rina, Muto Tomu | Eguchi Aimi (joined the group on 2011/06/11)

13th Generation[]


  • Announced on September 24, 2011.
  • 9 members formed the new Team 4 on August 24, 2013.

Members (16): Aigasa Moe, Amemiya Maika, Iwatate Saho, Umeta Ayano, Okada Ayaka, Oshima Ryoka, Kita Shiori, Kitazawa Saki, Shinozaki Ayana, Takashima Yurina, Hasegawa Haruna, Mitsumune Kaoru, Murayama Yuiri, Mogi Shinobu, Moriyama Sakura, Watanabe Nene

14th Generation[]

  • Announced on July 9, 2012.

Members (6): Uchiyama Natsuki, Okada Nana, Kojima Mako, Nishino Miki, Hashimoto Hikari, Maeda Mitsuki

15th Generation[]


  • Announced on June 5, 2013.

Members (12): Ichikawa Manami, Owada Nana, Komiyama Haruka, Sato Kiara, Tsuchiyasu Mizuki, Fukuoka Seina, Mukaichi Mion, Yumoto Ami | Okawa Rio, Tatsuya Makiho (joined the group on 2013/10/28) | Iino Miyabi, Taniguchi Megu (joined the group on 2014/04/14)

16th Generation[]


  • Announced on December 8, 2016.

Members (19): Asai Nanami, Inagaki Kaori, Umemoto Izumi, Kurosu Haruka, Sato Minami, Shoji Nagisa, Suzuki Kurumi, Taguchi Manaka, Taya Misaki, Nagatomo Ayami, Noguchi Nanami, Harima Nanami, Homma Mai, Maeda Ayaka, Michieda Saki, Muto Orin, Yasuda Kana, Yamauchi Mizuki, Yamane Suzuha

17th Generation[]


  • Announced on May 4, 2022

Members (11): Ota Yuki, Kohama Kokone, Sato Airi, Hashimoto Eriko, Hasegawa Niina, Hatakeyama Nozomi, Hirata Yuki, Hotei Moka, Masai Mayuu, Mizushima Miyuu, Yamazaki Sora

18th Generation[]


  • Announced on April 9, 2023

Members (8): Akiyama Yuna, Arai Sae, Kudo Kasumi, Kubo Hinano, Sako Yumemi, Narita Kohina, Yagi Azuki, Yamaguchi Yui

19th Generation[]


  • Announced on March 17, 2024

Members (5): Ito Momoka, Okumoto Kairi, Kawamura Yui, Shiratori Sari, Hanada Mei

Draft Members[]

1st Generation[]

  • Announced on November 10, 2013

Members (6): Kawamoto Saya, Goto Moe, Shimoguchi Hinana, Takita Kayoko, Nishiyama Rena, Yokoshima Aeri

2nd Generation[]


  • Announced on May 10, 2015.

Members (7): Kubo Satone, Takahashi Kira, Chiba Erii, Nishikawa Rei, Nomura Nao, Hiwatashi Yui, Yamabe Ayu

3rd Generation[]


  • Announced on January 21, 2018.

Members (19): Ishiwata Sena, Otake Hitomi, Omori Maho, Okada Rina, Katsumata Saori, Kamiyama Riho, Kitagawa Yuri, Kuramoto Miyuu, Kobayashi Ran, Saito Haruna, Sato Shiori, Suenaga Yuzuki, Tada Kyoka, Nagano Megumi, Harasawa Otohi, Furukawa Nazuna, Honda Sora, Yahagi Moeka, Yoshihashi Yuzuka

Transferred Members[]

1st Generation[]

  • Announced on February 24, 2014

Members (4): Ogasawara Mayu, Kizaki Yuria, Nakanishi Chiyori, Nozawa Rena

Special Audition[]

AKB48 Taiwan Audition[]

  • Announced on December 16, 2015

Members (1): Ma Chia-Ling

Kennin Members[]

1st Generation[]

  • Announced March 24, 2012

Members (2): Matsui Jurina, Watanabe Miyuki

2nd Generation[]

  • Announced on August 24, 2012

Members (2): Ishida Anna, Kotani Riho

3rd Generation[]

  • Announced on April 28, 2013

Members (3): Kodama Haruka, Yagura Fuuko, Furuhata Nao

4th Generation[]

  • Announced on June 18, 2013

Members (1): Nozawa Rena

5th Generation[]

  • Announced on February 24, 2014

Members (6): Ikoma Rina, Kotani Riho, Shibuya Nagisa, Tomonaga Mio, Miyawaki Sakura, Yamamoto Sayaka

6th Generation[]

  • Announced on March 26, 2015.

Members (7): Kitagawa Ryoha, Sakaguchi Nagisa, Shiroma Miru, Nakano Ikumi, Yabuki Nako, Yamada Nanami, Watanabe Miyuki

7th Generation[]

  • Announced on December 8, 2017.

Members (42): Utada Hatsuka, Ota Nao, Onishi Momoka, Okabe Rin, Okuhara Hinako, Okumoto Hinano, Oguri Yui, Oda Erina, Kawahara Misaki, Kuranoo Narumi, Gyoten Yurina, Sato Akari, Sato Shiori, Sato Nanami, Shitao Miu, Shimizu Maria, Shimoaoki Karin, Takaoka Kaoru, Takahashi Ayane, Takahashi Sayaka, Tanikawa Hijiri, Cho Kurena, Terada Misaki, Nagano Serika, Noda Hinano, Hashimoto Haruna, Hattori Yuna, Hama Sayuna, Hayasaka Tsumugi, Harumoto Yuki, Hitomi Kotone, Hidaritomo Ayaka, Hirano Hikaru, Honda Hitomi, Miyazato Rira, Yaguchi Moka, Yamada Kyoka, Yamamoto Ruka, Yokomichi Yuri, Yokoyama Yui, Yoshikawa Nanase, Yoshida Karen

8th Generation[]

  • Announced on December 8, 2021

Members (5): Uemi Sorano, Sakagawa Hiyuka, Tokunaga Remi, Fukutome Mitsuho, Fujizono Rei, Mitomo Mashiro

Team 8 Members[]


  • Announced on April 3, 2014.
  • In its original concept, this team was to contain one member from each of Japan's 47 prefectures. Thus, whenever a member graduated, auditions were held soon after to find a replacement representative for her prefecture. However, there have been no such auditions since the beginning of 2020.

Members (75): Abe Mei, Iwasaki Moeka, Ota Nao, Onishi Momoka, Okabe Rin, Okubora Chinatsu, Oguri Yui, Oda Erina, Kita Reina, Gyoten Yurina, Kuranoo Narumi, Kondo Moeri, Sakaguchi Nagisa, Sato Akari, Sato Shiori, Sato Nanami, Shitao Miu, Shimizu Maria, Shimoaoki Karin, Takaoka Kaoru, Takahashi Ayane, Tani Yuri, Tanikawa Hijiri, Cho Kurena, Nakano Ikumi, Nagano Serika, Hashimoto Haruna, Hama Sayuna, Hamamatsu Riona, Hayasaka Tsumugi, Hitomi Kotone, Hidaritomo Ayaka, Hirose Natsuki, Fukuchi Rena, Fujimura Natsuki, Honda Hitomi, Miyazato Rira, Mogi Kasumi, Moriwaki Yui, Yaguchi Moka, Yamada Nanami, Yamamoto Ai, Yamamoto Ruka, Yokomichi Yuri, Yokoyama Yui, Yoshikawa Nanase, Yoshino Miyu | Hattori Yuna (joined the group in 2014) | Yoshida Karen (joined the group on 2015/4/3) | Terada Misaki, Noda Hinano, Utada Hatsuka (joined the group on 2016/6/25) | Takahashi Sayaka, Hirano Hikaru (joined the group on 2016/12/9) | Yamada Kyoka (joined the group on 2017/3/20) | Kawahara Misaki (joined the group on 2017/8/8) | Okumoto Hinano (joined the group on 2017/9/2) | Harumoto Yuki (joined the group on 2017/9/10) | Okuhara Hinako (joined the group on 2017/11/19) | Rissen Airi, Ito Kirara (joined the group on 2018/04/29) | Mitomo Mashiro (joined the group on 2018/08/08) | Fujizono Rei (joined the group on 2018/10/20) | Fukutome Mitsuho, Tokunaga Remi, Kamachi Yukina (joined the group on 2019/10/06) | Nunoya Riru, Inoue Miyuu, Hasegawa Momoka (joined the group on 2019/10/13) | Shiobara Karin, Suzuki Yuka, Matsumura Miku, Uemi Sorano (joined the group on 2019/10/14) | Onoue Mizuki (joined the group on 2019/11/09) | Sakagawa Hiyuka (joined the group on 2019/12/28)

Temporary Members[]

Otona AKB48[]

  • Announced on April 16, 2014.

Baito AKB[]

  • Announced on September 24, 2014

Baito AKB Paruru Selection[]

  • Announced on February 9, 2016

Exchange Students[]

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