AKB48 Members

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 Kenkyuusei and 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). The AKB48 Kenkyuusei are part of an "in-training" team of members, that work as subs and unders for the official members in various activities (mostly theater performances). When one of the official members graduates, one of the Kenkyuusei is promoted to fill the space.

Since the group's founding, AKB48 has used various methods for recruiting new members. By date of introduction, the methods are as follows:

Regular audition, where the management announces applications for auditions. First introduced with the 1st generation auditions in 2005.
Kennin, or the concurrent position method, which involves members from sister groups holding a concurrent position in AKB48. This was introduced for the first time at the Saitama Super Arena Concert. However, as of the AKB48 Team Shuffle 2017, no sister group members currently hold Kennin positions in AKB48. 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.
Draft meeting, a method of recruiting members that represent all the teams of the AKB48 Group at the given time, in order to find new talent that is missing from the current roster. First introduced in the AKB48 Group Draft Kaigi 2013.
Transferred Members, where members of sister groups are permanently transferred to AKB48, first introduced in AKB48 Group Daisokaku Matsuri.
Team 8's audition, which is different from regular auditions as there is 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. (Note: these auditions for Team 8 have not occurred since the beginning of 2020.)
Temporary Members Auditions, a method which allows members to stay in the group for a short period of time. Most of them come from special events. Currently, there are 3 types: Otona AKB48, Baito AKB, and Baito AKB Paruru Selection. Another form of temporary members, named exchange students, was first introduced in 2018 when members from foreign sister groups (such as Mobile from BNK48 and Stefi from JKT48) were chosen to be exchange students of AKB48.
Special audition, a method which has only been done once during the AKB48 Taiwan Audition. 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, thirteen generations (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 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 September 2024, AKB48 has 29 members and 13 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)

Now Graduated (21): Usami Yuki, Orii Ayumi, Hoshino Michiru, Watanabe Shiho, Masuyama Kayano, Komatani Hitomi, Tojima Hana, Oe Tomomi, Nakanishi Rina, Narita Risa, Kawasaki Nozomi, Oshima Mai, Hirajima Natsumi, Sato Yukari, Urano Kazumi, Maeda Atsuko, Shinoda Mariko, Itano Tomomi, Takahashi Minami, Kojima Haruna, Minegishi Minami
Tojima Hana and Komatani Hitomi left the group but then returned as SDN48's 3rd Generation

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

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

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

Now Graduated (11): Inoue Naru, Noguchi Reina, Matsuoka Yuki, Yonezawa Rumi, Nakaya Sayaka, Katayama Haruka, Nakagawa Haruka, Ota Aika, Tanabe Miku, Watanabe Mayu, Kashiwagi Yuki
Former Kenkyuusei (1): Saotome Miki
Candidates (5): Iso Reina, Otsuka Aki, Sakata Ryo, Fujishima Mariachika, Horie Mina
Kikuchi Ayaka, originally a 3rd generation member, dismissed from the group but then returned in the 7th generation

AKB48 SEEDs / Kenkyuusei (4th Gen - 20th 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

Now Graduated (8): Naruse Risa, Saeki Mika, Sato Amina, Nakanishi Yuka, Kuramochi Asuka, Nakata Chisato, Fujie Reina, Oya Shizuka
Former Kenkyuusei (10): Iinuma Yurina, Kaneko Satomi, Kozuka Rina, Yoshioka Saki, Watanabe Marie, Fujimoto Sara, Muranaka Satomi, Deguchi Aki, Suzuki Nae, Uriya Akane
Nakanishi Yuka transferred to SKE48 joining its 1st generation
Muranaka Satomi left the group but then returned for the 8th generation
Fujimoto Sara left the group but then returned for the 9th generation
Deguchi Aki left the group then joined SKE48's 1st generation
Saeki Mika left the group but then returned as a Baito AKB member

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

Now Graduated (9): Kohara Haruka, Nito Moeno, Nakatsuka Tomomi, Uchida Mayumi, Ishida Haruka, Chikano Rina, Kitahara Rie, Sashihara Rino, Miyazaki Miho
Former Kenkyuusei (4): Yamada Mizuki, Arima Yuka, Tomita Mayu, Hatayama Arisa

6th Generation[]

Announced on April 28, 2008

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

Now Graduated (2): Nonaka Misato, Takajo Aki
Former Kenkyuusei (2): Nishizawa Sara, Katano Yurie

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

Now Graduated (7): Komori Mika, Kikuchi Ayaka, Matsui Sakiko, Iwasa Misaki, Maeda Ami, Suzuki Mariya, Sato Sumire
Former Kenkyuusei (4): Ishiguro Remi, Katono Mizuho, Hayashi Ayano, Suzuki Shihori
Suzuki Shihori left the group but then returned on the 11th generation

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

Former Kenkyuusei (15): Komatsu Mizuki, Nishikawa Nanami, Asai Madoka, Ishii Ayaka, Ishibe Aya, Kaku Grace, Komizu Nanami, Sakamoto Rio, Sugiyama Miku, Tomite Ami, Miki Nikoru, Imai Yurie, Muranaka Satomi, Ueki Asaka, Sano Yuriko
No one got promoted to any team
Nishikawa Nanami left the group but then returned as Nogizaka46's 2nd Generation

9th Generation[]

Announced on December 1, 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

Now Graduated (9): Mori Anna, Nagao Mariya, Shimazaki Haruka, Nakamura Mariko, Shimada Haruka, Takeuchi Miyu, Yamauchi Suzuran, Yokoyama Yui, Oba Mina
Former Kenkyuusei (5): Ito Ayaka, Ishiguro Atsuki, Kinumoto Momoko, Takamatsu Eri, Fujimoto Sara

10th Generation[]

Izurina

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

Now in CGM48 (1): Izuta Rina
Now Graduated (7): Nakamata Shiori, Kobayashi Marina, Ichikawa Miori, Fujita Nana, Abe Maria, Kato Rena, Iriyama Anna
Former Kenkyuusei (2): Iwasaki Hitomi, Kanazawa Yuuki

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

Now Graduated (5): Morikawa Ayaka, Suzuki Shihori, Kawaei Rina, Natori Wakana, Kojima Natsuki
Former Kenkyuusei (5): Toyoda Saki, Okazaki Chinami, Kawakami Marina, Ushikubo Sara, 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)

Now Graduated (7): Iwata Karen, Hirata Rina, Tano Yuka, Takahashi Juri, Muto Tomu, Omori Miyuu, Sasaki Yukari
Former Kenkyuusei (3): Suzuki Rika, Saeed Yokota Erena, Eguchi Aimi

13th Generation[]

Sahhoo

Yuiri

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

Still part of AKB48 Regular Members (2): Iwatate Saho, Murayama Yuiri
Now Graduated (9): Mitsumune Kaoru, Takashima Yurina, Aigasa Moe, Umeta Ayano, Oshima Ryoka, Okada Ayaka, Kitazawa Saki, Mogi Shinobu, Shinozaki Ayana
Former Kenkyuusei (5): Amemiya Maika, Kita Shiori, Hasegawa Haruna, 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

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

15th Generation[]

Komiharu

Seichan

Miion

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)

Still part of AKB48 Regular Members (3): Komiyama Haruka, Fukuoka Seina, Mukaichi Mion,
Now Graduated (9): Tsuchiyasu Mizuki, Owada Nana, Iino Miyabi, Okawa Rio, Tatsuya Makiho, Ichikawa Manami, Sato Kiara, Yumoto Ami, Taniguchi Megu

16th Generation[]

Haruka	Kururun	Manaka	Ayamin	Orin	Zukkii
Suzuha

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

Still part of AKB48 Regular Members (5): Suzuki Kurumi, Taguchi Manaka, Nagatomo Ayami, Muto Orin, Yamauchi Mizuki
Now in KLP48 (2): Kurosu Haruka, Yamane Suzuha
Now Graduated (8): Taya Misaki, Maeda Ayaka, Homma Mai, Yasuda Kana, Inagaki Kaori, Michieda Saki, Asai Nanami, Sato Minami
Former Kenkyuusei (4): Noguchi Nanami, Shoji Nagisa, Umemoto Izumi, Harima Nanami

17th Generation[]

Yukitan	Aichan	Erichan	Nonchan	Yuki	Hotechan
Mayuchan	Mizumin	Sorara

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

Still part of AKB48 Regular Members (9): Ota Yuki, Sato Airi, Hashimoto Eriko, Hatakeyama Nozomi, Hirata Yuki, Hotei Moka, Masai Mayuu, Mizushima Miyuu, Yamazaki Sora
Now Graduated (1): Kohama Kokone
Former Kenkyuusei (1): Hasegawa Niina

18th Generation[]

Yunachan	Saechan	Kasumin	Chanhina	Yumemin	Kohi
Azu	Yuichi

Announced on April 9, 2023

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

Still part of AKB48 Kenkyuusei (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

Still part of AKB48 Kenkyuusei (5): Ito Momoka, Okumoto Kairi, Kawamura Yui, Shiratori Sari, Hanada Mei

20th Generation[]

Auditions run from May 26 - July 7, 2024

Draft Members[]

1st Generation[]

Announced on November 10, 2013

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

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

2nd Generation[]

Erii

Announced on May 10, 2015

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

Still part of AKB48 Regular Members (1): Chiba Erii
Now Graduated (4): Hiwatashi Yui, Nishikawa Rei, Kubo Satone, Yamabe Ayu
Former Kenkyuusei (2): Takahashi Kira, Nomura Nao

3rd Generation[]

Mahopyon

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

Still part of AKB48 Regular Members (1): Omori Maho
Now Graduated (12): Yahagi Moeka, Honda Sora, Furukawa Nazuna, Kuramoto Miyuu, Nagano Megumi, Kobayashi Ran, Ishiwata Sena, Tada Kyoka, Okada Rina, Yoshihashi Yuzuka, Saito Haruna, Otake Hitomi
Former Kenkyuusei (5): Harasawa Otohi, Kamiyama Riho, Katsumata Saori, Sato Shiori, Suenaga Yuzuki
Withdrew (1): Kitagawa Yuri
- Kitagawa Yuri left the group but returned as a Nogizaka46's 4th Generation

Transferred Members[]

1st Generation[]

Announced on February 24, 2014

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

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

Special Audition[]

AKB48 Taiwan Audition[]

Announced on December 16, 2015

Members (1): Ma Chia-Ling

Now Graduated (1): Ma Chia-Ling

Kennin Members[]

1st Generation[]

Announced on March 24, 2012

Members (2): Matsui Jurina, Watanabe Miyuki

Concurrency Ended (2): Watanabe Miyuki, Matsui Jurina
Watanabe Miyuki returned as a Kennin member for the 6th Generation

2nd Generation[]

Announced on August 24, 2012

Members (2): Ishida Anna, Kotani Riho

Concurrency Ended (2): Ishida Anna, Kotani Riho
Kotani Riho returned as a Kennin member for the 5th Generation