Toyota Motor Corporation The Project Began with "Idols Who Come to Meet You"

 

On April 3, Toyota Motor Corporation held an event at Megaweb in Koto Ward, Tokyo, to introduce the members selected for AKB48's fifth new unit, "AKB48 Team8," and to announce a joint project between the company and Team8. Team8 is a new concept team where a company supports the team's activities, marking the first such initiative in AKB history.

Nationwide auditions were held simultaneously, led by TV stations in all 47 prefectures. From approximately 10,000 applicants, 47 members aged 12 to 19, representing each region, were selected. Replacing AKB48's previous concept of "idols you can go see," this team champions "idols who go to see you," conducting various activities across the country. The project began as it aligned with Toyota's desire to be "a Toyota rooted in the community."

 

A Team8-branded concept car (Aqua) was displayed on stage, and all 47 members, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, were introduced. Though nervous, the members expressed their determination and aspirations for future activities. Aichi representative Natsuki Fujimura, interviewed on stage, promptly promoted her hometown: "The best things about my area are the clean rivers and all the Toyota cars driving around." A surprise announcement that day revealed these members could also run in the upcoming 6th AKB48 General Election on June 7th, sparking widespread astonishment.

The group will tour 20 locations nationwide from May through next year, engaging in community-based activities. Their debut at the AKB48 Theater in Akihabara, Tokyo, is scheduled for summer or later. Starting in the fall, they will collaborate with Toyota dealerships across the country to convey the fun and appeal of cars to a wide range of generations.