HAKO- OSHI
"Refers to a fan who supports an entire group rather than a single oshimen from that group."
INTRODUCTION TO 48 GROUP
Photo from 48Circle.com
Before we dive into 48 Group, also known as 48G or ALL48, let's discuss first the definition of the word "idol" in Japanese culture and the difference between an idol in Japanese and Korean culture.
What is an Idol?
Idols are is a type of entertainer marketed for their image, attractiveness, and personalities. Most idols are in their pre-teens and teenagers with little or no prior experience in the entertainment industry when they were recruited and were marketed as aspiring performers.
Idols are predominantly singers, but they are often trained in other skill sets in entertainment, such as acting, dancing, and modeling but the Idol's main objective is to "sell dreams", or, entertain, offer an escapism from the troubles of daily life and have a high emotional connection with their consumer fan base.
Because they are seen as role models to the public, both their personal lives and image are tightly controlled by their talent agencies. Common restrictions under the “Idol system” include not being allowed to smoke or drink in public as well as pursue romantic relationships. However, the idol system has been criticized for its strict rules, intense work schedules, and offering idols little control over their personal lives.
What is the difference between a Japanese and Korean idol?
Firstly, their training is pretty different. Most Japanese idols undergone auditions first and then train after they get in. The reason for that is because J-idols are more about seeing an idol grow and develop over time, while Kpop idols' performance skills are relatively polished from the get-go and have a slim chance of even making a debut after years of vocal and dance training.
Major Jpop idol companies like 48/46 groups, do also have trainees but they are still being trained after they get in.
Second, the music and dance choreography are also very different. Kpop idol songs tend to be very modern and trendy, and often even have foreign producers.
So what is 48 Group or 48G?
The 48G is a Japanese Idol group that consist of AKB48 and its national and international sister groups: SKE48, NMB48, HKT48, NGT48, STU48, JKT48, BNK48, MNL48, AKB48 Team SH, SGO48, AKB48 Team TP, CGM48, MUB48, DEL48.
The "48" part of their name refers to the original number of members who debuted in AKB48 while the basis of the names of the group is found in the location in where they are situated.
Aside from the AKB48 Group, there are also other groups which are the Sakamichi series (also known as the 46 Groups), and the SNH48 Group.
AKB48 (based in Akihabara [shortened as Akiba] district in Tokyo, Japan)
The group first formed in 2005 and was produced by music producer and media savvy personality Yasushi Akimoto or Aki-P. Almost 8,000 girls auditioned, but only 24 were selected as the band’s first-generation members.
In December of that year, 20 members made their debut as “Team A” in the AKB48 theatre; ​Itano Tomomi‬, ‪Kawasaki Nozomi‬, Kojima Haruna‬, Komatani Hitomi‬, Maeda Atsuko‬, Masuyama Kayano‬, Minegishi Minami, Nakanishi Rina‬, Narita Risa‬, Ohe Tomomi‬, Oshima Mai‬, ‪Sato Yukari‬, Takahashi Minami‬, Tojima Hana‬, Usami Yuki, Orii Ayumi, Hoshino Michiru, Urano Kazumi‬, Watanabe Shiho‬, and ‪Hirajima Natsumi‬.
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However only seven people went to watch the show. Despite that, they continued performing and worked hard for the group to flourish. Luckily, it didn’t take too long for AKB popularity to rise.
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What made the made the group so popular and what makes them still popularity today largely has to do with their incredibly fan-friendly image due to their concept of “Idols you can meet.” This "idols you can meet" concept includes teams (A, K, B, 4, 8, KKS) which can rotate performances and perform simultaneously at several events and handshake* events, where fans can meet the group members.
