The annual AKB48 General Election Book (AKB48総選挙！水着サプライズ2013) has this year been proving a hit, with sales of 60,000 copies a week since it was released on August 5th.
Though the 2012 wasn’t as successful, both the 2010 and 2011 editions were likewise bestsellers. It was first released in 2009.
This year (“Swimsuit Surprise”) features all 64 members of the world’s largest bikini model music group (AKB48, SKE48, NMB48, and HKT48) who ranked in the election in barely-there swimsuits.
The book has been released ahead of the new single that comes out on August 21st, featuring the winners of the June “general election” which saw a surprise victory from formerly disgraced member Rino Sashihara.
