The upcoming AKB48 General Election is proving an odd event, with lots of surprising choices.
Tomomi Itano, who has announced her graduation from AKB48, is nonetheless appearing in the election. Two other members who are pursuing solo projects and are very likely to graduate soon — e.g. Haruna Kojima, Minami Takahashi — are also taking part.
On the other hand, Sayaka Akimoto has also announced her graduation from the group and that she won’t be making a swan song entry in the election, depriving fans of the chance to vote for her one last time.
Some other members have said they are not participating, including Manatsu Mukaida (16, SKE48), Haruka Nakagawa (21, JKT48), and Mika Komori (18, AKB48).
However, Minami Minegishi is running, despite being told she was officially only a “research student” after she broke the taboo about having a sex life.
There was speculation after it was announced that ex-members could run that this would open up the way for the return of Tomomi Kasai, but alas, no such luck.
