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AKB0048
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AKB0048, sometimes stylized AKB∞48, is a 2012 Japanese anime television series based on the popular AKB48 idol group. The anime is produced by Satelight, with Shōji Kawamori as chief director and writer. The first season aired in Japan between April and July 2012 whilst the second season aired between January and March 2013.
Highest-rated episodes all ranked
- 01
Unerasable DreamIn a dystopian future where music is deemed illegal, AKB0048, successors to the idol group AKB48, rebel against the government to bring music to people's hearts. In the year 0048, three thirteen year old girls, Nagisa Motomiya, Orine Aida and Yuuka Ichijō, decide to audition to become members of AKB, although Nagisa has trouble singing due to the restrictions placed upon her by her father. As the girls hear they've passed the first round of auditions, Nagisa becomes downhearted as she wouldn't be allowed to go. However, after hearing about Yuuka's and Orine's reasons for wanting to join AKB, Nagisa decides to join Yuuka and Orine and head off to the auditions. - 02
The Chosen LightsAs Nagisa, Orine and Yūka travel on the ship headed for the auditions, they meet fellow auditioners Suzuko Kanzaki and Makoto Yokomizo, along with a stowaway named Sonata Shinonome. They soon learn that Chieri Sono, the daughter of a corporate CEO who had introduced them to AKB in their childhood, had apparently run away from home and boarded the ship to the auditions. Whilst searching for her, Nagisa encounters a strange kid who tells her she should turn Chieri in if she wants to survive the auditions. Just then, the ship comes under attack from the anti-entertainment force DES who come to capture the auditioners. Just as the girls are about to be captured, AKB0048 arrive to take on the forces. As Nagisa gets caught whilst retrieving a ribbon her mother gave her, the kid from before rescues her, revealing herself to be none other than Chieri. Chieri gets trapped under a chandelier, but Nagisa refuses to leave her behind. - 03
Stardust AuditionAs all the applicants are gathered, they begin intense idol training which, to their surprise, involves combat skills and self defense. The manager, Tsubasa Katagiri, reveals that, in order to be selected, the applicants must protect AKB during a guerilla concert. As Nagisa and Yūka argue about Chieri's change in attitude, they stumble across AKB0048 practising and learn how hard they practise and how their occasional squabbles help improve each other. The day of the concert come and the applicants find themselves up against the DES, with many of the girls failing under pressure. As Nagisa and Chieri fight together, Chieri gets shot whilst protecting Nagisa. Thankfully, it is revealed the DES attack was simply a simulation using paint balls. Having taken note of their friendship and teamwork, Tsubasa announces that Nagisa, Chieri, Yūka, Orine, Suzuko, Makoto and Sonata have all successfully passed and will become the 77th generation understudies.
Castfull cast & details
Episodes by season
Season01
- S01E01
Season's bestUnerasable DreamApril 29, 2012In a dystopian future where music is deemed illegal, AKB0048, successors to the idol group AKB48, rebel against the government to bring musi - S01E02
The Chosen LightsMay 6, 2012As Nagisa, Orine and Yūka travel on the ship headed for the auditions, they meet fellow auditioners Suzuko Kanzaki and Makoto Yokomizo, alon - S01E03
Stardust AuditionMay 13, 2012As all the applicants are gathered, they begin intense idol training which, to their surprise, involves combat skills and self defense. The - S01E04
I Won't Betray Their EffortsMay 20, 2012As the 77th gen trainees arrive on Akibastar, they are brought to see an AKB concert, which is opened by the two remaining 75th gen trainees - S01E05
Their Day OffMay 27, 2012As the trainees are given a day off from their lessons, the girls split off into various groups doing various activities with their seniors. - S01E06
Handshake DebutJune 3, 2012The trainees are to make their public debut at a handshake event in order to make a strong impression on their fans. As the girls have troub - S01E07
Kirara of SuccessionJune 10, 2012With some of the AKB successors attending a peace ceremony, Kanata, Mimori, Chieri and 76th gen understudy Megumi are chosen to be stand-ins - S01E08
To Whom Does the Name Belong?June 17, 2012Following the stand-ins concert, Kanata, Mimori and the 77th gen understudies are asked to stand in for a guerilla concert on a planet where - S01E09
Emotion RelationJune 24, 2012Due to Minami's injuries, Kanata is asked to fill in for her in an upcoming concert on the snowy planet Thundristar, much to Minami's dismay - S01E10
The Miracle of the WavesJuly 1, 2012Following a meeting with Sensei-Sensei, Tsubasa announces a gravure shoot for all the members, including the understudies. As they arrive on - S01E11
Return to LancastarJuly 8, 2012Following one of AKB's concerts, it's suddenly announced that the understudies will make their debut performance on Lancastar, Nagisa, Orine - S01E12
The Idol Who Sings of LoveJuly 15, 2012Nagisa, Chieri and Orine manage to evade capture until they are rescued by the WOTA, who offer to help Nagisa rescue her father. Arriving at - S01E13
For the Sake of SmilingJuly 22, 2012As Tsubasa recalls some things Atsuko taught her, the understudies, along with the successors, request that they resume the concert. Just th - S01E14
The Young Girls' TrialJanuary 6, 2013 - S01E15
A Shocking New Initiative!?January 13, 2013 - S01E16
The Idols’ Dark Before DawnJanuary 20, 2013 - S01E17
The New General ElectionsJanuary 27, 2013 - S01E18
The Forbidden StarFebruary 3, 2013 - S01E19
Inheritor of the NameFebruary 10, 2013 - S01E20
Mimori RevolutionFebruary 17, 2013 - S01E21
Battle for AkibastarFebruary 24, 2013 - S01E22
Blue BetrayalMarch 3, 2013 - S01E23
Screaming ParadiseMarch 10, 2013 - S01E24
Beyond the DoorMarch 17, 2013 - S01E25
The Path to the TheaterMarch 24, 2013 - S01E26
No Name...March 30, 2013
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