AKB0048 Opening

Sorry for disappearing for a few months (this will be explained in another blog post.)

Without further ado, here is another AKB0048 review! I know I should be starting to review the 2nd season, but I think the opening deserves a review as well. It will also provide a nice recap of the first season, as well as cover anything that was not mentioned in the series, especially the back stories of each of the 75th and 77th generation of understudies. There is surprisingly a lot of hints to what will be covered in the 2nd season.

(Taken from AKB48 documentary "No Flower Without Rain")

Did you notice the sakura petals? 

(Taken from AKB48 documentary "No Flower Without Rain")

AKB48 has multiple Sakura singles, which are songs that are about graduation and parting. 

The reason for the association between Sakura (cherry blossoms) and graduation is because cherry blossoms usually bloom during springtime, which is also when students graduate and start school.

(Taken from AKB48 documentary "No Flower Without Rain")

Chieri's daily life: daughter of a prestigious family, so she needs to be able to play piano, as well as learn other things that would be required of a girl of her status

Nagisa's daily life: biking to school everyday

What Chieri wants to do in life: become an idol

(hence practicing dancing at night in her room and with a mirror)

What Nagisa wants to do in life: become an idol

(hence practicing singing on a rooftop where no one can see or hear her)

AKB0048 performing Aitakatta in the background

At this point in the lyrics, they sing "todokanai" which means "cannot reach,"
hence showing a hand trying to reach AKB0048 on stage

You can see the nighttime scenery of the city, 

which is most likely referring to AKB48's roots in Akihabara

Orine's daily life: factory worker

What Orine wants to do in life: become an idol (dance when no one is looking)

Yuka's daily life: helping out with her family's restaurant

What Yuka wants to do in life: become an idol (singing in front of family and customers)
(Mayuyu and Yukirin are on TV! Oh, Team B. :D)

Reflecting the lyrics you see on screen, this was the day their dream of becoming idols were born.

Takahashi Minami the 5th

Akimoto Sayaka the 10th: known as one of the Twin Towers of Team K with Miyazawa Sae, hence it is not a coincidence that they are part of the same generation in AKB0048 and AKB48 (2nd generation). Also part of DiVA, a 10-member vocal and dance unit  

Oshima Yuko the 9th: 9 stands for 2009 which is the year the first senbatsu elections took place, and Oshima Yuko placed 2nd. This makes a lot of sense for the 2nd season as we are following the Yuko who has never been center, and who is striving to become Center Nova like Acchan. 

Itano Tomomi the 11th: 11 stands for 2011, which is the year she made her solo debut, releasing her first single "Dear J" at the end of January.

Kashiwagi Yuki the 6th & Kojima Haruna the 8th

Watanabe Mayu MK3: 3rd generation AKB48 member

Miyazawa Sae the 10th: known as one of the Twin Towers of Team K with Akimoto Sayaka, hence it is not a coincidence that they are part of the same generation in AKB0048 and AKB48 (2nd generation). Also part of DiVA, a 10-member vocal and dance unit  

Maeda Atsuko the 13th

Mimori's current life: 75th generation understudy (hence practicing at night to get better)

What Suzuko wants to do in life: become a lyricist like Quadruple-S
(Suzuko writing the lyrics you see on screen with impeccable timing)

What Sonata wants to do in life: become an idol (by practicing singing in her bedroom)

What Makoto wants to do in life: become an idol (by practicing singing at karaoke)

Kanata's current life: 75th generation understudy, who is determined to avenge her father 

Members picking up their microphones

(Taken from AKB48 Documentary "The Show Must Go On")

What does the zero stand for? The zero marks the center of the stage. Moving towards either left or right will increase the number. The distance between each of these numbers could be from 1 meter to 2 meters, depending on how they want to mark out the spacing. These numbers help the girls with positioning and formation. Other than that, this just signifies aiming for the center position. Who gets the chance to stand in line with that zero marker?

(Taken from the AKB48 documentary "No Flower Without Rain")

(The second season will focus a great deal on which member becomes the next Center Nova.)

You can see in the credits that the group that sings the opening and ending song is called "NO NAME," which is composed of the AKB Group members that are voice acting the main cast of girls (75th and 77th generation understudies) that are being focused on throughout the entire series.

The reason for the gate is most likely a reminder that AKB0048 is based on AKB48, which originated in Japan. Also, this could be an ode to the time where AKB48 actually performed at a temple. 

Akibastar to AKB0048 is like AKB48 Theatre to AKB48.

This is their birthplace, and where they continue to perform everyday.

Dance practice

There are also scenes of the main cast of characters crying. This is definitely a throwback to when AKB48 first started, and every time after they performed, someone would be crying. It was a very difficult time to go through, which is why many of the first generation members quit.

For who does the Kirara light up for?

(The second season will be focusing on this trio concerning a certain position and/or succession.)

As I pointed out in the first episode, due to their names (Chieri and Nagisa), it was quite obvious that the first season would be focusing heavily on these two. It will still continue on in the next season. 

We are the 75th and 77th generation. 

A group of girls who have not yet succeeded a name. 

Therefore, we are known as "NO NAME"

(This is actually a spoiler for the end of the second season, but you will only know when we get there.)