Atsuko Maeda: Difference between revisions

Maeda was born July 10, 1991 in Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan. She was described as a shy and quiet child growing up, but at 14 years old she auditioned for a new "idol" group in Akihabara, Tokyo. The group, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AKB48 AKB48], was to be produced by the well known lyricist and producer [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasushi_Akimoto Akimoto Yasushi]. In December, 2005, Maeda was accepted to be part of the first generation of AKB48 members along with 20 other girls. Originally, the group had no defined "center", but by 2007 Maeda was named "center" of the group. She appeared on all 27 AKB48 singles that were released while she was a member, and for the vast majority of them she stood in the front position. Further, Maeda was twice voted "most popular AKB48 member" in the group's yearly "election", where fans vote for their favorite member.  

During her time as an AKB48 member, she was able to act in various dramas and movies. She won various awards for her acting as well, the most prestigious being the 35th Japan Academy Awards' Popularity Award, for her work in the movie ''Moshidora''.  

In March 2012, Maeda announced she would be leaving AKB48 to focus on acting work. She officially "graduated" from AKB48 on August 27, 2012, the day after the group's largest concert to date (at that time) in Tokyo Dome. Since her departure from the group, she has participated in various acting roles, one of which was as narrator for the 25th Pikachu Short.