AKB48

The undisputed juggernaut of idol pop groups can be found on the top floor of the Don Quijote department store, where a band called AKB48 give a new meaning to the term "girl group".

Travel news, travel guides and reviews | guardian.co.uk Chris Michael 2009

"Mr. Akimoto is not just developing an artist, he's developing a business model," says Alan Swarts, a vice president at MTV Japan, who asked AKB48 to present a June charity concert for victims of this year's earthquake and tsunami.

Japan Goes Gaga Over a 92-Member Girl Group Andrew Joyce 2011

With AKB48, you have each member making her own efforts, and as a whole you can see that everyone in the group is trying her best.

Japan Goes Gaga Over a 92-Member Girl Group Andrew Joyce 2011

As Japan continues to struggle with its prolonged economic slump, AKB48 has become a one-group stimulus package.

Japan Goes Gaga Over a 92-Member Girl Group Andrew Joyce 2011

The sheer number of girls in AKB48 means that members in different aggregations can perform almost every night at their own theater in Tokyo's Akihabara district, the heartland of Japan's otaku culture.

Japan Goes Gaga Over a 92-Member Girl Group Andrew Joyce 2011

Reuters Members of AKB48 and sister groups from other cities in Japan performed this summer in Taipei.

Japan Goes Gaga Over a 92-Member Girl Group Andrew Joyce 2011

Also, the musical guest AKB48 generated a good deal of buzz too.

Ed’s NYAF Convention Report » Manga Worth Reading 2009

The secret of success isn't pop perfection, says the man behind AKB48.

Japan Goes Gaga Over a 92-Member Girl Group Andrew Joyce 2011

Among women, individual stars have become popular for their personal off-duty styles, some way removed from the AKB48 schoolgirl uniform look.

Japan Goes Gaga Over a 92-Member Girl Group Andrew Joyce 2011

"AKB48 are unfinished," says Yasushi Akimoto , AKB48 lyricist, producer and mastermind.

Japan Goes Gaga Over a 92-Member Girl Group Andrew Joyce 2011