AKS Co, which manages megapopular all-girl idol group AKB48, announced Thursday that the group's Tohoku reconstruction support project, “Dareka no tameni” (What can I do for someone?), has raised over 1.3 billion yen as of March 12.
In 2011, right after the earthquake, the group immediately launched the fund-raising project across the nation. In addition to financial support, the girls have visited the disaster-hit areas numerous times since May 2011, holding mini-concerts, greeting fans and other seasonal events such as Christmas parties.
"AKB48 will continue with reconstruction support efforts," AKS said in a statement to media.
© Japan Today
29 Comments
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some14some
Then BOJ should be governed by AKS or AKB head not ADB :)
Daijoboots
AKB are the gear (^3^)~
Ranger_Miffy2
How exactly is the Y1.3B being used for? Houses to finally get people out of the shelters? I hope so! ADB48, please shame the Japanese government into action!
hereforever
Would be nice to see some real proof that the money is actually going to the Tohoku Region.
Daijoboots
Donations are sent to the Japanese Red Cross Society.
Do you know why people are still in temporary units?
What, from your computer screen?
Serrano
Awesome!
KariHaruka
I'm not a fan of AKB48 but good on them for helping with raising funds for the Tohoku region.
gogogo
While that is great, please clarify if that if 100% of the money raised will goto Tohoku?
nath
This is fabulous work by the girls. although it works out to about 1 million per team member!!!!
danako
Way to go AKB, using your powers for good!
danako
@Daijoboots, what is the reason, is it that if they leave they will be on their own financially?
The Chronic
Cheers, girls!
Maitake
WOw!! just Sugoi! wow so great yeah! lets raising funds. lets luring middle age otaku man! ai ai ai! kawaii! let's go Japan!
Maitake
Not far from now, it will come to light that an alarming amount of funds donated to japan were embezzled into other operations with little to do with the people suffering in tohoku region.
CrisGerSan
Over and over we see fine examples of the fine character and good hearts of the girls of the group. I am glad to see they continue to be a great role model for any and all. thanks for such a good gestures and for ongoing hard work for others.
Daijoboots
Is it that hard to check the official project website?
Daijoboots
What, leave AKB and do commercials, dramas, variety shows, guest appearances, semi-nude appearances, all-the-way-yeah-nude appearances, etc etc? You should worry about your own finances I would think.
Daijoboots
Is that so. I take it you mean donations from abroad. I think this has been covered ad nauseam. And can I have a more specific date on that "not far from now", or would specific information be all too hard?
smithinjapan
I may loathe them, but I can only thank them for this. Well done, ladies.
bajhista65
Kudos to the band. Banzai....
The question is..... was this funds raiesed accounted and audited? Where did the money went in details.
Daijoboots
Ah yes another one of those I want more information but I'm not going to bother looking myself before firing off.
basroil
Really, only 1.3? Considering they make north of 16 billion yen in revenues that year (and at least that is pure profit), you would be expecting quite a bit more (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57371627-1/otaku-band-akb48-morphs-into-$200m-business/). The guys up top are a greedy bunch.
Question remains though, why is it news now considering it's been a year since the information was released? (http://www.tokyograph.com/news/akb48-charity-efforts-have-raised-1-25-billion-yen-in-donations/)
Ron Barnes
Any help is Good . As long as it is used for the purpose it is raised. To help the people, not some one to proffit from. This group should be proud of what they have achieved, Every one should be congratuling them and their cause. Not placing negetive thoughts where a good deed has been done.
CrisGerSan
It is really great to see such a good show of community spirit and I am glad some other posters agree and see the good in this wonderful group. Not all of modern rock and music stars are selfish jerks. These are special.
Bartholomew Harte
Never forget where you come from !- Good for you, AKB47!
Wolfpack
Well no. Approximately 0.0001% of the money will go to the bus drivers that take the group members around to all of the free concerts they give in the areas hit worst by the disaster.
Fadamor
Hmm... I suppose you've managed to donate more than 10% of your gross annual income to tsunami relief? That's what you're trying to complain about here. Regardless, you're comparing apples to oranges. The 1.2 billion yen didn't come out of their CD and DVD sales (the "16 billion yen in revenues" you're trying to use as a comparison) - it came from a separate fund raiser specifically targeted for tsunami relief.
Seems to me they've received another 100,000 yen in donations over the past year and this article gives the updated numbers.
imjdmyo
As an AKB48 fan I am pleased to hear that the girls and the company is giving back.
Music Guy
Good work AKB48 members for doing free mini-concerts — and meet and greets — to cheer up the people in devastated areas. That itself is priceless!