Whilst 2013 winner Sashihara Rino had her sights on defending her title, it was 3rd generation member Watanabe Mayu(20) who did the impossible. Amassing the highest amount of votes in history(~160k votes), her victory was a happy ending fans have been waiting to see for years. Read on for the Top16′s winning speeches below.
Fan votes from China had become a point of focus last year after a report surfaced on the Internet, saying China fans had gathered 9,000 votes for Sasshi in last year’s elections. Sashihara said on TV that it was not only her, other members as well were receiving votes from China. To think that her words would come true.
In this year’s elections, Mayuyu’s fanclub in China reported that they had amassed 35,000 votes, whilst Sashihara’s fanclub reported 14,000 votes. The huge difference of 21,000 votes effectively closed the gap between Mayuyu and Sasshi and even gave her ample space for victory. (Final difference in votes was 17,900.)
Whilst Sashihara’s fans in China grieved over the loss, it was inevitable as many had pulled out from voting this year since she had won before. On the contrary, Mayuyu’s fans were adamant to see their idol take the throne, and so started a crowdfunding campaign as early as February. The money collected was then used to purchase voting tickets. Their efforts were not in vain.
In this year’s elections, Mayuyu’s fanclub in China reported that they had amassed 35,000 votes, whilst Sashihara’s fanclub reported 14,000 votes. The huge difference of 21,000 votes effectively closed the gap between Mayuyu and Sasshi and even gave her ample space for victory. (Final difference in votes was 17,900.)
Whilst Sashihara’s fans in China grieved over the loss, it was inevitable as many had pulled out from voting this year since she had won before. On the contrary, Mayuyu’s fans were adamant to see their idol take the throne, and so started a crowdfunding campaign as early as February. The money collected was then used to purchase voting tickets. Their efforts were not in vain.
AKB48 seniors’messages to Watanabe Mayu(Twitter/Media Inteviews)
Maeda Atsuko: “Mayu chan! Congratulations! You’re worked really hard! It’s really great!”
Shinoda Mariko: “Mayuyu Senior!”
Kojima Haruna: “Mayu chan congrats!”/ “Mayuyu getting No.1 is something all members accept, and a form of encouragement for everyone. She isn’t talented like Sasshi. She makes us understand that we can succeed if we work hard.” / “She’s probably the only member who thinks about getting No.1 through the year. I’m happy that her efforts have been rewarded.”
Sashihara Rino: “Congratulations for getting No.1!” / “Mayuyu! Please make me some karaage next time!”
Oshima Yuko: “I’ll leave AKB48 to you.”
Minegishi Minami: “I’ll also work hard in any way i can, so please take care of me. Congratulations!”
Maeda Atsuko: “Mayu chan! Congratulations! You’re worked really hard! It’s really great!”
Shinoda Mariko: “Mayuyu Senior!”
Kojima Haruna: “Mayu chan congrats!”/ “Mayuyu getting No.1 is something all members accept, and a form of encouragement for everyone. She isn’t talented like Sasshi. She makes us understand that we can succeed if we work hard.” / “She’s probably the only member who thinks about getting No.1 through the year. I’m happy that her efforts have been rewarded.”
Sashihara Rino: “Congratulations for getting No.1!” / “Mayuyu! Please make me some karaage next time!”
Oshima Yuko: “I’ll leave AKB48 to you.”
Minegishi Minami: “I’ll also work hard in any way i can, so please take care of me. Congratulations!”