AKB48 are a Japanese idolgirl group formed in January 8th, 2005. As of April 5, 2020, the group consists of 135 members, divided among several teams: Team A with 21 members, Team K with 21 members, Team B with 21 members, and Team 4 with 26 members, Team 8 with 46 members, the last of which have 30 members serving concurrently with other AKB48 teams. There are [|Kenkyusei members], nine of whom serve on specific teams as understudies, and one of whom was recruited as a group of general understudies. Each of the teams has its own theme: according to member Misaki Iwasa, Team A represents freedom, Team K has a strong and powerful image, Team B is very idol-like with cutesy costumes, and Team 4 represents "the future of AKB48". The member lineup often changes as when girls get older, they "graduate" from the group, and are replaced by members promoted from the trainees. Monica Hesse of The Washington Post describes the AKB48 audition process as "rolling American Idol-esque". The group has publicized special events for choosing the promotional and recording lineup for some of its singles. In 2009, the concept of was introduced. To obtain a ballot, voters have to buy the group's latest "election single", or sign up the official paid fanclub. The members who receive the most votes will get to participate in the recording of AKB48's next single, and are heavily promoted. The highest voted member earns the right to be the center performer during the group's live performances. Mion Mukaichi is the current leader or "general manager" of AKB48 and all of its sister groups. The results from AKB48's annual general elections from 2009–2018 are included. Dark gray cells indicate that the member did not take part in that election. Light gray cells marked "N/A" indicate the member took part in the election, but did not rank. Members who ranked between #81 and #100 are also denoted by light gray cells. Members are listed by order below as they appear on the official website's roster as of 2020.
Team Red
Team A is associated with the color pink, the current captain is Rin Okabe.
Team B is associated with the color blue, the current captain is Saho Iwatate.
Team 4
Team 4 is associated with the color yellow, the current captain is Yuiri Murayama.
Kenkyuusei supporting Team 4
Team 8
Team 8 was formed in April 2014 and originally included 47 members, each representing one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Their team color is navy. At the December 2017 team shuffle event, it was announced that the Team 8 members are to hold concurrent positions with one of the other AKB48 Teams A, K, B, and 4. They are a team sponsored by Toyota.
