AKB48′s rival is AKB48.
There are many groups, and everyone is a rival, but the true obstacle standing in our way at the moment is the AKB that has been up to this point.
I inherited the position of General Manager for this group on the 10th anniversary of its inception.
Truthfully, I’m not the best at talking, and just standing here I’m full of anxiety, but please let me make this proclamation:
I want to create a new AKB48 with the members of all groups, that won’t lose to the AKB48 that our predecessors have created for us.
The 10th anniversary live the other day is where I first thought this, but I also realized that we have a lot yet to do before we’ll be able to overcome our seniors. I believe that everyone standing on this stage is thinking that as well.
But, I also thought it would be good to make a promise to everyone here. Please, grant me that promise.