Atsuko Maeda

Quick Facts: Who was Atsuko Maeda?

Subject:

Atsuko Maeda

Known for:

Japanese actress and singer, best known for her time as a prominent member of AKB48.

Born:

1991-07-10

Century / Era:

1991s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Atsuko Maeda (前田 敦子, Maeda Atsuko; born July 10, 1991) is a Japanese actress and singer best known for being a former member of the idol girl group AKB48. Nicknamed Acchan (あっちゃん), she was one of AKB48's most prominent members at the time with such monikers as the "absolute ace", "immovable center", and the "face of AKB". After graduating on August 27, 2012, Maeda has since then continued with a solo singing and acting career. Maeda was born in Ichikawa, Chiba. At age 14, she became a member of AKB48's first group, Team A, which was composed of 24 girls and debuted on December 8, 2005.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 2009, Maeda won the first edition of AKB48's annual general elections and played center for the group's 13th single, "Iiwake Maybe". The following year, she placed second overall to Yuko Oshima, but still had a significant choreography position in the lineup for "Heavy Rotation". Later that year, AKB48 employed a rock-paper-scissors tournament to determine the top spot of AKB48's 19th major single "Chance no Junban". Maeda placed 15th, which secured her a spot on the title track. Maeda also won the group's third general election held in 2011.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Maeda was one of the members who sang on every AKB48 title track since the group's inception. Her streak of A-side appearances ended in 2011, when she lost to Team K captain Sayaka Akimoto at a rock-paper-scissors tournament which determined the featured members for the group's 24th single "Ue kara Mariko". On March 25, 2012, during an AKB48 Concert at the Saitama Super Arena, Maeda announced that she would leave the group. This caused a large buzz in the Japanese news, and spawned a rumor (later proven false) a student from University of Tokyo had committed suicide over the announcement. AKB48 later announced that Maeda would leave after the Tokyo Dome concerts; For her final performance, there were 229,096 requests filed for seat tickets.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1991 (1991-07-10): Birth of Atsuko Maeda — Japanese actress and singer, best known for her time as a prominent member of AKB48.
2. 2005: 2005 Milestone — At age 14, she became a member of AKB48's first group, Team A, which was composed of 24 girls and debuted on December 8, 2005.
3. 2009: 2009 Milestone — In 2009, Maeda won the first edition of AKB48's annual general elections and played center for the group's 13th single, "Iiwake Maybe".
4. 2011: 2011 Milestone — Maeda also won the group's third general election held in 2011.
5. 2012: 2012 Milestone — After graduating on August 27, 2012, Maeda has since then continued with a solo singing and acting career.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Atsuko Maeda

True or False: “Did Atsuko Maeda's final farewell performance from AKB48 occur on August 27, 2012?”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): Yes, her farewell performance and ceremony took place on August 27 at the AKB48 theater.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1991 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1991
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Frequently Asked Questions about Atsuko Maeda