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AKB48 Hopeful Maria Imamura Makes Draft Shortlist — And She's Only 11-Years-Old

posted on by Lynzee Loveridge

This year marks the second AKB48 Group Draft Kaigi event, where aspiring idols audition for one of Japan's largest idol groups in hopes of making one of its sub-teams (Team A, Team K, Team B, Team 4, Team 8, etc.). One such hopeful is 11-year-old Maria Imamura who is progressing towards the finals. If she succeeds, she would be the youngest member of the team ever. She sings publicly for the first time in her audition video below.

Measuring only at 4'3", Mari has dreamed of being an idol since she was five-years-old. She was first introduced to AKB48 through her father and lists karaoke, gymnastics and dancing as her hobbies. Miyuki Watanabe (from sister groups NMB48 and SKE48) is Maria's favorite singer.

The results of the AKB48 Group Draft Kaigi 2015 will be announced on May 10 at the Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo. Candidates will be selected by team member representatives to join the groups as draft members. A total of 49 finalists will be available for selection.

Elementary school idols aren't as common but aren't unheard of. Unfortunately, a previous group called "Girlfriend" starring four girls under 13 had to ban a fan from events after he repeatedly harassed the members.

[Via Rocket News 24]


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