Yasushi Akimoto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yasushi Akimoto
秋元 康 |
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Akimoto in 2007
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| Background information | |
| Born | May 2, 1958 Meguro, Tokyo, Japan |
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| Years active | 1973–present |
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Yasushi Akimoto (Japanese: 秋元 康, Hepburn: Akimoto Yasushi, born May 2, 1958) is a famous Japanese record producer, lyricist (someone who writes song words), and TV writer. He is most known for creating popular Japanese idol groups like Onyanko Club and the AKB48 family of groups. The songs he has written have sold over 100 million copies, making him the top-selling lyricist in Japan.
Contents
Akimoto's Career
Yasushi Akimoto started his career as a television writer while he was still in high school. He has produced many TV shows, including a popular music program called Utaban.
Writing Songs
Akimoto began writing song lyrics in 1981 for the band The Alfee. Since then, he has written songs for many different artists. Some of these include Kinki Kids, Tunnels, Onyanko Club, and all the groups in the AKB48 family. He also wrote "Kawa no Nagare no Yō ni", which was the last song for the famous singer Hibari Misora. He also wrote "Umi Yuki" for Jero.
Creating Idol Groups
Akimoto is famous for creating many successful idol groups. He first created Onyanko Club. Later, he launched the hugely popular AKB48 group. This group became so successful that he created many sister groups.
AKB48 Sister Groups
- The first international sister group of AKB48 was JKT48, launched in 2011.
- SNH48 was the second international sister group, announced in 2012. In 2016, SNH48 and its sister groups became independent from AKB48. They formed their own group called SNH48 Group (or Star48), which includes BEJ48, GNZ48, SHY48, and CKG48.
- BNK48 was the third international sister group, announced in 2017.
- In 2018, more international groups were formed: TPE48, MNL48, MUM48, AKB48 Team SH, and SGO48.
Akimoto also helped create the South Korean girl group Iz*One. This was a team-up between his company AKS and Mnet. In 2016, he formed another unique idol group called 22/7. This group is special because its members are voice actresses who also perform as a musical group.
Other Projects
Akimoto also created the Chakushin Ari (One Missed Call) horror story series. It started as a novel and was made into a movie in 2003. Hollywood later remade the movie in 2008. He wrote both the book and the movie script for One Missed Call: Final.
He also got involved in female professional wrestling and introduced a wrestler named Cutie Suzuki.
In 2007, Akimoto became a professor and vice president at Kyoto University of Art and Design.
In 2014, Akimoto was chosen to be part of the committee for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He was in charge of producing the opening ceremony.
In 2017, Akimoto helped start the $4.50 Theater Company with the entertainment company Avex Inc..
By 2019, Akimoto was no longer part of the management for AKS. He continued to be the creative producer for the AKB48 Groups. In 2022, a new idol group project was announced that would use blockchain and metaverse ideas, with Akimoto Yasushi as its general producer.
Personal Life
Yasushi Akimoto married Mamiko Takai in 1988. She was a member of the idol group Onyanko Club. They have a daughter, who was born in 2001.
Awards and Recognition
Yasushi Akimoto has received many awards for his work:
- 2008: 41st Japan Lyricist Awards — Grand Prix for the song "Umiyuki".
- 2009: 51st Japan Record Award Special Award.
- 2011: 16th The AMD Award — Grand Prize.
- 2012: 54th Japan Record Award — Lyricist Award. Also, the 45th Japan Cable Award, Special Award.
- 2017: 19th Mnet Asian Music Awards — Inspired Achievement.
- 2022: Medal with Purple Ribbon.
See also
In Spanish: Yasushi Akimoto para niños
- AKB48
- Nogizaka46
- AKB48 Group
- Sakamichi Series
- Nurse Angel Ririka SOS
- Songs with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto
