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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| 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, and television writer. He is best known for creating and producing some of Japan's most popular idol groups. These include Onyanko Club and the huge AKB48 family of groups. He has written lyrics for many songs, and his singles have sold over 100 million copies. This makes him the top-selling lyricist in Japan!
Contents
What Yasushi Akimoto Does
Yasushi Akimoto is a very creative person. He works in many areas of entertainment.
Creating Stories and TV Shows
Akimoto created the scary Chakushin Ari series, also known as One Missed Call. This started as his novel and later became a movie in 2003. Hollywood even made its own version in 2008. He wrote the book and the movie script for One Missed Call: Final.
He also started working as a television writer when he was still in high school. He has produced many TV shows, like Utaban.
Writing Song Lyrics
Akimoto began writing lyrics for songs in 1981. A lyricist writes the words for songs. He has written for many different artists. Some of these include Kinki Kids, Tunnels, and Onyanko Club.
He also wrote the lyrics for a very famous song called "Kawa no Nagare no Yō ni". This was the last song for the legendary singer Hibari Misora. He also wrote "Umi Yuki," the first song for singer Jero.
Building Idol Groups
Akimoto is famous for creating many successful idol groups. He started with Onyanko Club. Later, he created the huge AKB48 franchise. This includes many groups like AKB48, SKE48, NMB48, HKT48, Nogizaka46, and Keyakizaka46.
He also helped create international sister groups for AKB48. These groups are based in other countries. The first was JKT48 in Indonesia, which started in 2011. Then came SNH48 in China in 2012. Later, groups like BNK48 (Thailand), TPE48 (Taiwan), MNL48 (Philippines), MUM48 (India), AKB48 Team SH (China), and SGO48 (Vietnam) were formed.
He also worked with a South Korean company to form the girl group Iz*One. In 2016, he helped create 22/7, a unique idol group where members are both voice actresses and performers.
Other Projects
Akimoto has also been involved in female professional wrestling. He helped introduce the wrestler Cutie Suzuki.
In 2007, he 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.
As of 2019, Akimoto focuses on being the creative producer for the AKB48 Groups. In 2022, he announced a new idol group project that will use blockchain and metaverse ideas.
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
- 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
- 2012: 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
