On May 10, “The 2nd AKB48 Group Draft Kaigi” was held at Ariake Coliseum. A total of 13 teams from AKB48 (except team 8), SKE48, NMB48, HKT48, and new group NGT48 (to be launched in October) participated in the event.

The 2nd Draft Kaigi, which came to a close at Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo on May 10th, recruited a total of 24 new members into the 48 family of groups in an event like no other. A total of 47 candidates, ranging from 11-21 years of age, passed the rigorous screening process which included an interview session along with singing and dance examinations. The review process put the girls in front of group producer and mastermind Yasushi Akimoto along with management staff from AKB48, SKE48, NMB48 and HKT48.

Candidates made personal appeals to the Team Captains and prove their worth over the course of the contest which culminated in a dramatic baseball-style draft held at the Ariake Coliseum. Candidates were not able to choose their own teams, however when chosen by a team they can decline and risk losing their spot if no other teams choose them. Candidates who accept will immediately begin team participation including theater performances and lessons.

The results of the draft are as follows:

AKB48 – Yui Hiwatashi, Nao Nomura, Satone Kubo, Kira Takahashi, Rei Nishikawa, Ayu Yamabe, Erii Chiba

SKE48 – Ayuka Kamimura, Rena Isshiki, Kotono Shirai, Airi Mizuno, Maya Sugawara

NMB48 – Yuzuha Hongo, Nanami Nishinaka, Yui Shibata, Shion Hori, Yuki Muranaka, Momone Yasuda, Erina Ando

HKT48 – Hana Matsuoka, Vivian Murakawa, Maria Imamura

NGT48 – Marina Nishigata, Yuka Ogina

Source: Oricon