Rumors has it that Akimoto Yasushi - the mastermind behind Japan's top idol group, AKB48 - plans to create yet another group titled Nogizaka46 under Sony Music Entertainment!

AKB48 made their major label debut with Sony Music sub-label DefSTAR Records back in 2006 with the single "Skirt, Hirari", but then decided to switch to King Records in October of 2008. Many are speculating that Nogizaka46 will serve as Sony's answer to AKB48, who rose to the top of the idol hierarchy shortly after switching labels from their company. If everything goes as scheduled, the member auditions will begin this summer in order to kick off their activities as soon as possible.

Although no confirmation about the origin of the name or even its pronunciation have been pubicly revealed, speculation by the press states that the name "Nogizaka46" may be in reference to Sony Music's headquarters, since the building is located in Nogizaka, Minato, Tokyo. The meaning of the number "46" is still a mystery.

More information will be revealed in the next issue of "Weekly Playboy", so stay tuned for updates on Nogizaka46!

Source: Weekly Playboy NEWS