It's been announced that popular idol group AKB48 will be opening a new official fan club called "Nihon-bashira no Kai" to celebrate the 6th anniversary of AKB48 Theater.

Their previous fan club, "Bashira no Kai", stopped accepting new members in September of last year due to ticket resale problems. Ever since it officially shut down its services, there were many fans who had hoped for a new fan club.

The name "Nihon-bashira no Kai" carries the meaning of, "Like the two pillars that support the theater, we want fans to support AKB48. Also,� just like those two pillars are necessary for the theater, the fans are also necessary to AKB48."

The enrollment fee is 1,000 yen (approximately $13 USD), and the annual membership fee is 480 yen (approximately $6). Members of the fan club will be able to pre-order tickets for AKB48 Theater, and gain� access to other AKB48-related events.

Source: Oricon