On April 29th, AKB48 members Watanabe Mayu, Nakaya Sayaka, and Ishida Haruka held an event at Shinjuku Balto 9 to commemorate the start of their anime series, 'AKB0048'. The girls appeared at the event dressed as their characters, and excited the crowd of 400 people.

The anime is set in the 21st Century, and it's story revolves around 9 research students of idol group 'AKB0048' who inherit the spirit of the legendary AKB48. It's first episode of 'AKB0048' aired on this night through 15 tv stations nationwide.

The event featured an advanced screening of the first and second episodes. Aside Watanabe, Nakaya, and Ishida, popular voice actresses Kanda Akemi (9th Generation Oshima Yuko), Noto Mamiko (8th Generation Kojima Haruna), Shiraishi Ryoko (5th Generation Takahashi Minami), and director Kawamori Shoji made guest appearances. The event was also broadcast live in 9 movie theaters nationwide.

Watanabe explained how she shares common features with her character saying, "How�Chieri-chan says things frankly, and how she is bad-tempered is different from me, but I think what we have in common is that we hide this passion deep within our hearts. I play my role by feeling those common features and being aware of her distinction."

Meanwhile, Nakaya commented, "Orine-chan loves scallops, and so do I. I become so happy thinking of how much we have in common. I am doing my best, and I am enjoying everyday." Ishida also said, "My role is to bring the 9 Research Students together, but I rarely bring people together or scold people, so I thought, 'what should I do?' However, I can kind of relate to her straightforwardness, so I am having fun playing this role."

The anime's opening theme, "Kibou ni Tsuite", and ending theme, "Yume wa Nando mo Umare Kawaru", will both be provided by AKB48's newest unit, 'NO NAME', which is comprised of the 9 voice actresses of 'AKB0048'. Although the release date for these songs have not been decided yet, the tv version will be available for download starting May 7th.

Take a look at pictures from the event below!

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Source & Photos: Oricon