Earlier, we mentioned rumors regarding the formation of�AKB48's new "official rival," Nogizaka46. �Now, more information has been released, confirming that a new rival group will be formed.

On June 28th, it was confirmed that AKB48�s producer Akimoto Yasushi will form a new group, Nogizaka46. The group will differ from AKB48�s sister groups SKE48, NMB48, and SDN48 as they will operate as �AKB48�s Official Rivals� in their idol activities. �The members will be chosen through open auditions starting on July 20th.

The members of Nogizaka46 will be hand-picked and produced by Akimoto and Sony Music. According to Akimoto, the �Nogizaka� part of the group name comes from the location of the last stage of the auditions, the �SME Nogizaka Building,� while the �46� comes from the idea that �Although there are fewer members than AKB48, they will not lose.�

For general open auditions, the first stage of auditions will occur on July 20th (selection by paper application); the second stage of auditions will occur on August 6th and 7th in 7 places throughout Japan (Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Okinawa) (selection through interview); and the last stage of auditions will occur on August 20th and 21st (selection through talents/skills). �The first generation of Nogizaka46 will be composed of 20 members; starting in October, those who successfully pass through all the stages of auditions are set to appear in variety programs on television and will have a CD debut through Sony Music Records.

For further information regarding auditions or other activities of the group, please visit their official website.

Source and Photo: Oricon