HKT48 have announced that they will be holding their 4th generation audition next year. They have also revealed the schedule for their 2016 arena tour. 

Sashihara Rino made this announcement on December 19 on the first day of HKT48 Himawari Group's "Tadaima Renaichu" performance at HKT48 Theater. Members who didn't know about the auditions let out a scream of surprise. Oota Aika then said to the youngest member Imamura Maria, "That means Maria will have kohai (juniors)," followed by Sashihara's response, "Let's have them call you Imamura-san!"  

The audition deadline is set to February 29 at 11:59 pm. 

Meanwhile, HKT48's upcoming arena tour will kick off on Saturday, February 6 at Nippon Gaishi Hall. The group is scheduled to perform a total of 6 shows with the finale on Wednesday, March 30 at Marine Messe Fukuoka. 

Saturday, February 6 - Nippon Gaishi Hall (Aichi)
Tuesday, February 23 - Yoyogi National Gymnasium (Tokyo)
Wednesday, February 24 - Yoyogi National Gymnasium (Tokyo)
Sunday, March 20 - World Memorial Hall (Hyogo)
Tuesday, March 29 - Marine Messe Fukuoka (Fukuoka)
Wednesday, March 30 - Marine Messe Fukuoka (Fukuoka)