An article about Takamina, entitled The Leader Who Supports AKB48 “Takamina”, has recently been posted on Real Life Web. Special thanks goes out to htmfan for sharing the article with me / requesting it to be translated – thank you so much! ❤ As always I cannot guarantee for my translation to be 100% spot on perfect (I have a few notes at the end pointing out certain sentences I couldn’t make out), however I gave it my best and I like to believe I managed to capture the overall mood of the article 🙂 It’s a wonderful read that truly honors and praises Takamina, so check it out below!
The Leader Who Supports AKB48 “Takamina” (2011-01-20)
Together Team A, Team K, Team B, as well as SDN48 and kenkyuusei (research students) make up the considerably large, very popular AKB48 family. Furthermore, the members are girls who participate and play an active part in the entertainment world. How on earth are these girls organized?
“It has been said that [this is due to] the large presence of Takahashi Minami, also known as Takamina,” said an entertainment writer. Takahashi passed the “AKB48 Opening Member Audition,” entering the group with other AKB48 members. *
In AKB48, the petite Takahashi is 148 centimeters tall, and is currently the Team A captain. It has been said that when AKB48 and their staff connect in a circle and cheer to encourage each other during concerts, it is always Takahashi who serves as a representative and gives a speech at that time. Writer Iwasaki Natsumi has praised her leadership. While events such as elections, the Janken tournament, etc. can put a strain on the relationships [of the members], it is certainly amazing how [Takahashi] puts an end to it and has the great ability to organize and unite them. **
“She is not only a member of AKB48, but she is also highly respected by fans. It has been revealed that the member that is most respected and honored is ‘Takamina.’” (Public entertainment writer)
However, while it is acknowledged that she [Takahashi] is best at having the ability to bring this band together, it has been said that it is unknown how long she will be able to continue doing this.
Last year, as stated in her first photobook, Akimoto Yasushi said “Takahashi Minami is AKB48.” From now on, Takahashi will play an active role in the framework of AKB48, no matter where or what activities she does. ***
http://npn.co.jp/article/detail/83009476/
Chobi’s Translator Notes
* Couldn’t understand the next sentence; something about the audition and Akimoto Yasushi being one of the judges
** Subsequent sentence was a little unclear as well, something about how spectators feel about Takamina.
*** Not too sure about this paragraph; it was a bit difficult to translate as well.
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AKB48 Request Hour Set List Best 100 2011
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Tottemo♥Takamina! 