AISubs v3.7
Good evening, everyone.
On February 24th, I was newly appointed general manager.
My name is Kayano Shinobu.
Shinobu-kun, thank you for coming today.
On February 26th, until 6 o'clock, we set up the opportunity for members
to voice their objections about the recent team reformation.
Some members started to cry on stage.
Some were very bewildered.
Some, without transfers, were concerned with what their expectations were.
Some members were very upset with the thought of leaving their own team because of their deep love.
Some had concerns about balancing studies with work.
I was also shocked with the sudden appointment as general manager.
I've only been involved with AKB48 as a costume designer.
So I don't know if I've been able to give the right answer to them.
To be honest, I still don't know.
But I don't know what they think of me.
But I listened and talked through their thoughts with them, their thoughts regarding the reformations, what they wanted to do now, and their thoughts regarding their fans and their members.
We continued discussions together.
I believe we reached a satisfactory point for everyone
concerning the recent team reformations.
Announcements for the new team reformation members will be posted on the official homepage after this.
Since the year 2005, I've been involved with the activities of AKB48.
Since auditions were held at the end of October, I've been watching them ever since.
Nobody could say their proper name at the first time.
They used to be called "AKIBA 48".
But there are now so many people like at this moment to come and see them.
And there are so many members now.
And that means the group has become so big.
Team reformations are necessary.
I'm happy for that.
But at the same time, I realize it also necessitates change.
If you allow me to talk about myself a bit...
I started out hoping to design stage costumes.
But after graduating as a stage costume assistant...
Mr. Akimoto believed in me enough to let me be in charge of costumes.
It's been eight years since.
There are many trying situations and difficulties.
Sometimes I feel like I'm wearing nothing but shoes.
Sometimes I feel lonely.
I'm still not good enough.
I've had many people help me.
And I think I'm where I am now.
And I believe all that has helped me stand where I am today.
But the members and all the fans have given me the opportunity...
To pursue my dream of becoming an idol.
Without any regrets.
And I'm grateful that I started on costumes for pop stars.
Before costumes for pop idols used to be called lame
because they weren't so called "artists".
I don't think there are many people aiming to be designers for pop idols.
But that actually made me decide to go in that direction.
If nobody wanted to create that field, I decided to become the best.
I don't know if I've been able to do that.
But as I was talking with the members, I compared their concerns with how I felt in the past.
And I would like to say, nobody knows the future.
But if you fear change, you can't go anywhere from there.
To the members, to the staff, I hope you understand this is how I feel.
I would like everyone to know there are scenes and views you can only see because you took the chance to change.
I do realize the recent team reformation was shocking and upsetting for some members and fans.
But I believe we should and we must keep moving forward.
Many members and fans have made that clear for me.
I understand there are many opinions.
And I'm sure there are those who see this and scoff at my words.
But I won't fear change.
If there are two paths, I believe the AKB48 group has the spirit to choose the more difficult one.
And this is because they really want to bring a more exciting, more moving view to all fans and supporters.
The group truly hopes to bring your new experiences and scenery to touch your heart.
I sincerely hope that every member will be able to get through this show business world and be able to make their dreams come true.
And being absolutely new at this post, I apologize for this unskilled speech.
Not much of a vocabulary and I keep stuttering, but I will give and do my best.
I'm still not completely sure what is expected of me and what I should do.
But I really love the AKB48 group.
So I give my word to do my best.
I know I'm still experienced in so many ways.
But I promise the whole staff team will give it their all.
So please, please continue to support and cheer AK before they aren't.