AKB48 Rocks Taipei in July: 3 Members Chosen from 100 to Highlight Local Attractions

▲AKB48 members Katakawa Yuka (left), Kikuchi Ayaka, and Abe Maria will star in the travel show “AKB48’s Youyou Taipei.” (Photo provided by Taipei City Department of Information and Tourism)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

To promote 101 tourist highlights in Taipei to Japanese travelers, the Taipei City Government’s Department of Information and Tourism specially invited members of the Japanese girl group AKB48 to film the travel show “AKB48’s Youyou Taipei.” After a six-month selection process, three leading ladies were finally chosen to visit Taiwan: Katakawa Yuka, Kikuchi Ayaka, and Abe Maria. This also marks the group's first overseas activity following the 5th AKB48 General Election.

The travel show “AKB48’s Youyou Taipei,” starring Katakawa Yuka, Kikuchi Ayaka, and Abe Maria, will be filmed from July 1 to July 4—a total of four days and three nights. This marks the first time AKB48 members have participated in an event or filming session lasting more than three days since the group’s inception.

The three selected members—Katakawa Yuka, Kikuchi Ayaka, and Abe Maria—were all very proactive in pursuing the opportunity to film a travel show in Taiwan. Abe Maria, who aspires to taste delicious food from around the world, has long wanted to try Taipei’s cuisine. Kikuchi Ayaka, who loves beauty, heard that Taipei has beauty remedies that can make you laugh and cry, and was determined to experience them. Katakawa Yuka, who has visited Taipei many times, was most touched by the city’s warm and friendly atmosphere.

The show “AKB48’s Youyou Taipei” will primarily feature scenic spots such as Beitou Hot Spring, Raohe Street Night Market, and Ximending. The three members—Katakawa Yuka and the others—will each search for their own “life highlight” in Taipei before coming together to experience the most moving aspects of the city. The show is scheduled to air in Japan in late August.