JKT48 is an Indonesian idol group whose name is derived from its base city … Read Full Bio ↴JKT48 is an Indonesian idol group whose name is derived from its base city of Jakarta, Indonesia and the Japanese idol group AKB48. Formed in 2011, it is the first AKB48 sister group outside of Japan and adopts the concept of "idols you can meet". Fans can attend daily performances at the group's theater, which was built as a close replica to the AKB48 Theater in Akihabara.

Producer Yasushi Akimoto decided to bring the AKB48 concept to Indonesia because the group had begun to develop a fan base in the country. Indonesia's growing economy was seen as a potential market by many Japanese companies, and Akimoto established a partnership with these businesses and the country's largest media conglomerate Global Mediacom (MNC Media), the southeast Asia's largest and most integrated media group to replicate the AKB48 business model.

While JKT48 does not restrict membership by nationality, applicants must be residents of Indonesia. The group has 44 members and released its first studio album "Heavy Rotation on 16 February 2013 via Hits Records, a division of MNC subsidiary PT Star Media Nusantara. It performs songs by AKB48 and other sister groups that are translated into Indonesian.

History

2011–2012: Formation

The formation of JKT48 was announced on 11 September 2011 at an AKB48 event held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. Applicant interviews took place in late September, and the first auditions were held 8–9 October. AKB48 member Minami Takahashi also visited Jakarta during the auditions to promote JKT48 among fans of AKB48. Applicants did not have to be Indonesian citizens, but they must reside in the country. Approximately 1,200 girls auditioned for the group, and 51 were selected to proceed to the second round. Finalists were judged based on their dance performance of "ヘビーローテーション" (Heavy Rotation), from AKB48's single of the same name, and their performance of a song of their choice. JKT48's 28 first generation members, ages 12–21, were selected on 2 November. JKT48 made its first public appearance on 17 December on the live music program 100% Ampuh on Global TV and performed "Heavy Rotation", with lyrics translated into Indonesian.

As part of the concept of "idols you can meet every day", AKB48 performs daily at its theater in Akihabara. The JKT48 management team aimed to accomplish this same principle and began scouting locations in Jakarta for the group's own theater in early 2012. An unoccupied site in the fX Sudirman shopping mall was selected as the theater's eventual location, and planning for its renovation began in April. In the meantime, the first theater performances were held 17–20 May at a temporary stage in the Nyi Ageng Serang Building in Kuningan, Jakarta. The official theater opened on 8 September for daily performances with a set list of 16 songs that have been translated into Indonesian. The theater has a seating capacity of 180 and standing room for 30, and its design is a close replica of the AKB48 Theater.

JKT48 has also performed in Japan alongside other AKB48 sister groups. In its first performance in Japan, the group was a surprise guest at 2011 AKB48 Kōhaku Taikō Uta Gassen and performed the Indonesian version of "会いたかった" (Aitakatta). It also performed alongside AKB48 and other sister groups at the 62nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen with a total 210 members onstage. It also participated in the 2012 AKB48 concerts at Saitama Super Arena and Tokyo Dome.

Management began accepting applications for second generation members on 13 August 2012. Of the 4,500 applicants, approximately 200 were selected for interviews the following month. The pool was then narrowed down from 67 to 31 in a selection round held by RCTI television. All 31 finalists were eventually chosen as second generation members at a final audition on 3 November in Japan. Additionally, AKB48 members Aki Takajo and Haruka Nakagawa, whose transfers to JKT48 were announced at the Tokyo Dome concert, officially began their activities with the group on 1 November and made their theater debut on 26 December. Nakagawa became interested in Jakarta during a visit with other members of AKB48 earlier in February.

2013–present: Major debut

JKT48 was scheduled to release its debut album in January 2013, but production was hampered because of flooding in Jakarta. To celebrate the release, the group's management team had distributed 100,000 free CD singles. Each single featured an Indonesian version of one of four songs: "Heavy Rotation", "Kimi no Koto ga Suki Dakara", "Baby! Baby! Baby!", and "Ponytail to Shushu". Members, some of whom were directly affected by the flooding, later held a charity event in order to raise funds for the city's relief efforts. The debut album, titled Heavy Rotation, had a limited release at the JKT48 Theater on 16 February and went on sale in music stores nationwide on 2 March. All previously released singles were included in the album.

On 4 February 2014, JKT48 announced the names of 63 finalists that are vying to become JKT48 trainees in the third generation. On 15 February, the group announced and performed its fifth single "Flying Get".

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overture
JKT48 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

JKT48!
Everybody!
A live act never seen before
Here in world famous Jakarta, Indonesia
These angels have to come down to perform for you
Are you ready?
Are you ready?
JKT48!

JKT48!

Come on!
Are you ready??

Overall Meaning

The JKT48's song opening lyrics are a powerful and energetic call to action for the audience. JKT48 is a popular Indonesian idol girl group formed in 2011, and this song is the overture for their performances. The song begins with a call to action, a request to the audience to prepare themselves for the live act that they have never seen before. It aims at setting the energy levels high and showcasing the enthusiasm and passion of the group to its fans.

The lyrics “These angels have to come down to perform for you” highlight the dedication and commitment of JKT48 to entertain their fans. The group members are referred to as angels who have descended from heaven to perform for their audience, indicating the purity and innocence they bring to their performances. The repetition of the phrase “Are you ready?” emphasizes the anticipation and excitement of JKT48’s fans for their performances.

The song's upbeat and catchy tone represents the group's lively personality and their eagerness to entertain their fans. The lyrics may seem straightforward at first, but it carries a deeper meaning that sets the tone for the entire performance. JKT48 is all about bringing joy and happiness to their fans, and this overture effectively communicates their intentions.

Line by Line Meaning

JKT48!
This is JKT48, the well-known Indonesian idol group that has captured fans' hearts.

Everybody!
Everyone, come together and watch the show that has been prepared for you.

A live act never seen before
Experience a lively performance that is unique and unlike any other you have ever seen before.

Here in world famous Jakarta, Indonesia
You are in Jakarta, a place famous for its liveliness and culture, which makes it the perfect location for the group's performance.

These angels have to come down to perform for you
JKT48 members, who are often referred to as angels by their fans, have specially come down to perform for you.

Are you ready?
Get ready to discover a whole new dimension of music.

Are you ready?
Prepare to witness an unforgettable performance of the Indonesian idol group, JKT48.

JKT48!
JKT48, which stands for Jakarta 48, is a group that represents the city's liveliness and culture.

JKT48!
Let us chant the name of this magnificent group, JKT48, once more before the show begins.

Come on!
Let's start the show! Get ready to be energized and entertained.

Are you ready??
The group is about to start their high-energy, lively performance. Get ready to enjoy it to the fullest!

Contributed by Taylor P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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