AKB0048 - Episode 13

Mayuyu is best アイドル~

I laughed. I cried. I became a fan of AKB48. The season finale of AKB0048 further cemented its reputation as the season's most surprising and underrated anime. I was captivated throughout—to the point where I almost forgot that I was supposed to be editing while watching it along with the pre-edit translation—and felt my chest tighten with joy at several parts during the concert as I was overcome by how heartwarming it all was. The mostly successful performance allowed each understudy to shine like they had never done so before, bringing out the best in each of them, especially Nagisa and Chieri. Even better for me was that I got to hear Mayu sing solo (as Chieri) and that Chieri's realization midway through will probably remove some of the unnecessary hate she has garnered because of her easily misunderstood actions and words towards Nagisa as of late.

Information on insert songs used in this episode can be found below.

But the highlight of it all came right at the end via an announcement that I had been dying to see. Yes, that is the official confirmation on the second season of AKB0048. And although it's slated to air in 2013, meaning I'll have to wait about a year, the plethora of AKB48 content circulating online will definitely help to lessen the pain of having to wait. According to some unconfirmed rumors, the next season will talk about elections, a major event in the world of AKB. With the 4th Senbatsu General Election having taken place earlier in June (where Mayuyu placed 2nd <3), it'll be interesting to see if season two will be aired around the time next year's elections (which I hope Mayuyu wins) take place.

All in all, AKB0048 was probably my favourite anime of the Spring 2012 season. I had not only enjoyed watching it, but was also able to immerse myself in the world of 3D idols—an area which I had never before considered getting into. Looking at the near future, I'll be waiting for the releases of Mayuyu's second single (July 25th), the OP/ED single (August 1st), and AKB48's 27th single (August 29th). As for my weekly dosage of idols, AKBINGO! will take care of that. Nonetheless, Sundays will never be the same again without AKB0048.
AKB48が大好き~!

Insert Songs
Kanji	Romaji	English	Links
渚のCHERRY	Nagisa no CHERRY	Cherry of the Sea Shore	Lyrics | Video (Mayuyu ♥)
約束よ	Yakusoku yo	It's a promise	Lyrics | Video
Note: The OP, ED, and another NO NAME song (虹の列車) were also used.