If you know me now, it’s probably like 99.9% clear that I’m pretty invested in AKB48, but more notably, a huge supporter of Mayuyu/Watanabe Mayu. However, as surprising as it may seem, when I first got into AKB48, I was far from being a Mayu oshi; I loved Amina Satou.

But let’s start from the very beginning:

I’ve been into the Nico Nico Douga “utattemita” community or fandom for about 7 years now, and the one person I practically learned to worship over those years was Hyadain (A.K.A. Kenichi Maeyamada). If you’re into anime, he was the one that sang the Nichijou opening theme songs, for example, and he also worked on composing/writing lyrics for many amazing artists.

So what does he have to do with me getting into AKB48? Well, I was bored one day and began browsing discographies on his official web page. Then, lo and behold, I saw a song called “Tonari no Banana” that he wrote for AKB48. I had always heard of AKB48 because of the numerous music shows that I watched on our Japanese TV channel, but I despised their existence. I’ve grown up thinking all idols were girls who only got popular by selling their bodies. Nonetheless, I went to look into “Tonari no Banana” anyways; mostly to laugh at.

But

Uh

I loved it. I loved “Tonari no Banana”. The song was absolutely adorable, and the dance was somewhat enticing but innocent nonetheless. I had happened to watch the Erena Ono (Erepyon) and Tomomi Kasai (Tomo~mi) version of this song, but I had immediately fell in love with Tomo~mi’s voice in particular. When I went to Google her name, I found out she was not only a member of AKB48, but she was a member of “Team B”.

What does that mean?

So I then decided to go Google “Team B” and came across a song called, “Team B Oshi”. For those who understand, “Team B Oshi” is like the HERCULES of team songs. This song not only showcases the individuality of each girl, but the girls genuinely look like they are enjoying themselves while singing it.

They’re SHINING.

As I was mesmerized by the song and the performance, one line in particular captured my attention like no other: “Nee~ Nee~ Hanbunko shiyo!” (translates to “Hey, hey~ Let’s share half!”).

I died. I died of moe overload. Her voice was my ideal voice.

Within this song, the members are given a quick introduction along with a one-liner from the member that was named, and Amina’s one-liner was what essentially made me fall into AKB48.

Why, you ask?

Because I then went to Google “Amina Satou”. I learned about her past. I learned about her present. I learned about her ambitions. I learned to love her.

Amina was my first idol oshi.

I had been into seiyuus for quite some time, so it’s not the first time that I’ve learned to love a 3D girl to this extent, but I would have NEVER thought I would get so interested in any idol group. Ever.

Amina changed my view of idols.

Not all idols are girls who sell their bodies to gain popularity.

Not all idols are girls whose only positive aspects are their cute looks.

They all have a charm of their own.

Googling Amina’s past made me fall in love with not only her, but Team B as a whole. I soon grew out of Amina and fell for Mayuyu as I started doing research on all Team B members, but to this day, I appreciate Amina for what she has done for me.

I found Mayuyu because of Amina.

I learned to be more tolerant toward idols because of Amina.