1997.09.29
Introduction
1st~3rd Generation is what we know as the Original Teams (1st Gen: Team A, 2nd Gen: Team K, 3rd Gen: Team B).
Later on, when more auditions were held, all the future successful candidates would take part of a in-training team of members that would work as sub and under for the official members in various activities (mostly the Theater Performances). And finally, when any of the official members would graduate, a girl would be promoted to fill the space.
This group of girls was called AKB48 SEED. The term was was dropped later on and changed to Kenkyuusei Members (Research Students). After more auditions were held and eventually more generations were created, the Kenkyuusei started to perform by themselves in the theater on their own stage.
In 2009 the Team Kenkyuusei was created and the Kenkyuusei Selection was held for the first time. Since then, the Kenkyuusei had more presence in the group, even being part of Senbatsu and appearing on TV shows. After the 2012 Tokyo Dome Team Shuffle, the Kenkyuusei rarely subbed for members of Team A, Team K, and Team B at theater shows any longer. This was because those teams had over 16 members, and since only 16 could perform at once, there was usually a surplus of members to perform. However, until the AKB48 Group Daisokaku Matsuri Team 4 only had 16 members, so whenever a Team 4 member could not perform a Kenkyuusei would fill her place.
Currently, with exception of the 8th generation, all the generations have at least one member in the group. The members after the 9th generation are usually referred to new generation members. Once Yokoyama Yui became captain of Team A and Iriyama Anna and Kawaei Rina joined Senbatsu, the term started to be used mainly for members after 12th generation.
By Generation
AKB48 Original Teams
1st Generation (Original Team A)
- Announced October 2005
Members (21): Itano Tomomi · Usami Yuki · Urano Kazumi · Ohe Tomomi · Oshima Mai · Orii Ayumi · Kawasaki Nozomi · Kojima Haruna · Komatani Hitomi · Sato Yukari · Takahashi Minami · Tojima Hana · Nakanishi Rina · Narita Risa · Hirajima Natsumi · Hoshino Michiru · Maeda Atsuko · Masuyama Kayano · Minegishi Minami · Watanabe Shiho | Shinoda Mariko (joined the group on 2006/1/22)
- Now in Team A (2): Kojima Haruna
- Now in Team 4 (1): Minegishi Minami
- Announced Graduation (1): Takahashi Minami
- Now Graduated (18): Usami Yuki, Orii Ayumi, Hoshino Michiru, Watanabe Shiho, Masuyama Kayano, Ohe Tomomi, Komatani Hitomi, Tojima Hana, Nakanishi Rina, Narita Risa, Kawasaki Nozomi, Oshima Mai, Urano Kazumi, Sato Yukari, Hirajima Natsumi, Maeda Atsuko, Shinoda Mariko, Itano Tomomi
2nd Generation (Original Team K)
- Announced February 2006
Members (17): Akimoto Sayaka · Imai Yuu · Uemura Ayako · Umeda Ayaka · Oshima Yuko · Ohori Megumi · Oku Manami · Ono Erena · Kasai Tomomi · Kobayashi Kana · Sato Natsuki · Takada Ayana· Noro Kayo · Hayano Kaoru · Masuda Yuka · Matsubara Natsumi · Miyazawa Sae
- Now in Team K (1): Kobayashi Kana
- Now in NMB48 (1): Umeda Ayaka
- Now in SNH48/SKE48 (1): Miyazawa Sae
- Now Graduated (13): Uemura Ayako, Imai Yuu, Takada Ayana, Hayano Kaoru, Ohori Megumi, Noro Kayo, Ono Erena, Oku Manami, Sato Natsuki, Masuda Yuka, Kasai Tomomi, Matsubara Natsumi, Akimoto Sayaka, Oshima Yuko
3rd Generation (Original Team B)
- Announced December 2006
Members (13): Inoue Naru · Ota Aika · Kashiwagi Yuki · Katayama Haruka · Kikuchi Ayaka · Saotome Miki · Tanabe Miku · Nakagawa Haruka · Nakaya Sayaka · Noguchi Reina · Matsuoka Yuki ·Yonezawa Rumi · Watanabe Mayu
- Now in Team B (3): Kashiwagi Yuki, Tanabe Miku, Watanabe Mayu
- Now in HKT48 (1): Ota Aika
- Now in JKT48 (1): Nakagawa Haruka
- Now Graduated (6): Inoue Naru, Noguchi Reina, Matsuoka Yuki, Yonezawa Rumi, Nakaya Sayaka, Katayama Haruka
- Former Kenkyuusei (1): Saotome Miki
- Candidates (5): Iso Reina, Otsuka Aki, Sakata Ryo, Fujishima Mariachika, Hori Mina
- Kikuchi Ayaka, originally a 3rd generation member, left the group but then returned in the 7th generation
AKB48 SEEDs / Kenkyuusei (4th Gen~15th Gen)
4th Generation
- Announced May 2007
Members (18): Iinuma Yurina · Uriya Akane · Oya Shizuka · Kaneko Satomi · Kuramochi Asuka · Kozuka Rina · Saeki Mika · Sato Amina · Suzuki Nae · Deguchi Aki · Nakanishi Yuka · Nakata Chisato· Naruse Risa · Fujie Reina · Fujimoto Sara · Muranaka Satomi · Yoshioka Saki · Watanabe Marie
- Now in Team A (1): Nakata Chisato
- Now in Team B (2): Oya Shizuka, Kuramochi Asuka
- Now in SKE48 (1): Nakanishi Yuka
- Now in NMB48 (1): Fujie Reina
- Now Graduated (3): Naruse Risa, Saeki Mika, Sato Amina
- Former Kenkyuusei (7): Iinuma Yurina, Uriya Akane, Kaneko Satomi, Kozuka Rina, Suzuki Nae, Yoshioka Saki, Watanabe Marie
- Muranaka Satomi left the group but then returned for the 8th generation
- Fujimoto Sara left the group but then returned for the 9th generation
- Deguchi Aki left the group but then returned to SKE48
- Saeki Mika left the group but then returned as a Baito AKB member
5th Generation
- Announced October 2007
Members (13): Arima Yuka · Ishida Haruka · Uchida Mayumi · Chikano Rina · Kitahara Rie · Kohara Haruka · Sashihara Rino · Tomita Mayu · Nakatsuka Tomomi · Nito Moeno · Hatayama Arisa ·Miyazaki Miho · Yamada Mizuki
- Now in Team K (4): Ishida Haruka, Uchida Mayumi, Kitahara Rie, Miyazaki Miho
- Now in HKT48 (1): Sashihara Rino
- Now in JKT48 (1): Chikano Rina
- Now Graduated (3): Kohara Haruka, Nito Moeno, Nakatsuka Tomomi
- Former Kenkyuusei (4): Arima Yuka, Tomita Mayu, Hatayama Arisa, Yamada Mizuki
6th Generation
- Announced April 2008
- Now in Team B (1): Takajo Aki
- Now Graduated (1): Nonaka Misato
- Former Kenkyuusei (2): Katano Yurie, Nishizawa Sara
7th Generation
- Announced December 2008
Members (10): Iwasa Misaki · Katono Mizuho · Kikuchi Ayaka · Komori Mika · Sato Sumire · Suzuki Shihori · Suzuki Mariya · Hayashi Ayano · Maeda Ami · Matsui Sakiko
- Now in Team A (2): Maeda Ami, Matsui Sakiko
- Now in Team K (1): Iwasa Misaki
- Now in Team K/SNH48 (1): Suzuki Mariya
- Now in SKE48 (1): Sato Sumire
- Now graduated (2): Komori Mika, Kikuchi Ayaka
- Former Kenkyuusei (3): Katono Mizuho, Hayashi Ayano, Ishiguro Remi
- Suzuki Shihori left the group but then returned on the 11th generation
8th Generation
- Announced April 2009
Members (14): Asai Madoka · Ishii Ayaka · Ishibe Aya · Imai Yurie · Ueki Asaka · Kaku Grace · Komizu Nanami · Sakamoto Rio · Sano Yuriko · Sugiyama Miku · Tomite Ami · Nishikawa Nanami · Miki Nikoru · Muranaka Satomi
- Former Kenkyuusei (14): Asai Madoka, Ishii Ayaka, Ishibe Aya, Imai Yurie, Ueki Asaka, Kaku Grace, Komizu Nanami, Sakamoto Rio, Sano Yuriko, Sugiyama Miku, Tomite Ami, Nishikawa Nanami, Miki Nikoru, Muranaka Satomi
- Nishikawa Nanami left the group but then returned as Nogizaka46's 2nd Generation
9th Generation
- Announced September 2009
Members (14): Ishiguro Atsuki · Ito Ayaka · Oba Mina · Kinumoto Momoko · Shimazaki Haruka · Shimada Haruka · Takamatsu Eri · Takeuchi Miyu · Nagao Mariya · Nakamura Mariko · Fujimoto Sara· Mori Anna · Yamauchi Suzuran · Yokoyama Yui
- Now in Team A (2): Shimazaki Haruka, Nakamura Mariko
- Now in Team K (3): Shimada Haruka, Nagao Mariya, Yokoyama Yui
- Now in Team B (1): Takeuchi Miyu
- Now in SKE48 (2): Oba Mina, Yamauchi Suzuran
- Now Graduated (1): Mori Anna
- Former Kenkyuusei (5): Ishiguro Atsuki, Ito Ayaka, Kinumoto Momoko, Takamatsu Eri, Fujimoto Sara
10th Generation
- Announced March 2010
Members (10): Abe Maria · Izuta Rina · Ichikawa Miori · Iriyama Anna · Iwasaki Hitomi · Kato Rena · Kanazawa Yuuki · Kobayashi Marina · Nakamata Shiori · Fujita Nana
- Now in Team A (2): Iriyama Anna, Fujita Nana
- Now in Team K (1): Abe Maria
- Now in Team B (1): Izuta Rina
- Now in Team 4 (2): Kato Rena, Kobayashi Marina
- Now in NMB48 (1): Ichikawa Miori
- Now Graduated (1): Nakamata Shiori
- Former Kenkyuusei (2): Iwasaki Hitomi, Kanazawa Yuuki
11th Generation
- Announced July 2010
Members (10): Ushikubo Sara · Okazaki Chinami · Kawaei Rina · Kawakami Marina · Kojima Natsuki · Suzuki Shihori · Toyoda Saki · Natori Wakana · Morikawa Ayaka · Yamaguchi Nau
- Now in Team A (3): Kawaei Rina, Kojima Natsuki
- Now in Team B (1): Natori Wakana
- Announced Graduation (2): Morikawa Ayaka, Suzuki Shihori
- Former Kenkyuusei (5): Ushikubo Sara, Okazaki Chinami, Kawakami Marina, Toyoda Saki, Yamaguchi Nau
12th Generation
- Announced April 2011
Members (10): Tano Yuka · Suzuki Rika · Saeed Yokota Erena · Takahashi Juri · Hirata Rina · Omori Miyu · Muto Tomu · Iwata Karen · Sasaki Yukari | Eguchi Aimi (joined the group on 2011/06/11)
- Now in Team A (2): Iwata Karen, Muto Tomu
- Now in Team K (1): Tano Yuka
- Now in Team B (2): Takahashi Juri, Hirata Rina
- Now in Team 4 (2): Omori Miyu, Sasaki Yukari
- Former Kenkyuusei (3): Suzuki Rika, Saeed Yokota Erena, Eguchi Aimi
13th Generation
- Announced September 2011
Members (16): Aigasa Moe · Amemiya Maika · Iwatate Saho · Umeta Ayano · Oshima Ryoka · Okada Ayaka · Kita Shiori · Kitazawa Saki · Shinozaki Ayana · Takashima Yurina · Hasegawa Haruna ·Mitsumune Kaoru · Murayama Yuiri · Mogi Shinobu · Moriyama Sakura · Watanabe Nene
- Now in Team K (1): Aigasa Moe
- Now in Team B (2): Umeta Ayano, Oshima Ryoka
- Now in Team 4 (6): Iwatate Saho, Okada Ayaka, Kitazawa Saki, Shinozaki Ayana, Murayama Yuiri, Mogi Shinobu
- Now Graduated (2): Mitsumune Kaoru, Takashima Yurina
- Former Kenkyuusei (5): Amemiya Maika, Kita Shiori, Hasegawa Haruna, Moriyama Sakura, Watanabe Nene
14th Generation
- Announced July 2012
Members (6): Hashimoto Hikari · Kojima Mako · Maeda Mitsuki · Nishino Miki · Okada Nana · Uchiyama Natsuki
- Now in Team K (1): Kojima Mako
- Now in Team B (2): Uchiyama Natsuki, Hashimoto Hikari
- Now in Team 4 (3): Okada Nana, Nishino Miki, Maeda Mitsuki
15th Generation
- Announced June 2013
Members (10): Ichikawa Manami · Owada Nana · Komiyama Haruka · Sato Kiara · Tsuchiyasu Mizuki · Fukuoka Seina · Mukaichi Mion · Yumoto Ami | Okawa Rio · Tatsuya Makiho (joined the group on 2013/10/28) | Ino Miyabi · Taniguchi Megu (joined the group on 2014/04/14)
- Now in Team A (4): Ichikawa Manami, Ino Miyabi, Tatsuya Makiho, Taniguchi Megu
- Now in Team K (1): Yumoto Ami
- Now in Team B (2): Owada Nana, Fukuoka Seina
- Now in Team 4 (5): Okawa Rio, Komiyama Haruka, Sato Kiara, Tsuchiyasu Mizuki, Mukaichi Mion
Transferred Members
1st Generation
- Announced February 2014
- Now in Team A (1): Nakanishi Chiyori
- Now in Team B (2): Ogasawara Mayu, Nozawa Rena
- Now in Team 4 (1): Kizaki Yuria
Kennin Members
1st Generation
- Announced March 2012
Members (2): Matsui Jurina, Watanabe Miyuki
- Now in Team K (1): Matsui Jurina
- Concurrency Ended (1): Watanabe Miyuki
- Watanabe Miyuki's Kennin position was transferred to Team S on February 24, 2014
2nd Generation
- Announced August 2012
Members (2): Ishida Anna, Kotani Riho
- Concurrency Ended (2): Ishida Anna, Kotani Riho
- Kotani Riho returned as a Kennin member for the 5th Generation
3rd Generation
- Announced April 2013
- Now in Team A (2): Furuhata Nao, Yagura Fuuko
- Now in Team K (1): Kodama Haruka
4th Generation
- Announced June 2013
Members (1): Nozawa Rena
- Concurrency Ended (1): Nozawa Rena (Transferred permanently to Team B)
5th Generation
- Announced February 2014
Members (6): Ikoma Rina, Kotani Riho, Shibuya Nagisa, Tomonaga Mio, Miyawaki Sakura, Yamamoto Sayaka
- Now in Team A (1): Miyawaki Sakura
- Now in Team K (1): Yamamoto Sayaka
- Now in Team B (2): Ikoma Rina, Tomonaga Mio
- Now in Team 4 (2): Kotani Riho, Shibuya Nagisa
Draft Members
1st Generation
- Announced November 2013
Members (6): Kawamoto Saya, Goto Moe, Shimoguchi Hinana, Takita Kayoko, Nishiyama Rena, Yokoshima Aeri
- Team A Members (2): Takita Kayoko, Nishiyama Rena
- Team K Members (2): Goto Moe, Shimoguchi Hinana
- Team B Members (2): Kawamoto Saya, Yokoshima Aeri
Team 8 Toyota Members
- Announced April 2014
Members (48): Abe Mei, Iwasaki Moeka, Okabe Rin, Okubora Chinatsu, Oguri Yui, Ota Nao, Oda Erina, Onishi Momoka, Kita Reina, Gyouten Yurina, Kuranoo Narumi, Kondo Moeri, Sakaguchi Nagisa, Sato Akari, Sato Shiori, Sato Nanami, Shitao Miu, Shimizu Maria, Shimoaoki Karin, Takaoka Kaoru, Takahashi Ayane, Tani Yuri, Tanikawa Hijiri, Chou Kurena, Nakano Ikumi, Nagano Serika,Hashimoto Haruna, Hama Sayuna, Hamamatsu Riona, Hayasaka Tsumugi, Hitomi Kotone, Hidaritomo Ayaka, Hirose Natsuki, Fukuchi Rena, Fujimura Natsuki, Honda Hitomi, Miyazato Rira, Mogi Kasumi, Moriwaki Yui, Yaguchi Moka, Yamada Nanami, Yamamoto Ai, Yamamoto Ruka, Yokomichi Yuri, Yokoyama Yui, Yoshikawa Nanase, Yoshino Miyu | Hattori Yuna (joined the group on 2014/7/26)
- Now in Team 8 (46): Abe Mei, Iwasaki Moeka, Okabe Rin, Oguri Yui, Ota Nao, Oda Erina, Onishi Momoka, Kita Reina, Gyouten Yurina, Kuranoo Narumi, Kondo Moeri, Sakaguchi Nagisa, Sato Akari, Sato Shiori, Sato Nanami, Shitao Miu, Shimizu Maria, Shimoaoki Karin, Takaoka Kaoru, Takahashi Ayane, Tani Yuri, Tanikawa Hijiri, Chou Kurena, Nakano Ikumi, Nagano Serika,Hashimoto Haruna, Hama Sayuna, Hamamatsu Riona, Hayasaka Tsumugi, Hitomi Kotone, Hidaritomo Ayaka, Hirose Natsuki, Fukuchi Rena, Fujimura Natsuki, Honda Hitomi, Miyazato Rira,Mogi Kasumi, Yaguchi Moka, Yamada Nanami, Yamamoto Ai, Yamamoto Ruka, Yokomichi Yuri, Hattori Yuna, Yokoyama Yui, Yoshikawa Nanase, Yoshino Miyu
- Now Graduated (2): Okubora Chinatsu, Moriwaki Yui
