AKB48, sister groups at event in Shanghai

AKB48, sister groups at event in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, China - Japanese pop group NMB48 member Sae Murase communicates with fans at a meet-the-fans event with AKB48 and other sister groups on July 29, 2014, in Shanghai, China. The event also aims to promote tourism and enhance exchanges among youth in Asia.

Kansai's 1st AKB48 cafe

Kansai's 1st AKB48 cafe

OSAKA, Japan - Some members of all-girl pop groups AKB48 (1st to 4th from R) and NMB48 (1st to 3rd from L) pose with drinks at AKB48 Cafe & Shop Namba in Osaka on April 3, 2012. The first AKB48 outlet in the Kansai region will open the following day.

NMB48 members promote croquettes

NMB48 members promote croquettes

KOBE, Japan - Three members of NMB48, an all-girl pop group based in Osaka's Namba district, serve customers at a croquette shop in Kobe, near Osaka, on Oct. 17, 2011. The operator of the shop, Rock Field Co., and the idol group joined hands to sell new croquette products and the group's single to be released Oct. 19.

NMB48 ready to begin regular performance

NMB48 ready to begin regular performance

OSAKA, Japan - Members of the all-girl pop group NMB48 pose during a press conference in Osaka on Dec. 4, 2010 ahead of the start of their regular stage performance on New Year's Day. NMB48 is an Osaka-based sister unit of the already popular AKB48 based in Tokyo.

NMB48 members promote croquettes

NMB48 members promote croquettes

KOBE, Japan - Three members of NMB48, an all-girl pop group based in Osaka's Namba district, serve customers at a croquette shop in Kobe, near Osaka, on Oct. 17, 2011. The operator of the shop, Rock Field Co., and the idol group joined hands to sell new croquette products and the group's single to be released Oct. 19. (Kyodo)

Kansai's 1st AKB48 cafe

Kansai's 1st AKB48 cafe

OSAKA, Japan - Some members of all-girl pop groups AKB48 (1st to 4th from R) and NMB48 (1st to 3rd from L) pose with drinks at AKB48 Cafe & Shop Namba in Osaka on April 3, 2012. The first AKB48 outlet in the Kansai region will open the following day. (Kyodo)

AKB48, sister groups at event in Shanghai

AKB48, sister groups at event in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, China - Japanese pop group NMB48 member Sae Murase communicates with fans at a meet-the-fans event with AKB48 and other sister groups on July 29, 2014, in Shanghai, China. The event also aims to promote tourism and enhance exchanges among youth in Asia. (Kyodo)

NMB48 ready to begin regular performance

NMB48 ready to begin regular performance

OSAKA, Japan - Members of the all-girl pop group NMB48 pose during a press conference in Osaka on Dec. 4, 2010 ahead of the start of their regular stage performance on New Year's Day. NMB48 is an Osaka-based sister unit of the already popular AKB48 based in Tokyo. (Kyodo)