The 'Goddess of the Theater' Murayama Yuiri who has performed 1,300 times, the most in history, reflects on the last performance before the AKB48 Theater renovation on September 1st
The AKB48 Theater in Akihabara, Tokyo, which opened in 2005, will enter renovations after the "AKB48 Theater's Final Performance Before Renovation ~Thank you for the memories of 6843 days and 6552 performances~" on September 1st. On the 19th, Murayama Yuiri (27), known as the "Goddess of the Theater" for her record-setting 1,300 appearances, reflected on her feelings for the current theater, which she considers her "starting point," and also expressed her anticipation for the new theater, which will reopen on December 8th, its 19th anniversary.
Having stood on the AKB Theater stage more than anyone else, she harbors complex feelings about its renovation. When she first heard about it, her honest reaction was "sadness." She said, "It was my second home, a power spot, and a place of learning. I grew up in this theater. I’m feeling lonely that it will change significantly." She looked around the theater floor, savoring every moment.
In approximately 13 years of tenure, she reached the highest number of theater appearances in history. “I was just having fun on stage, and before I knew it, I've already reached 1,300 performances.” During the time when the team system was in place, she was prepared to step in for any member who was ill, whether it was for performances for Teams A, K, B, or 4. This effort contributed to the impressive number of performances she accumulated.
Murayama and the other 13th generation members joined in 2011, when the group was in its peak. She entered senbatsu more than six years after joining the group. “I realized that it's not just fun and games. I saw the harsh reality. I was compared to others, I didn't know how to gain popularity, and I couldn't see my goals. The days when I couldn't attend school continued, so I once made up my mind to quit when I was a kenkyuusei. It was to the point where I was ready to announce my graduation on the blog the next day.” However, it was the theater staff at the time who persuaded her to stay.
Above all, one reason Murayama decided to stay was the presence of her senpai, Nakata Chisato. She expressed her gratitude, saying, "I was not very good at dealing with my seniors, except Chiichan (Nakata) who has given me great support." As the number of outside work for senbatsu members increased, "Chiichan continued to perform at the theater. And when she told me, 'It's hard to convey the importance of treasuring the theater to the juniors,' I became determined to protect the theater myself." It marked the beginning of her journey to becoming the "Goddess of the Theater".
From that point onwards, her activities focused heavily on the theater. She even cried over her reduced opportunities to perform in the theater when she entered senbatsu and was given outside jobs. After the group's general election's system changed to a candidacy system, she also decided to not participate in it. "I'm not denying the worth of general elections, but I felt it wasn't suited to me, and I didn't want to burden my fans. I wanted them to come to the theater instead," she explained as she maintained a firm resolve to prove that one could still become a popular member by continuously performing at the theater.
Even after experiencing live performances at venues like Tokyo Dome, she emphasized, "I love the AKB Theater the most." She highlighted the charm of the theater’s exclusive intimate setting, saying, "With the concept of being 'idols you can meet', the theater's "sublime proximity" is part of its charm."
From September 2nd, they will be travelling all over Japan for "AKB48 Theater 'Under Construction' Nationwide Tour," with the stage that Murayama produced. Additionally, the new theater, which will be inaugurated on December 8th with an original new stage written by Akimoto Yasushi, is hinted to have 'an even more dream-like world view.'
Murayama intends to continue performing at the new theater. She expressed her determination, saying, "I don’t want anyone to surpass my record (for the most performances)." She added, "For me, the theater is what it means to be in AKB. I've revealed all my emotions here. I want to give back to this theater for the rest of life. I'll work hard so that I can remain the Goddess of the Theater, even after the renovation," reflecting her strong resolve.
