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Atsuko Maeda

Early Life and Background

Atsuko Maeda is a Japanese singer and actress born on July 10, 1991, in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. She is affectionately known by her nicknames Acchan, Mamemoyashi, and Daamae. While public information about her parents remains private, it is known that she has a younger sister named Miyuki.

Related Biography: Miki Nakatani

Joining AKB48 and Rise to Fame

Maeda began her entertainment career as a member of the Japanese idol group AKB48. She successfully auditioned for the group in October 2005 at the age of 14 and was placed in Team A. Her first appearance with AKB48 occurred on December 8, 2005. At the group's formation, she was one of 24 original members. AKB48 is known for its large rotating lineup and theater-based performances, and Maeda quickly gained recognition for her talent and dedication.

She often performed in the center position during concerts and music videos, a reflection of both her popularity and prominence within the group. AKB48 released several hit singles during her tenure, including “Aitakatta,” “Bingo!,” “Romance, Irane,” and “Skirt, Hirari,” among others.

Graduation from AKB48

In March 2012, Maeda announced her intention to leave AKB48 during a concert at Saitama Super Arena, an event that deeply impacted fans. Her final performance with the group took place at the AKB48 Theater on August 27, 2012. The farewell concert attracted a remarkable number of fans, with more than 200,000 ticket reservations reportedly made. The performance was streamed live on YouTube, allowing fans worldwide to participate in her send-off. Her departure, referred to as "graduation," marked the end of a major chapter in her career.


Quick Facts
Birth Date: 10 Jul, 1991
Age: 28 yrs
Occupations: Singer
Actor
Model
Child actor
Citizenship: Japan
Birth Place: Ichikawa
Gender: Female
Description: Japanese singer, actress and former member of AKB48
Spouse: Ryo Katsuji [M. 2018]
Net Worth 2021: 20 million
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Last Modified: Jul 22 2025
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