AKB48 Group Resumes Handshake Events

 AKB48 has announced that they will hold handshake events again. After the attack on May 25th all handshake events had been cancelled but now the AKB48 group starts to reestablish them.

On July 5th, the AKB48 Group theater version handshake event for [Mae Shika Mukanee] will be held in Tokyo. And on July 6th, NMB48 will hold a national handshake event in Osaka.

For both events stricter security rules have been decided. At the entrance belongings will be checked and the bags you are allowed are limited to one per person with a maxium size of 90 cm (height, width and length). Those who don't have a handshake ticket also can't enter the venue. Metal detectors will also be established. Those who bring beverages will have to taste it in front of staff members and all non-drink liquids will have to undergo some kind of security check (for the NMB48 event any liquids that are not for drinking aren't allowed at all). Cans and glass bottles are not allowed. Before the actuall handshake with a member baggage has to be put aside at a designated spot outside the handshake booth. Offcial goods shop, trading areas, places for exchaging birthday message cards, girls-only area and family area which are usually set up at such an AKB48 event will not be set up this time. For the NMB48 event, goods will be sold.

Some other information on the NMB48 event: This time only 15 members, all part of senbatsu, will be present. A mini-live usually held at national handshake events will not be performed.