List of AKB48 members
AKB48 are a Japanese idol girl group formed on December 8, 2005. As of October 28, 2021, the group consists of 86 members, divided among several teams: Team A with 14 members, Team K with 12 members, Team B with 14 members, and Team 4 with 13 members, and Team 8 with 33 members. 27 members of Team 8 hold a concurrent position with another team. Each of the teams has its own theme: according to member Misaki Iwasa, Team A represents freedom, Team K has a strong and powerful image, Team B is very idol -like with cutesy costumes, and Team 4 represents "the future of AKB48". The member lineup often changes as when girls get older, they "graduate" from the group, and are replaced by members promoted from the trainees. Monica Hesse of "The Washington Post" describes the AKB48 audition process as "rolling "American Idol"-esque". The group has publicized special events for choosing the promotional and recording lineup for some of its singles. In 2009, the concept of was introduced. To obtain a ballot, voters have to buy the group's latest "election single", or sign up the official paid fanclub. The members who  receive the most votes will get to participate in the recording of AKB48's next single, and are heavily promoted. The highest voted member earns the right to be the center performer during the group's live performances. Mion Mukaichi is the current leader or "general manager" of AKB48 and all of its sister groups. The results from AKB48's annual general elections from 2009–2018 are included. Dark gray cells indicate that the member did not take part in that election. Light gray cells marked "N/A" indicate the member took part in the election, but did not rank. Members  who ranked between #81 and #100 are also denoted by light gray cells. Members are listed by order below as they appear on the official website's roster . Team A. Team A is associated with the color pink. The current captain is Rin Okabe. Team K. Team K is associated with the color green. The current captain is Haruka Komiyama. Team B. Team B is associated with the color blue. The current captain is Saho Iwatate . Team 4. Team 4 is associated with the color yellow. The current captain is Yuiri Murayama. Team 8. Team 8 was formed in April  2014 and originally included 47 members, each representing one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Their team color is navy. At the December 2017 team shuffle event, it was announced that the Team 8 members are to hold concurrent positions () with one of the other AKB48 Teams A, K, B, and 4. The team was sponsored by Toyota from 2014 to 2021. Members of Team 8 are colloquially referred to as "Eighters."