AKB48 leaves center position vacant at Kansha-sai Concert on August 2nd

AKB48 performed their Kansha-sai (Thank you) Concert at Yokohama Arena on August 2nd.

Many wondered who would fill in for Matsui Jurina (21) of SKE48 who won the center position back in June at the 10th Annual AKB48 Senbatsu Sousenkyo (General Elections).

For the performance of the AKB48’s new song “Sentimental Train”, AKB48 decided not to let anyone take the center position and kept it vacant, awaiting for Matsui Jurina’s return.

Suda Kaori (26) who was #2 and Miyawaki Sakura (20) who was #3 at the general elections were there to perform the song with the other 13 members (who ranked in the top 16).

Suda greeted the 10,000 people in attendance and said, “Unfortunately, Matsui Jurina is unable to perform at this time, but I hope that everyone can feel the moment of the the 48 groups!”.

Matsui Jurina is recuperating from poor physical health, prior to the General Elections, she collapsed on stage.  As a precaution, on July 7th, management decided to suspend all activities for Jurina until she is healthy once again, which includes pulling her out of AKB48G activities and the “Produce48” series in South Korea which she was competing in.

There is no timetable of when Matsui will return.

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