Will handshake events return for AKB48G and Zaka groups?

As Japan is slowly easing restrictions in Japan, the novel coronavirus has effected the entertainment world, which includes the AKB48 groups, Nogizaka46, Keyakizaka46, Hinatazaka46 groups.

Where many of these groups have prospered due to CD single sales which included tickets for handshake events, it’s a system that has lasted for over a decade but will it continue post-coronavirus?

What is known is that as restrictions are removed, there are still going to be concerns about the coronavirus until a vaccine becomes available to the public.  But with news of vaccines being announced and testing still needing to be done, and not knowing who had the vaccine or not, will become problematic for these idol groups built on this system.

Will a new CD single be released by any of these groups in the near future?

If so, the only way is to find out ways for idol groups to interact their fans without putting themselves in danger.

One aspect is by doing merchandise sales to online autographs and video call messaging.  And for the most part, if the fans support a new change to the system in the Reiwa era, these idol groups can continue to thrive.

---