Atsuko Maeda: Movies & Box Office

Atsuko Maeda (前田 敦子, born July 10, 1991) is a Japanese singer and actress who first rose to prominence as the centerpiece of the idol group AKB48. She was recruited at age 14 and debuted with Team A on December 8, 2005, quickly becoming known as the group’s “absolute ace,” the “immovable center,” and the “Face of AKB.” Her popularity was solidified when she won the inaugural AKB48 general election in 2009, earning the leading position on the single “Iiwake Maybe,” and she continued to dominate subsequent elections, including a victory in 2011. Maeda’s presence was a constant on every A‑side track until 2011, when a rock‑paper‑scissors tournament shifted her from the title lineup, marking the end of an era but also showcasing her versatility within the ensemble. On March 25, 2012, she announced her graduation from AKB48, a decision that generated massive media attention and culminated in a farewell performance on August 27, 2012, which attracted over 229,000 ticket requests. After leaving the group, Maeda launched a solo music career; her debut single “Flower” topped the Oricon weekly chart with 176,967 copies sold in its first week, and subsequent releases such as “Time Machine Nante Iranai” and “Seventh Code” also achieved high chart positions. Parallel to her music endeavors, Maeda built a substantive acting portfolio, beginning with a supporting role in Ashita no Watashi no Tsukurikata (2007) and progressing to lead roles in films like Moshidora (2011), The Complex (2013), and Seventh Code (2014), the latter of which she also performed the theme song for. Her television work includes appearances in popular series such as Majisuka Gakuen, Hanazakari no Kimitachi e, and Busujima Yuriko no Sekirara Nikki. In 2018 she married actor Ryo Katsuji, gave birth to a son the following year, and announced their amicable divorce in 2021. Today Maeda remains an influential figure in Japanese entertainment, continually expanding her artistic range while maintaining a dedicated fan base.