The Changes in AKB48 Handshake

I didn’t experience the 1st AKB48 Handshake Event, but I experienced most of old-school AKB Handshake Event that was held at AKB48 theater before they changed the place into event hall as well as many changes on the system.

I’m expecting that the latest event will be one of the turning point of the event itself, but that wasn’t the case. There were less changes than I expected.

Major changes from last time:

1. Only those with individual tickets can enter

2. Ticket check, luggage check, metal check before you enter the venue

3. Luggage limit (one per person with limited size)

4. Fans are not allowed to bring anything in the handshake area

5. Along with that, direction of movement after HS is changed

6. No goods selling and no trading corner

Number 1,3,6: Only fans enter the venue. Trader or dealer number decreases significantly, which is good for normal fans (not interested on goods or trading)

Number 4,5: Smoother than I expected. Last time, when fans finished HS, they went through the lane and back to the open space. But this time, at first, they leave their luggage at the available space (The yellow one in the picture below) –> Handshake –> Then return to other side and pick up their luggage. The flow is smooth and people still can do their HS with no luggage to their own convenience.

Number 2: Just like airport security. I got used to traveling, so I observe the security staffs first and only chose those with good manner’s security checkpoint lane. My friend (she is a woman) used woman only section at first, but she said ”that section’s security staffs are way too strict” So, she used the common security checkpoint lane section the 2nd time around.

The handshake itself come with several changes.

1. People can do their handshake with “only” 2 types:
A.Both 2 hands
B.Fans with right hand & members with both hands.

If you choose B, you’ll have to put your left hand on the railing….err..fence…literally..during HS.

2. Staffs are way more strict

Members who know me well recognized me and call, so I stepped in, but staffs then suddenly stopped me and re-check my hands which completely unnecessary because I’ve already done it seconds ago with the “raise your hand up in the air” requirement (Three time hand check in mere minutes). Not all security staffs do this, but mainly they will check your hand over and over again even if you already did the “raise your hand up in the air” routine mere minutes ago.

I didn’t go to the the “Special Senbatsu” (like Yukirin,Mayuyu) booth, but there are many staffs guarding them. Perhaps a little bit hard to talk with the members?

Usually, when members talk with close fans, they are not holding hands when they are talking. Rather, they use it mainly for gesture just like when you talk with someone close to you. But from now on, fans will have to handshake using both hands or put the other one on the fence.

So, here is my impression: There is no big change. As far as I can see, I’m not finding much trouble with the new system.

Some of the security measures are annoying and overly done, but the main essence of the HS itself hasn’t changed. If you are normal fans (not dealers or traders, or want to do some showoff to grab the members attention), you can still enjoy the handshake event.