AKB48 members are expanding their horizons with two separate announcements this week.

Baseball Collaboration

Sato Kise will take center stage at the Yokohama DeNA BayStars' "Push It! YOKOHAMA☆IDOL SERIES 2026" event running May 26-28. The member will team up with the official performance team diana for a special cheer performance on the field before games, continuing a collaboration that's become fan-favorite tradition.

This marks their third time working together. Sato, who counts dance as a key skill, will wear diana's outfit for the performance. "Since diana came to our Budokan concert last December, we've built a great relationship," Sato said in a statement. "This year, I want to help get everyone excited about the BayStars alongside diana."

Beyond the performance, AKB48 members will greet fans at the stadium, and lucky attendees selected through a drawing will participate in group photo sessions. Full details are available on the BayStars official website.

Acting Opportunities

Separately, AKB48 member Yamaucchi Mizuki has been cast as the lead in both a TV drama and theatrical film titled "Kioku" (Memory). The project centers on a woman uncovering the truth behind her brother, who's pretending to have amnesia.

The dual drama-and-film format represents a significant opportunity for Yamaucchi to showcase her acting range across different mediums. While specific air dates and additional cast information haven't been released, the project signals AKB48's continued push into television and film content.

These developments reflect the group's broader strategy of having members pursue solo projects and entertainment opportunities beyond music, keeping AKB48 in the public eye across multiple platforms throughout 2026.