AKB48 is gearing up for their August 19 release of "Suki ish," the group's 68th single, with a fresh main visual that marks a major milestone for one key member.

Itoh Momoka has been selected as center for the title track, making this her second consecutive single in the role. It's the first time an AKB48 member has earned back-to-back center positions in over a decade—the last being Watanabe Mayu, approximately 12 years ago.

The new visual embraces a girly, pastel-pop aesthetic. Sixteen selected members are styled in summery pastel outfits and fresh makeup, posed atop a heart-shaped record player. The imagery represents a noticeable shift from AKB48's typical presentation, giving the upcoming single a lighter, more whimsical tone.

The 16-member lineup includes Itoh alongside Akiyama Yuna, Arai Ayaka, Oguri Yui, Kawamura Yui, Kudo Kasumi, Kurano Shio Nami, Kondo Saki, Satoh Kiisei, Shimoo Miu, Chiba Eri, Nagatomo Ayami, Hashimoto Eriko, Mizushima Miyuu, Yagi Aizuki, and Yamauchi Mizuki. Notably, 20th generation trainee Kondo Saki makes her debut in a selected lineup.

Itoh has already begun promoting the single with her typical flair. In a playful riddle released alongside the visual reveal, she compared the wait for release day to "a coffee shop takeout cup," joking that both offer the pleasure of "opening"—a pun on the Japanese words for "opening" and "two months."

Fan engagement kicks off June 20 with individual handshake events at Tokyo's Ariake GYM-EX. AKB48 is introducing a new collectible experience: the "Oshi Shuuin" (fan stamp) system. For 300 yen, fans can collect venue-specific stamps in special albums across multiple events. Those who complete the entire album with stamps from different event dates unlock a direct autograph from their chosen member.

Looking ahead, AKB48 will host a three-part concert series September 26-27 at Kアリーナ横浜, each show presenting different concepts tied to the single's "ish" (maybe/sort of) theme—emphasizing uncertainty, unity, and fan interaction respectively.