Debut Single from HKT48

New idol group HKT48 will release their debut single on March 20th. The group is named after the Hakata-ku ward in Fukuoka, where the group was initially intended to be based, but the HKT48 Theater is actually located at the Hawks Town Mall in Chūō-ku.

HKT48 is the latest sister group to AKB48, though plans for the group were first revealed back in 2008. They were officially announced as a group on May 1st 2011 at an AKB48 handshake event, where it was stated that auditions were open for girls aged between 11 and 22.

After auditions, as well as dance and vocal training, the twenty-one first-generation members of HKT48 were first revealed at an AKB48 handshake event on October 23rd 2011. The group debuted at the HKT48 Theater on November 26th 2011.

In June 2012 auditions were held for HKT48's second generation and AKB48 member Sashihara Rino transferred to the group. Later that year, Ota Aika also transferred to HKT48, and the second generation was revealed on September 23rd.

The group is now ready to release their debut single, which is currently untitled, but it is known that it will be revealed in three different editions. Each edition will come with a DVD and will also have a first press bonus. Details regarding the single's title, tracklist and bonuses will be revealed closer to its release date.