AKB48 creator reveals plans for "study abroad project" Posted: 23 July 2012 1420 hrs TOKYO: The man behind Japanese girl group AKB48, Yasushi Akimoto, revealed plans for a "study abroad project" over his Google+ account on Friday. Akimoto explained that the project is designed to give members of AKB48 along with its splinter groups across the Asia ? JKT48 in Indonesia, SNH48 in China and TPE48 in Taiwan ? a chance to temporarily join their sister groups and possibly gain some experience working overseas. "They [applicants] must teach, learn and a lot more... The period of time is scheduled from 6 months to one year," said Akimoto. "The study abroad program is only for those who wish to apply." Akimoto's announcement has since sparked discussions among AKB48 fans about who will most likely apply. Some believe the least popular members of the groups will try their luck overseas, as they have nothing to lose even if they are away from their home countries for extended periods of time. Others believe it will be the members who want to expand their careers overseas that will make the leap.