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Kuala Lumpur’s very own AKB48 sister group, KLP48, is officially stepping into the Japanese spotlight.
The group has just inked a deal with Tokyo-based marketing powerhouse, CARTA MARKETING FIRM, through their production arm “CARTA MARKETING PRODUCTION”, to boost their activities and fan engagement in Japan.
This partnership means big things for KLP48. Live stages, fan meets, media gigs—you name it, they’re going all in.
Backed by CARTA’s know-how in marketing and event planning, KLP48 aims to solidify their presence in Japan while keeping their KL roots strong.
KLP48 started their journey in July 2024, not long ago, but they’ve made waves quickly.
Made up of a diverse lineup including ex-AKB48 members like Yuurina Gyoten, Haruka Kurosu, and Suzuha Yamane, plus ex-STU48’s Kokoa Kai, they’re not your average rookie idol group.
Their strength lies in their cultural blend and fresh approach to what it means to be an idol.
In Malaysia, where Japanese idol culture is still pretty niche, KLP48 has been leading a new wave by blending local entertainment vibes with traditional J-Pop charm.
From their fiery debut live on 18 August 2024, featuring guests like JKT48 and STU48, to pulling off a stellar performance of “Heavy Rotation” in front of 2000 fans, they’ve made it clear: they’re here to stay.
They didn’t stop there. In August, they joined Malaysia’s massive comic fest, Animangaki, performing to a crowd of 30,000 over two days.
Then in September, they were the Malaysian representative at the global CCCJ party in KLCC, showing off their debut single to international eyes.
By October, they jumped into the VTuber world with a 40-minute live set and collabs during Malaysia’s first V-Tuber mega-event, V-MUSE.
In November, they became special guests at the Pokémon Run, performing five songs and holding a meet-and-greet at Malaysia’s first Pokémon marathon.
To round off the year, they flew to Jakarta for the Motion IME Festival in December, sharing the stage with JKT48 and entertaining 30,000 out of the 80,000-strong audience.
Just weeks later, they were the final act at Comic Fiesta, Malaysia’s largest cosplay and anime event, performing to a 20,000-strong crowd. Quite the year, right?
Now, with CARTA’s support, they’re gearing up for full-blown Japan mode.
First stop?
The GIRLS GROOVE INNOVATION festival in Okinawa this April. That’s where Japanese fans will get a proper taste of what KLP48 has to offer.
For CARTA MARKETING FIRM, this move is part of a bigger vision.
Their production wing is already known for launching digital-savvy acts like Kevin’s English Room under their “MeKURU” label.
Now, they’re taking a deeper step into the idol world, bringing data, tech, and strategy to boost KLP48's growth in Japan.
So what does all this mean?
Basically, KLP48 is no longer just a KL-based idol group. They’re setting foot into Japan with a solid plan and a team that knows how to make things happen.
Expect more Japanese fans, more collabs, and definitely more performances.
It’s an exciting time for international idols, and KLP48 is leading the way.
Why is this a big deal?
It’s a rare move for a non-Japanese idol group to push this hard into Japan. KLP48 might just be rewriting the rules.