Maeda Atsuko's First Solo Live: "I Won't Lose To Itano Tomomi"

AKB48 center and soloist Maeda Atsuko recently took to the stage for her first ever solo live. She was greeted at Tokyo Yomiuri Land with gleeful shouts of "Acchan!" and "Atsuko ". "Because it's my first time doing a solo event, I'm nervous, but since this many of you came here I'm really happy!" she beamed.

Oricon reports that Maeda performed four songs in what was a day of clear skies:"Kono Mune no Melody", "Hoozue to Cafe Macchiato", "Yoake Made" and debut single "Flower". At one point in the MC, she stopped to introduce her live backing band, and the crowd cheered as the star and her music-makers held hands and took a bow.

The sunshine seemed to have reached Maeda's mood, and she was all smiles as she explained to the audience "I'm pleased as long as my fans enjoy themselves".

"I still haven't released many songs, so as the other units and Tomochin (Itano Tomomi) keep on releasing CDs and leveling-up, I want to make sure not to lose to them"