AKB48 beats Morning Musume to be named group with most singles sold in Japan
Posted: 06 January 2012 1312 hrs
TOKYO: Japanese girl group AKB48 has become the new record holder for being the group with the highest number of single sales in Japan, after recent sales data revealed that its 24 singles have sold a combined total of 11.787 million copies, reported Japanese media.

Members of the all-female Japanese pop group AKB48 at the Golden Melody Awards in Taipei. They are guests in an annual Taiwanese music award. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
The previous record holder, Japanese girl group Morning Musume, had released 56 singles to date and managed to sell a combined total of 11.774 million copies, in the 13 years and 11 months since their debut.
AKB48's five 2011 singles like "Everyday, Katyusha" and "Flying Get" have sold exceptionally well in Japan, accounting for 7.346 million (more than 60 percent) of the 11.787 million copies their singles have sold, since the group's debut a just a little over five years ago.
"It is very exciting to hold the record. We are astonished by this unimaginably big number," said AKB48 member Minami Takahashi, adding that the group is very grateful toward their fans for their support.
The group is expected to release their 25th single "Give Me Five!" on February 25.
Source:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori...175132/1/.html