AKB48 will be getting their own original anime series. Member auditions will be held with a twist.

A “Voice Actress Battle” will being next month where 30 members will be chosen. The “Voice Actress Battle” will include all members from AKB48, SKE48 and NMB48. A further 9 members will be selected at a later date to sing the opening theme song.

Previous ranking results and general popularity will not be taken into consideration so that all members will have an equal opportunity. The final of the ”Voice Actress Battle” will be held infront of a live audience.

Shōji Kawamori who is famous for his work on anime series such as, The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, The Vision of Escaflowne, Earth Maiden Arjuna, Genesis of Aquarion, Macross 7, and Macross Frontier has been confirmed as chief director.

Rumours suggest a soon to follow manga as well. As a massive AKB48 fan, I can’t wait. The “Voice Actress Battle” makes things more interesting than announcing an AKB48 anime. Leave it to AKB to announce an anime and make media frenzy.

Look forward to it to begin airing in Spring, 2012!

Source: Crunchyroll, Oricon