Mt. Takasaki launched its popular “monkey election” event today (May 24). Located in Oita, Mt. Takasaki is a habitat of wild Japanese monkeys (Japanese macaques). The “monkey election” concept is based on AKB48 elections, in which the Japanese public can vote for their favorite members of the pop idol group. The AKB48 members who receive the most votes participate in the recording of the group’s next single and are heavily promoted. This year there are 15 popular monkeys in the zoo including some candidates from last year, plus one human representative (a zookeeeper). Because this year’s AKB48 election will crown the top seven members the “God Seven”, the zoo has decided to call the top seven monkeys the “Saru Seven” (saru is monkey in Japanese!) The zookeeper has expressed that he looks forward to be one of the Saru Seven. The end of Mt. Takasaki’s “monkey election” is planned to coincide with the end of this year’s AKB48 election. You can place your voting ballot in a box located inside the zoo, or make your voice heard on their website. Nishinippon Shimbun May 24.
Official HP: http://www.takasakiyama.jp/ PDF: http://www.takasakiyama.jp/event/senkyo.pdf
