Erepyon

Former AKB48 Team K member returns with solo debut

It’s been a while since Ono Erena has reappeared under the entertainment news radar, however it was only last month that the former AKB48 member finally announced that she would be making her solo debut soon. Her first single, titled “Erepyon” (えれぴょん) after her nickname, has been confirmed for release on 13th June 2012.

Formerly part of OhtaPro, Erepyon has since switched over to the LesPro agency and the single will be published by Warner Music Japan. It should be noted that Ono is credited for writing the song herself. Sound-wise, it’s a typical J-Pop song backed by heavy guitar riffs stereotypical of solo idols and wouldn’t be out of place as an ani-song. It is being used as the theme song for the ongoing drama Legal High which stars Aragaki Yui.

The video for Erepyon is mostly Japanese idol affair, with kirakira glittery dance scenes juxtaposed against whimsical story scenes of Erepyon being a boxer. There is little to fault as fans of Erena will be no doubt pleased simply to see her return but there is not much new ground to praise either.

Ono Erena.

Ono Erena graduated from AKB48 back in September 2010, stating overseas studies as her reason. She had been one of the founding members of Team K, joining the group as one of its youngest members at the age of 12. And while her popularity was already starting to recline when she graduated, she remained one of the group’s more popular members and a staple senbatsu, one of the group’s chosen faces.

aka Erepyon.

However, despite being supposedly away, Ono was subsequently spotted at concerts and around Japan in the company of a young man, much to the delight of tabloids.

Ono eventually returned to the media spotlight last year when she opened a new blog in July. Strangely, it was shut down soon after. But reopened again in October 2011. She explained that it was her initial plan to study in London but had changed her mind, stating her desire to remain in the entertainment industry as the reason, with the dream of becoming an actress.

Ono Erena had previous appeared in a small number of movies, including a starring role in the controversial film Sankaku during the time of her graduation.

Promotional images for her solo debut.

Now 19, Ono is now ripe for a serious solo venture into the entertainment scene. And while she brings with her a certain following from her previous involvement in AKB48, only time will tell if she will succeed.

While Ono Erena is no longer directly involved with the massive idol conglomerate, the release of Erepyon will follow a similar pattern of having too many versions. Covers below.

Limited A Cover.

Limited B Cover.

Limited C Cover.

Regular Cover.

Lawson Exclusive Cover.