An annual popularity contest for the AKB48 family of all-female idol groups took place Saturday in central Japan, with Thai and Taiwanese members joining the 10-year-old event for the first time.With four-time winner Rino Sashihara opting not to run in the contest, local favorite Jurina Matsui of SKE48, a sister group based in Nagoya, won the No. 1 spot in the event counting fan votes for the 100 most popular members. Two from Bangkok-based BNK48 made it to the list -- Cherprang Areekul at 39th and Praewa Suthamphong at 72nd.A record 339 members ran in the 10th so-called General Election. T…READ FULL ARTICLE
