AKB48 members eager to try Malaysian traditional dress, visit Batu Caves

Japanese pop group AKB48 members Azuki Yagi and Sae Arai are excited about their visit to Malaysia, expressing a keen interest in experiencing local culture.

Yagi shared her desire to wear traditional Malaysian clothing, admiring its beauty and uniqueness. "I want to wear Malaysia's national dress because I see Malaysians wearing it so beautifully. The attire symbolizes Malaysia's identity, and I hope to have the opportunity to wear it someday," she stated during a press conference for AKB48 The Stage in Japan Expo Malaysia 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

Arai, on the other hand, is eager to visit Batu Caves, a well-known tourist destination. "I want to climb the steps at Batu Caves. Although I know it's quite far from here, I hear it's a must-visit destination for foreign tourists and artists," she said.

AKB48 is in the capital city to perform an exclusive concert, "AKB48 The Stage," as part of Japan Expo Malaysia 2026. This marks their comeback to Malaysia since their last concert in 2024.