It has been revealed that idol group AKB48 have already sold over 20 million copies of their single releases. Last November, they have achieved the same feat but the count includes their album releases. By that time, the total number of singles sold was 17.5 million copies.

Their past two singles “Eien Pressure” and “So Long!” were both million sellers, with 1,073,000 copies and 1,036,000 copies sold on its first week, respectively. This took AKB48 7 years and a month, since their indie debut single “Sakura no Hanabira tachi” (February 2006). It currently holds the fastest record to reach 20 million copies for singles.

The girls had already surpassed Mr. Children's record of 8 years. Other artists who have achieved this feat are B’z (in 1997), Southern All Stars (in 2000), Mr.Children (in 2000), SMAP (in 2005), and Hamasaki Ayumi (in 2006). AKB48 is the first female group to achieve it.

AKB48's “So Long” was released last February 20th, in seven types: TYPE A, K and B, in both CD+DVD Limited Edition and Regular Edition, for 1600 yen each, and a Theater Edition, for 1000 yen. Pre-order now at CDJapan and get exciting bonuses!

via Oricon