Entertainment Sep. 25, 2011 - 06:34AM JST ( 6 )

TOKYO —

Sixteen members of Japanese idol group AKB48 performed AKB48 performed at a concert on Saturday afternoon as part of a three-day Shanghai Japan Week cultural exchange event that ends Sunday.

The event is being held to thank China for its aid after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

The AKB48 girls received a passionate welcome to Shanghai at the airport on Friday when an overexcited crowd rushed toward them, creating a safety hazard, Sankei Shimbun reported Saturday.

As the girls passed through the arrival terminal at Shanghai airport, hundreds of fans and dozens of paparazzi charged toward them, creating a panic.

A handful of fans had also discovered the name of the hotel in which the girls were staying. Local press reported that around 100 fans had gathered outside the hotel and repeatedly called the girls’ names, which in turn caused greater numbers to gather.

Such was the fervor of the crowds that when around 1,000 fans gathered at a planned meet and greet event on Friday night, organizers decided to cancel the engagement in the name of safety. “The girls’ appearances were causing security concerns,” said a spokesperson.

Saturday’s 90-minute concert was held without any incident.

AKB48 member Mayu Watanabe, 17, said, “It’s my first time here in Shanghai and I’m delighted at the welcome we’ve received.” Fellow member Minami Minegishi, 18, said, “AKB48’s strength is our live performance, so we really wanted to put on a great show for Shanghai.”

Japan Today