Kitahara Rie (Kitarie) for the world!!: Kitarie held Handshake event in Taiwan

  July 7, 2012

On July 4th, AKB48 member Kitahara Rie held a handshake event in Taiwan to celebrate the 1st year anniversary of AKB48 Official Shop Taiwan.

Kitahara arrived at Taipei Songshan Airport, where she was welcomed by over 300 fans and 12 media companies. When she walked out into the airport lobby, the crowd excitedly called out, “Rie-chan!” and “I love you!“. In response, Kitahara said, “Thank you!”

During the press conference, Kitahara greeted in Mandarin Chinese, “Hello everyone. I am Kitahara Rie. I love Taiwan!” When reporters asked, “Is there anything you’d like to eat in Taiwan?“, she replied, “When we opened last year, Watanabe Mayu-chan gave rave reviews about somen with horumon (giblets) in it, so I want to eat that.”

After the press conference, Kitahara held a handshake event with local fans. Along with 300 fans who made advanced reservations to meet the idol, there were many people who flocked to the event, without reservation. At the handshake event, some local fans talked to Kitarie in Japanese, “Kirarie, I was lonking to meet you~~” “Aishiteru (I love you)” Kitahara also enjoyed this rare exchange with overseas fans.

Kitahara Rie, shaking hands with a local fan in Taiwan

Kitahara Rie arrived at Songahan airport in Taipei
Local fans, displaying banners which say “Kitahara for the world”, are waiting for Kitarie
Kitarie arrived at the airport
Kitarie arrived at te airport
Kitarie arrived at the airport
Kitarie at the press conference
Kitarie shaking hands with a local fan
「ど~ん」 LOL 
Actually questions from media are a bit weird…
米This post is an almost complete “copy” of Tokyohive’s post

Kitahara Rie

I’ll be leaving to Taiwan now!!
I have an event in Taiwan alone, and I’m nervous.
Fans in Taiwan, I want to meet you soon. ~(^o^)
Kitahara Rie
I’m here in Taiwan. (^o^)♪
I’m so very happy for everyone welcomed me at the airport!! ヾ(@°▽°@)ノ
Thank you, Taiwan!!
Kitahara Rie
My handshaking session in Taiwan was finished. ヾ(@°▽°@)ノ
I really enjoyed it. ♪
Even if we don’t understand each other’s language, in some ways, we can understand each other’s feeling!! How wonderful.
謝謝♡再見♡
Kitahara Rie
Last night, I had my dinner in a restaurant. It has a beautiful night view!! (^o^)
This picture isn’t even 1/3 of how beautiful the place was,
But the restaurant really has a beautiful and stylish ambiance!!
The meal was also delicious. (´∪`*)♪
I really enjoyed the night in Taiwan. I’m so happy!!
Kitahara Rie
Mango!! Shaved ice!!
It’s so delicious. (^q^)♡
Taiwan is wonderful!!!!!
Kitahara Rie
I recorded a TV program in Taiwan. ヾ(@°▽°@)ノ
I really enjoyed it!! I was able to have another new experience. ☆
Oh!!
The kanji characters used for dressing rooms are the same here in Taiwan as it is in Japan. (^o^)
Kitahara Rie
To our fans in Taiwan!!
Thank you for the lovely two-day stay in Taiwan. (^o^)♪
The food was delicious, and everyone was so kind so I had a wonderful time!!
I even learnt a bit of the local language. ^^*
I would love to visit again soon. ヾ(@°▽°@)ノ
See you soon Taiwan!!