Nogizaka46's Kawasaki Sakura Unveils 1st Photobook Shot in France, Sending Fans into a Meltdown

Nogizaka46's 5th generation member, Sakura Kawasaki, has announced the release of her first photobook on April 14, 2026, leading to a surge of enthusiastic reactions from fans across social media platforms.

This highly anticipated volume was photographed in two French cities: Nice and Paris. According to official information, the photobook "captures her at 22, captivating with her sophisticated and innocent sides, showcasing a wide range." In Nice, a coastal city in Southern France, Kawasaki took on swimsuit shoots under the abundant sunshine. Furthermore, the book includes carefully selected outfits, her private clothes, and even her bare-faced look, allowing fans to fully enjoy the diverse charms of Sakura Kawasaki.

Immediately after the news of the photobook's release broke, fans posted a flurry of joyful comments such as "It's here! Sakutan, congratulations on your photobook 🎉㊗️㊗️", "I'm definitely buying Kawasaki Sakura's photobook 😭😭😭😭😭", and "Kawasaki Sakura's photobook, the epitome of beauty, I'm nothing but excited." On X (formerly Twitter), "#KawasakiSakura1stPhotobook" and "#KawasakiSakura" dominated the first and second trending spots, demonstrating the immense level of attention.

Fans highly praise Kawasaki's "transparency, flexibility, and presence that instantly changes the atmosphere" as qualities "perfect for a photobook," and are already expressing high expectations, saying, "This feels like a masterpiece in the making." Unique comments like "Just the phrase 'Kawasaki Sakura Photobook' makes me feel like I can stay healthy forever. Thank you, Sakutan" and expressions of joy such as "So happy I lost all motivation for work" were also heard.

Another point of interest is the background behind Kawasaki, a unique talent with figure skating experience since childhood, requesting France as the location for her first solo photobook. With the April 14 release date approaching, the excitement is building, with fans already debating which limited edition to purchase.

The context

Sakura Kawasaki is a popular member of Nogizaka46, one of Japan's most prominent female idol groups. Nogizaka46 is known for its elegant image, diverse musical styles, and rigorous audition processes, producing many successful entertainers. Photobooks are a significant milestone for Japanese idols, often showcasing their maturity, beauty, and personality through various themed shoots and locations. Overseas destinations like France are frequently chosen for their picturesque scenery, adding a sophisticated or exotic touch to these publications.

The term "Sakutan" is a common affectionate nickname for Sakura, often used by fans. The overwhelming fan reaction on social media, including trending hashtags, highlights the strong connection between idols and their fanbase in Japan, where such releases are met with intense anticipation and celebratory engagement. Kawasaki's background in figure skating adds to her unique appeal, contributing to her "flexibility" and "presence" often cited by fans as photobook-worthy qualities.

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