Tokyo International News Agency

It has been announced that a special "Sakamichi Selection," bringing together elite members from Nogizaka46, Sakurazaka46, and Hinatazaka46, has been formed. Alongside this, the theme song for the Aobazaka46 auditions, titled "Audition," is set to be released on September 26, creating a massive buzz on social media. The lineup for this special selection features representative members from each group. Fans have expressed astonishment and delight at the star-studded roster, with comments flooding in such as, "The lineup is too overpowered" and "I have goosebumps that won't stop." Furthermore, various speculations and high expectations are swirling regarding the announcement method of the formation and the fact that Nogizaka46 member Nagi Inoue will serve as the center for the song. Transcending group boundaries, this project can truly be called an "all-star" collaboration. Anticipation has reached an all-time high for the simultaneou...

Nogizaka46 popular members Haruka Kaki and Sakura Endo have generated massive buzz with the announcement that they will make their first-ever joint appearance on the cover of the December issue of Tokyo Calendar, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The two members, who both turn 25 this year, experienced an exquisite dinner at 'Gastronomie Joël Robuchon,' one of Japan's premier grand maisons. On social media, fans flooded the posts with congratulatory and glowing remarks, calling the duo 'precious' and 'too stunningly mature.' The context Tokyo Calendar is a prominent Japanese lifestyle and gourmet magazine known for featuring celebrities in sophisticated, high-end dining and urban settings, catering primarily to an adult audience. Nogizaka46 is one of Japan's top idol groups, and Haruka Kaki and Sakura Endo are part of the 'Golden 4th Generation,' widely recognized for their immense popularity and visual appeal. On the same day, Kaki also...

Fuji Television’s long-running music program MUSIC FAIR has recently ignited massive excitement across social media platforms. During a recent broadcast, idol group Nogizaka46 delivered a captivating performance of "Zehi ni Oyobazu," featuring Miku Ichinose in her debut appearance as title track center. What made this television appearance particularly special for fans was that the members performed in their official music video costumes for the first time on TV. Social media quickly lit up with praise, with viewers calling the performance "gorgeous and mature" and "simply brilliant." Additionally, voice actress and singer Nana Mizuki delivered a powerful rendition of her song "CRIMSON BULLET," making for an action-packed episode. Excitement is already building for upcoming broadcasts as well. The August 1 episode is set to feature .ENDRECHERI. (Tsuyoshi Domoto) performing "MY DESIGN," a new track from his latest album, alongside a spe...

The term "regularization" ( reguryara-ka ) is currently taking Japanese social media by storm. From beloved internet and radio programs to limited-edition menu items at popular restaurants, fans are taking to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate their favorite content becoming permanent fixtures or to passionately lobby for their return. Leading the trend is the regularization of "Cho Volta," a project by the popular VTuber group VOLTACTION under the Nijisanji agency. Ahead of its highly anticipated first regular broadcast—which features 53 Nijisanji VTubers as unbiased judges—fans expressed their excitement, with comments like "I can't wait for the first regular episode!" and "Did they get a brand-new studio room for this?" Similarly, media personality Tamami Sakaguchi's show "Sakaguchi Tamami no Daisuko Biyori" has officially transitioned to a regular program. The milestone was met with a flood of congratulatory ha...

It has been officially announced that TV Tokyo's major music special, "Teleto Music Festival 2026 Summer," will be broadcast live on Sunday, June 28, 2026, starting at 6:30 PM. With the unveiling of the first wave of performing artists, social media is already buzzing with excitement and anticipation from fans. The stellar lineup features a diverse array of popular groups, including SUPER EIGHT, Aë! group, IMP., OWV, Mona King, and Juice=Juice. Joining them are top female idol groups like AKB48 and Nogizaka46, as well as veteran ballad singer Yasushi Nakanishi, promising a genre-spanning night of spectacular music. Online, fans flooded platforms with supportive comments like "Congratulations on the performance slot!" and "I've been waiting for this day!" Some fans expressed warm support while keeping an eye on the busy schedules of members who have stage plays around that time, while others are looking forward to rare interactions between different...

Japanese idol group Nogizaka46 made a surprise appearance at Nihon University's entrance ceremony, held on April 8, 2026, at the Nippon Budokan, captivating approximately 18,000 new students. This unusual performance was made possible through the connection of Runa Hayashi, a member of the group and an alumna of the university. Towards the end of the ceremony, as the members of Nogizaka46 suddenly appeared, the venue erupted in gasps and loud cheers. New students could not hide their surprise and joy at the unexpected and extravagant treat, making it truly a "once-in-a-lifetime memory." The group performed songs such as "When was the last time you ran up the stairs?" and "Kikkake," splendidly celebrating the new beginnings for the freshmen. On stage, Runa Hayashi, who had just graduated from Nihon University College of Art this year, delivered a speech. She encouraged the new students, saying, "I hope our activities can give you even a little cour...

Nogizaka46's 6th generation member, Reina Ozu, has resumed her activities after a hiatus of approximately nine months. She made a surprise appearance on "Nogizaka46-pun TV," a live stream broadcast from 7 PM on April 6th, and her return has sparked an outpouring of joy and emotion across social media from fans. "Ozu-chan okaeri!" (Welcome back, Ozu-chan!) became a trending topic, with a flurry of posts celebrating her long-awaited return. "Nogizaka46-pun TV" was broadcast to celebrate the 1st anniversary of the 6th generation. When Ozu's appearance was announced at the beginning of the program, viewers reacted with immense enthusiasm. The official Nogizaka46 X account also posted, "Ozu-chan is so excited for her first appearance in 9 months 💗," further fueling anticipation for her comeback. Social media was flooded with heartfelt messages such as "I almost cried!" and "I was deeply moved to see all 11 members of the 6th ge...

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 😭...

Popular idol group Nogizaka46 made a highly anticipated return to "The 67th Japan Record Awards," broadcast on December 30th, after a four-year absence. They performed their hit song "Same numbers" and were honorably awarded the "Planning Award." Fans erupted with praise, with social media buzzing with comments like "That was the best performance!" This year's performance was notably characterized by a magnificent arrangement featuring a live band, captivating many viewers with its overwhelming power. As host Shinichiro Azumi commented, "Music is born from the connections between many people," the live orchestration brought a special feeling and elevated scale to the song. Online, fans shared their excitement, posting comments such as, "'Same numbers' with that luxurious live band was even more grand and incredibly cool than usual!" and "The orchestral version of 'Same numbers' was just too good,"...

National idol group Nogizaka46 performed their beloved song "Navel Orange" on "MUSIC STATION SUPER LIVE 2025," broadcast on December 26th, generating a massive buzz among viewers. As previously announced on the group's official X (formerly Twitter) account, this performance featured a special production reminiscent of "THE FIRST TAKE," with a strong emphasis on vocals. The beautiful harmonies between Nakanishi Aruno and Inoue Nagi particularly captivated many fans. Praises poured in, with comments such as: "As a huge fan of AluNagi's singing, I'm incredibly satisfied to hear their solo parts again after so long!" and "Their harmonies were truly beautiful." The members' live vocal abilities also received high acclaim, with viewers posting on social media: "It was moving to see them sing it all live" and "It truly is a wonderful song." Attention also focused on the visuals and costumes of members like K...

The musical 'Lady Bess' is set to return in February 2026, starting at the Nissay Theatre in Tokyo, followed by performances at the Hakataza in Fukuoka and the Misonoza in Aichi. This revival, the first in eight years since its 2017 run, will feature Iroha Okuda of Nogizaka46 and Mayuko Kominami in a double-cast lead role as Lady Bess. The announcement sparked a huge reaction on social media, with many fans expressing joy and anticipation. In particular, Iroha Okuda's casting drew surprised and supportive comments such as 'It's Iroha!' and 'Quite impressive!'. Fans of Mayuko Kominami also conveyed their enthusiasm, saying, 'Absolutely must see Kominami-san as Lady Bess!' Details such as the full cast, performance schedule, cast schedule, event schedule (including post-show talks), ticket release information, and national tour dates have been released by Toho Stage Department, further heightening fan expectations. The star-studded cast includes Sh...

Episode 2, titled "Big Fight," of the web drama "Cupstar Theater: Sisters Forever," distributed on the Sapporo Ichiban official YouTube channel, was released today, August 21st, generating significant buzz on social media. This series, starring Nogizaka46's Endo Sakura, Inoue Nagi, and Setoguchi Mitsuki as three sisters, has garnered attention for its realistic portrayal and the members' newfound sides. The show's title, "Sisters Forever," even ranked high on Yahoo! Trend Words, highlighting its popularity. Episode 2 opens with an intense verbal argument between the eldest sister, Sakura (Endo Sakura), and the second sister, Nagi (Inoue Nagi). Fans flooded social media with comments such as "It was amazing to see Sakunagi's super rare fight," "Their fight was too realistic," and "Powerful acting." Viewers expressed surprise and praise for this "super rare" side of the members, which is typically unima...

Kotoko Sasaki, a former member of Nogizaka46 and active voice actress, announced on her SNS that she will be leaving her agency, Style Cube, as of June 30, 2025. Sasaki wrote, "I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported me thus far. I will redouble my efforts and would be grateful for your continued support. I look forward to your ongoing encouragement," expressing her thanks to fans and showing strong determination for her future activities. This sudden announcement prompted numerous comments of surprise and support on social media. Comments included "Kotoko left Style Cube?" and "It's so surprising, given it was the agency of her admired Kaori (Ishihara Kaori)," as well as speculation about her future base and direction, such as "Where will she go?" and "Perhaps she found something she wants to pursue, even if it means changing agencies." The topic garnered significant attention, with "Style Cube" quic...