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Embodying Nogizaka46 (Nogizaka46 6th Generation, Ex-Taishu; 16.04.2025)

Embodying Nogizaka46

In times of loneliness, in moments of weakness, when facing decisions, and even during the mundane moments of life. Nogizaka46 and their songs have always been there, supporting us. Now the effort, thanks and smiles of the eleven members who've embraced tradition - which they admired - will bring about a new future for the group.

16.04.2025

"Nogizaka46, as well as their songs, transform us."

Before joining Nogizaka46, these 11 girls each spent their school days as ordinary women.

Kaibe: In elementary and junior high, I was the quiet type - during recess, I either read books or spent time sunbathing. I liked taking it easy. From the age of four I went to a music school in the neighbourhood - for nearly ten years - and sang just for fun, almost as if I were going out somewhere to play.

Suzuki: From nursery school 'til elementary school, I was such a tomboy that my relatives used to tell me "Won't you become a comedian?". From junior high onwards, I started worrying about others' opinion of me and became more quiet.

Atago: Back in elementary school, I was the kind of kid who LOVED playing outside, like playing tag in the park with kids I'd just met. Junior high was when I became more of an indoor person, with friends even often telling me "You needn't be so reserved".

Setoguchi: Back in elementary I was rather reserved, but when I joined the wind ensemble in junior high, I got to make friends and discovered the joy of expressing myself in front of others. Joining the cheerleading squad in high school made me brighten up even more.

Okoshi: In junior high, I was part of the go-home club. In high school, I was part of the calligraphy club but since I used to write silently, I didn't really talk much with people during my student days.

Morihira: Back in junior high, I didn't have many friends, so I spent recess reading by myself. I went to an all-girls high school, and I reckon it was one of the more lively ones. Those around me often tell me I'm absentminded, but I personally don't see it.

Kawabata: I liked talking to people and would often spend time with my friends. When one of my friends told me "Just having you, Hina, around makes things feel so warm and friendly", I realized that I had been giving them energy.

Ozu: I took ballet lessons from five years old 'til 17 years old, and was in the dance club in junior high and high school. I didn't say much and kept quiet in class, but during recess I got energetic and danced, so those around me seemed to think of me as the "kid who often danced in the classroom".

Nagashima: At school, I was the bright type of person who would speak proactively while in class, even serving as the class representative. My facial muscles are rather flexible, so those around me would tell me "Rio, you really wear your heart on your sleeve, don't you?".

Masuda: From the moment I was born, I've been extremely shy, so I didn't have any friends. After I changed schools in the fifth grade of elementary, I started thinking "I'd like to have friends". By behaving more cheerfully, I was able to make more friends.

Yada: People tend to think I'm a scary person when I keep a straight face. I was the president of the student council in my junior high days, so people thought I was the serious type. To tell you the truth, I chatter a lot and I make blunders when it really counts.

The eleven came across Nogizaka46 and found themselves getting drawn in by their live performances and conduct on variety shows.

Kaibe: I had been watching Nogizaka46 prior, but it was when I saw Endo Sakura-san performing 'Kaerimichi wa Toomawari Shitaku Naru' in tears at the 8th Year Birthday Live that captivated me - the way she seemed to embody both human strength and weakness all at once. I went from being a fan to really admiring them, and started thinking "I want to be [part of] Nogizaka46 [myself]."

Suzuki: My elder brother liked Nogizaka46 originally, and as we listened to their songs together and watched 'Nogizaka Koujichuu' (TV Tokyo), I found myself getting more and more drawn to them, because - not only are their performances elegant and beautiful to look at, but they're also funny on their show and wonderful people down to their core.

Atago: When it came to 'Boku wa Boku wo Suki ni Naru', I thought "This is it!". It wasn't for the same reasons as in the lyrics, but at that time I had lots of worries. When I listened to 'Bokuboku', I felt lighter and thought "Maybe I needn't worry so much after all". The center, Yamashita Mizuki-san, was my first oshi. I always received a lot of energy from her because she always gave it her all no matter what and you were instantly drawn to her, no matter where she might've been.

Setoguchi: At the beginning, I liked Nogizaka46 to the extent that I would get closer to the TV were they to appear on a singing show. When Inoue Nagi-san joined as a 5th generation member, I felt a shock. I fell in love with Nogizaka46 thanks to 'Ohitorisama Tengoku', in which Inoue-san was the center.

Okoshi: I've liked idols since I was six years old, and I've listened to all sorts of idol songs. Nogizaka46's songs are like a gentle tap on the shoulder when you're feeling down, and I often listened to them on my way home from school.

Kawabata: When I was five years old, I saw the first TV performance of 'Sayonara no Imi' and that's when I became a fan - together with my parents. When I was six years old, I went to see day one of the 5th Year Birthday Live (Hashimoto Nanami's graduation concert) and was struck by the energy of the whole place turning completely green. Observing their different sides - not just how cute they are, but also how cool they are during live concerts and how funny they are on 'Nogizaka Koujichuu' - I grew to love Nogizaka46 more and more.

Morihira: Watching the Kouhaku Uta Gassen every year was the reason why I started listening to Nogizaka46's songs in my day to day life. When Nogizaka46-san appeared on music programmes, I sometimes danced along with them. I learned ballet, so I loved dancing.

Ozu: When I was in the sixth grade of elementary, I watched them perform 'Shiawase no Hogoshoku' on a music programme, which turned me into a fan. The lyric 'Happiness is always nearby (shiawase wa itsudatte, chikaku ni arunda)' really struck a chord with me. I also liked the move where they shake their shoulders during the chorus, and I admired their togetherness - doing it in complete unison, despite how difficult it must've been. The time I spent unable to go to school - because of the pandemic - was fully spent researching Nogizaka46.

Nagashima: Back in elementary school, the music video for 'Synchronicity' was unveiled on an info programme and I was charmed by the beautiful ladies twirling around in their one-piece dresses. Afterwards, I became a fan of Inoue Nagi-san - who joined the group as a 5th generation member - and thus started following the activities of Nogizaka46.

Masuda: Ever since I was in the lower grades of elementary, I pretty much thought "idols = Nogizaka46", so I watched them whenever they'd appear on music shows. I was really moved by the tagline of the 6th generation audition: "The world can change with just one step".

Yada: Around the time when I was in kindergarten, I used to sing and dance along to AKB48-san's songs, but then I discovered Nogizaka46 as their official rivals. I was happy that Ikoma-san - who's from the same prefecture as I am, Akita - was their initial center. It all started when I danced to 'Girls' Rule', 'Hadashi de Summer' and 'Kaerimichi wa Toomawari Shitaku Naru' during the cultural festival in my first year of high school, and as I practiced by watching the video of Shiraishi Mai-san dancing to 'Girls' Rule' - found on her official YouTube channel - while trying on different costumes, with a feeling of admiration I thought "I want to do that too". That feeling turned into conviction when I saw the smiling faces of the audience from up on the stage at the time of the cultural festival.

The music of Nogizaka46 has impacted these girls' lives. They talk about their reasons for having selected these costumes for this time's shoot, as well as their 'favourite songs' & 'favourite music videos' as listed on their profiles from the '6th generation unveiling site'.

Kaibe: The costume I picked this time, as well as my favourite song is 'Yoakemade Tsuyogaranakute mo Ii'. When I was feeling lost and down and wondering "What should I do?", the lyrics "Until dawn, you don't have to put on a brave face anymore (yoakemade mou tsuyogaranakute ii)" really encouraged me. I like the dance where Endo Sakura-san, Kaki Haruka-san and Tsutsui Ayame-san - dubbed as the Yoake Three Musketeers - pair up with their seniors. When I actually put on the costume of 'Yoake', it felt like a dream, so much so that I found myself touching the costume throughout LOL

Suzuki: The costume I picked, as well as my favourite MV is 'Harujion ga Saku Koro'. There's a fleetingness within its brilliance, so it's filled to the brim with the Nogizaka46 I admire. Listening to 'Harujion ga Saku Koro' feels much like falling in love with Nogizaka46. My favourite song is 'Chikyuu ga Marui Nara', and the line "Wet sandals dry, but words once spoken can never be unsaid (nureta sandaru wa kawaku kedo kuchi ni dashita kotoba wa kienai)" really stuck with me. It may not be a conventional pick, but I reckon that's also what makes it 'Nogizaka-like'.

Atago: I chose the 'Bokuboku' costume, the very song that got me into Nogizaka46. My favourite song is 'Hito wa Yume wo Nido Miru', which I listened to countless times every single day during the audition period. There were times I felt lost, wondering "Is this really the path I should choose?" Auditioning for the 6th generation was the only thing I ever felt I wanted to do, but when I thought about the future after I'd passed, anxiety crept in, making me wonder "Can I really do this?" On my way to the final audition venue, I lost my nerve and actually turned around to go home, but just then I heard the lyrics of 'Hito wa Yume wo Nido Miru', "Being young means getting fired up easily, losing interest just as fast, and getting distracted—it's so easy to lose sight of what really matters (wakasa wa nesshi yasuku same yasuku meutsuri suru dake de/tottemo taisetsu na mono miushinatte shimau keredo)", which made me think "I'll for sure regret it if I don't go through with it now". I decided that if there was something I wanted to do for once, I wouldn't hesitate and just go for it instead, so I headed to the venue.

Setoguchi: The 'Monopoly' costumes I saw on a music show really left a lingering impression. The design matched the song's heartrending lyrics as well as the strength of the melody, and the weighted train looked beautiful when spinning, which made me think "I'd like to try that on". One of my favourite songs is 'Suki to Iu no wa Rock da ze!", I love the lyrics "Is love really this powerful? (ai tte konna ni mo, chikara ga aru no ka)", and just listening to it gives me a boost. I can really feel the love from my seniors' performances. Another song I mentioned as one of my favourites is 'Tsuribori' - I used to listen to it before going to school. It calms me down when I'm having a bad time.

Okoshi: Since I only ever wear black or grey clothes in my private life, I wanted to try wearing clothes with a floral pattern, so I chose the costume for 'SukiRock'. I also long to become someone like the sparkling Kaki-san. I want to become the kind of forward-facing woman that embodies the lyrics of 'SukiRock'. My favourite song is 'Yoake', and there are days when the lyrics really hit home. Things usually don't go my way, but some days are particularly hopeless. At such times, I spend the whole morning listening to 'Yoake', watching 'Yoake''s music video and trying to reset my feelings to "Just be your true-to-life self". My favourite music video is 'Nigemizu', and I like the scene where Shiraishi Mai-san is holding the rice cooker LOL

Kawabata: I chose the costumes from 'Sayonara no Imi', the song which made me fall in love with Nogizaka46. I liked Hashimoto (Nanami)-san, who looked cool but had a mischievous side to her also. I love the balance of Shiraishi-san and Hashimoto-san, and I feel like my favourite MV, 'Tachinaori Chuu', really depicts their relationship. Y'know, Shiraishi-san had that line where she told Hashimoto-san, "You're like someone I only see on TV", and when the same line was used in the music video for Shiraishi-san's graduation solo, "Jaane.", it hit me right in the feels.

Morihira: I wanted to try wearing the 'Nigemizu' costume because of the super cute skirt that flares out when you spin around. I was SO moved when I saw both of the centers performing 'Nigemizu' at Yoda Yuuki-san's graduation concert. I thought I'd bear a lot of responsibility [by choosing it], but since it was such a precious opportunity, I made up my mind on wearing it. The song listed as my favourite, 'Hodoukyou', actually had its live debut right around the time I passed the 6th generation audition. The lyrics about struggling with a decision but making one anyway really left a mark on me, because I saw my past self reflected in that very same struggle. The lyrics, "Caught between hope and anxiety, what should I do? Let's just cross anyway," made me decide, "I'm going to try doing my activities as [part of] Nogizaka46."

Ozu: I chose the costume for 'Koko ni wa Nai Mono' since the costume is primarily white with grey at the bottom, and the image of the skirt flaring out when you spin around is wonderful. Up until then, I only paid attention to the dance when watching other artists' performances, but it was then that I realized that with Nogizaka46, it's the full package - the costumes, the sets, everything - that makes it a single work of art.

Nagashima: I chose the costumes in which I came across Nogizaka46 for the first time, and in which my seniors spun around so beautifully - the ones from the song 'Synchronicity'. A lot of songs meant to cheer someone up tend to be upbeat to lift your spirits, but 'Synchronicity' cheers you up in a more gentle manner. That's what I loved about it. This lyric in particular is heartwarming: "It feels like the melancholy and heartache I've been holding onto have shrunk to just one in 7.6 billion (kakaekonda, yuutsu to ka, mune no itami mo nanajuuroku okubun no ichi ni natta ki ga suru)". Idols come in all sorts of varieties, such as 'cute' or 'cool', but when it comes to Nogizaka46, what comes to mind is 'beautiful'. I think the performance of 'Synchronicity' is one that best represents that beauty.

Masuda: When you think of Nogizaka46's costumes, for many people probably a white one-piece dress comes to mind, but for me [what comes to mind] is the sailor uniform from 'Seifuku no Mannequin'. I really looked up to Nogizaka46 when they danced to 'Seifuku no Mannequin'. The melody is cool and strong, but everyone's beauty brings a charming impression to it, and the dance had a grown-up-feel to it that drew me in. The joint performance of 'Seifuku no Mannequin' with Keyakizaka46-san (on Fuji TV's 'FNS Music Festival', broadcast in December of 2016) was one of the things that first got me into Nogizaka46.

Yada: In order to get to perform 'Girls' Rule' at the cultural festival in my first year of high school, I practiced every day after school together with my closest friend. I remember saying "The costumes for Girls' Rule are sooo cute". When I passed the audition, that girl told me "I'll be cheering for you! However, I'm sad that we'll be separated". That's why I chose it this time. 'Girls' Rule' has such a bright melody, but upon taking a closer look at the lyrics I felt this sense of sadness - it struck a chord with my own feelings about friends parting ways. The reason why I chose 'Kokoro ni mo Nai Koto' as my favourite music video is because Ikeda Teresa-san, whom I admire, is the center. At first I was charmed by her beautiful looks, but I grew to like Ikeda-san even more thanks to her clever writing and shared interests. The 5th generation dancing in the 'Kokoro ni mo Nai Koto' MV was as beautiful as the starry sky, which made me fall for them even harder. I'm not usually one to cry, but when things got tough, I'd listen to 'Kokoro ni mo Nai Koto' on purpose just to let the tears flow.

"I want to change myself. I want to make someone smile." With each one [of them] carrying their own hopes and feelings, they took the Nogizaka46 6th generation audition.

Kaibe: There was the intention of wanting to change myself too but, more than anything, I wanted companions who'd have the same dream and would support one another, which is why I took the audition for the 6th generation. When I was in a[n after school] club, each member had their own different goals, so I found myself wishing for companions with whom I'd have steadfast bonds.

Suzuki: Even though it was time to decide on my future career path, I just couldn't find something I wanted to do. I'd never been all-in about any club activities, nor did I have any accomplishments or hobbies that seemed like they'd lead anywhere in the future. I'd figured that were I to join Nogizaka46 - which had helped me countless times - and actually become able to change myself, my life would turn into something wonderful. Of course, I know that hard times may come, but being able to be in a place that I love is bound to become an asset for me. Even if I wouldn't make it into Nogizaka46, I thought that just taking the audition would boost my self-confidence.

Atago: Back in my student days, hearing the kids around me talking about their future paths made me realize "There isn't anything I'd like to do". At that time, the 6th generation audition popped up and I thought "This is it!". Back in junior high, I thought I'd push myself to be more outgoing and even ran for class representative, but - sure enough - I couldn't shake the feeling of how uncomfortable I felt doing all that. I also had this hope that maybe Nogizaka46 could help change that lack of confidence.

Setoguchi: I may have been the cheerful type, but I wasn't really good at speaking my mind. Were I to join Nogizaka46, I'd have more opportunities to talk about myself, be it at live shows, TV programmes or interviews, so I thought "Maybe that'll help me change".

Okoshi: I'd been watching idols for a loooong time, and I often wondered "What would it be like to be the one on the other side of the screen?", so when I turned ten, I realized that "It'd be better to regret doing something than to regret not doing it at all".

Morihira: I figured I'd try venturing into a new world. There might've been the desire of 'wanting to change' also.

Kawabata: I liked watching Nogizaka46, but never had thought "I want to be [part of] Nogizaka46". I'd been hesitating when I reached the age that I needed to audition, but my parents gave me a push, saying "Why don't you just send in an application?", so I decided to just go for it.

Ozu: It wasn't like I was following some predetermined path, nor was anyone forcing me, but I was worrying if the one-note routine of just going back and forth between home and school was okay, when I attended the 'Manatsu no Zenkoku Tour 2023'. Everyone in Nogizaka46 was glowing and the audience never stopped beaming! It was fun being able to do the cheers during 'Ohitorisama Tengoku'. I felt how wonderful it'd be to be an idol - this profession which makes people smile - and the thought of wanting to join Nogizaka46 was born.

Nagashima: When I was in my second year of high school, I wondered if it'd be okay to go on to university and then get a job, when I remembered what my teacher had told me one year prior: "Make use of what you're good at in order to help others" and that's when I thought - wouldn't it be wonderful to get to entertain others through singing and dancing? When I discovered that the 6th generation recruitment was on, I thought "I'll give this a try" and ended up applying for the audition.

Masuda: All I wanted was to change. When I thought about my future prospects, in the past I was dead set on becoming a city hall employee. I used to think that all I needed was a steady job which would allow me to get by, but when I found out about the 6th generation audition, I decided to apply so I wouldn't look back and regret not going for it. I found myself wishing I could fundamentally change myself, becoming someone's source of strength - that gives them the will to live and even saves them.

Yada: I wanted to go to medical school because I wanted to make people smile. There was a period where I had to go to the hospital once a month for regular checkups. Some people may have a negative image of it, but for me the hospital was a place where I felt warmly welcomed and [where I] could smile. However, after taking to the stage for the cultural festival, I realized that even if I wouldn't become a doctor, being an idol was a profession where you could make others smile too, so I applied for the audition.

After passing the audition, the girls began their lessons as trainees. Through friendly rivalry, the distance between them started shrinking and shrinking.

Suzuki: During the training period, I was under the belief that I wouldn't pass, so I thought "Maybe it'd be best not to get too friendly with everyone", which is why I barely started any conversations myself. There were many girls that talked to me even though I wasn't able to be upfront about my feelings, which made me think "Everyone's so kind". I remember staying up late in the hotel room with Masuda - who's also from the same region - and encouraging each other.

Setoguchi: Hearing what you said just now reminds me of the time I confided in Yada Moeka-chan - who stayed in the same room as me - about my anxieties about moving to Tokyo, going "I don't wanna leave my home, y'know" and the way we hit it off 'cause of it, being relieved that "There are girls who have the same worries".

Okoshi: The acting lessons were difficult, but going through that hardship together united us, and that's how I finally managed to become good friends with the other girls in the summer group.

Morihira: When we were practicing as the summer group, there were many girls who shed tears out of anxiety. But that meant we all supported each other. There was a period of time where I couldn't attend practice due to a sore throat, but everyone was there for me and made me feel better.

Atago: On the day when the spring and summer groups met in person (since the auditions took place twice, once in spring and once in summer), as a getting-to-know-each-other game, we each took turns writing our 'kanji of the year'. As I wrote '愛' (ai; = love, appreciation) to express my gratitude to my parents for having raised me up until now, I just started bawling uncontrollably. At that time, one of the girls I'd met for the first time called out to me and asked me "Are you okay?". I found myself thinking, "What kind children".

Kawabata: After the spring and summer groups linked up, we discovered "This girl can DANCE" or "This girl's great at singing", so we were able to spur each other on and lift up one another.

Kaibe: I felt depressed because my dancing was awful, and I was totally hopeless at just about everything. In such times, the girls around me called out to me and told me "It's okay", which cheered me up. It was everyone pulling me along that helped me become more cheerful. In terms of dancing, I was helped out by Ozu (Reina)-chan.

Nagashima: Ozu-chan is amazingly quick at picking up choreography.

Yada: When I didn't seem to quite get it, Ozu-chan showed me how to do it through [her reflection in] the mirror, going "It's like this".

Masuda: Ozu-chan would look at me in the mirror and ask me, "Is there anything you don't understand?". When I got home, I cried, touched by that kindness.

Ozu: I'm embarrassed LOL. As part of the dance club, I got into the habit of looking at others' dancing and thinking "If they did it like this instead, it'd be even better". It may be selfish, but I just can't help myself from speaking up.

Masuda: (Nagashima) Rio also is a good dancer. Maybe it's because she used to do hula dancing, but her movements are so graceful. I'd thought "Maybe I can do that too", but when I tried to copy her, I didn't even come close. I'm not very athletic, so I'm struggling to keep up with everyone else. I haven't really exercised at all since back in second grade, when I practiced riding a bike just to be able to go to the shopping mall with my friends. I spent every day watching videos and grinning, so I never imagined that exercise would end up becoming such a big part of my life. It's been a real shock to both my body and mind.

Yada: I'm so bad at both singing and dancing, that it'd be no surprise if someone were to come up and ask me "Why'd you even want to become an idol?". I'm supposed to have been in the tennis club, but my reflexes are SO bad. I also was the second slowest in my grade in the 50m dash. It's gotten to the point where even now, when I tell people that I used to be part of the sports club they ask me, "This ain't an April Fools joke, right?". Every time I practiced dancing, I worried "Why am I the only one who's this bad at it?". However, when I thought about it more I realized: "I've never been good at sports to begin with, so I won't be able to keep up with everyone if I only put in the same amount of effort". I made up my mind, "Everyone else is working hard, but I'm going to work even harder".

Did your first impressions of the 6th generation members change once you got closer to them?

Kaibe: When the spring and summer groups first saw each other in person, when I saw (Suzuki) Yuuna I thought "That's a cute AND soft girl." Upon actually speaking to her - even with her gentle impression still lingering - I realized that she's actually someone you can really rely on. However, there are still times where she's absentminded or ends up taking the wrong road. That too, is cute.

Suzuki: I've been together with (Atago) Kokone ever since the summer group audition, and her sheer purity made me think "This is Nogizaka46! This girl's definitely getting in!". Talking to her, however, was real interesting. I found that contrast charming, too.

Atago: I happened to spot (Setoguchi) Mitsuki before the spring and summer groups got together, and I thought "That girl's as beautiful as a doll". Upon actually linking up, I realized that she's not the quiet type. She picks up on every little thing I blurt out LOL. I always get energy from Mitsuki's positive mindset.

Setoguchi: When all the 6th generation members went out to eat, (Okoshi) Hinano-chan kept looking down the whole time. She wouldn't even look me in the eye, so I thought she might just be a quiet girl. However, once we got to know each other, I discovered that she actually talks a lot, her smile's really cute, and she has a strong personality. Nowadays, Hinano-chan has taken to talking to me first. Sometimes she'll even pat me on the head.

Okoshi: My first impression of (Kaibe) Akari was "I'm glad there's a girl about as tall as me". From the very moment we met she's been kind, never leaving anyone out and always being there for someone. I reckon she shows us kindness in a hundred little ways every day.

Morihira: When the spring and summer groups got together, (Kawabata) Hina seemed so mature that I thought "Isn't she the oldest?". When I learned that she's actually 14, my eyes nearly popped out of my head LOL. Whenever I talk to her - sure enough - she seems really composed.

Kawabata: On the day when the spring and summer groups first met, we had a get-together to get to know each other better and I was at the same table as (Morihira) Urumi, but since she didn't say much, I wondered "Maybe she's not having fun". She seemed rather nervous back then, but once we got closer, she really started talking more. Her choice of words is interesting.

Yada: Even among the many quiet members of the summer group, Ozu-chan gave off this calm impression, almost as if she'd taken a step back and was observing everyone with a detached perspective. She was like an elder sister. Even so, there was an opportunity for us - the 6th generation - to grab a meal all together, and on the way to the restaurant, we were able to talk together as same-age friends. Ozu-chan's way of speaking and writing is just so easy to follow. People who are truly smart don't talk in difficult-to-follow words, but rather in easy-to-understand terms, don't they? Ozu-chan is exactly that kind of person.

Ozu: The summer group was made up of only quiet members, so much so that lunch naturally was a silent meal LOL. When we met up with the spring group, there was this one member who was really talkative. And that was (Nagashima) Rio. Her cheerfulness made me feel like "Things are going to get fun". Once we got closer, I realized that she wasn't only cheerful - but she actually thinks carefully before she speaks and she's also really good at putting sentences together. I respect Rio.

Nagashima: My first impression of (Masuda) Mirine was "The bob girl has arrived!" LOL. When we first met, I thought she might've been nervous and since she was so quiet, I figured she might be the cool type. However, once we started talking she was SO interesting and fascinating that I couldn't take my eyes off her. I don't know if I should be saying something like this, but she's like a little sister to me.

Masuda: My first impression of Yada-chan was "So fair! Cute!". She spoke in a composed tone so I thought she sounded rather head-of-the-student-council-esque, and it turned out that she actually really was [the president of the student council]! She's so earnest and there are so many things I want to learn from her, so I really respect her. She's super talkative and will take the initiative to talk to you. Her way of speaking is really gentle, so even someone like me will be able to handle it.

The 6th generation's first original song is 'Time Limit Kataomoi'. Yada Moeka was selected for the center position. The music video was shot in the freezing cold of Hokkaido.

Yada: When I was told I'd be the center, I was overcome with anxiety. I felt as if I'd fallen behind the other girls, so I was frozen stiff with anxiety, wondering "Why me?" and "What will I do if I make a mistake even though I'm the center?". However, Morihira and Setoguchi who were next to me were grinning, while encouraging me to do my best. I also received messages from the other members. The day before the MV filming, Nagashima called me and we talked 'til late at night. Everyone's support was what made me get through the production of 'Time Limit Kataomoi'.

Morihira: I reached out to Yada-chan as I figured she'd be the most anxious. I often get told that my way of encouraging others is strange, but I'd be glad if it helped Yada-chan feel even a little bit better.

Setoguchi: I treated Moeka in a straightforward manner, telling her "Let's have fun together". I myself didn't really feel as if I were in the front, but rather it felt like we were all dancing side-by-side in one line, so I didn't feel anxious at all.

Nagashima: When I thought "We'll be filming tomorrow night", I started getting nervous. I figured, "If even I'm this nervous, Moeka must be freaking out", so I quickly got in touch with her and asked her "You OK?", and she just burst into tears.

Yada: I'm not usually one to cry LOL.

Nagashima: I told the crying Moeka, "Yeah, I thought so. But you're cute, so have some confidence!" We encouraged one another for over two hours. When I saw the completed music video for 'Time Limit Kataomoi', I thought "I'm glad Moeka was the first center". Just from the way she stands, she gives off this aura that is unique to Moeka, and while I doubt she intends to be acting, her expressions alone tell a whole story.

Morihira: The music video for 'Time Limit Kataomoi' was shot in Kushiro City, Hokkaido and at Yatsugatake* [= volcanic mountain range between the Nagano and Yamanashi Prefectures]. When I started crying because of how cold it was, everyone gathered around me and encouraged me, telling me "It'll be okay. Once this is over, we'll get to have our bentos!".

Ozu: The members braved the cold by playing oshikura-manju* [= children's game in which three or more stand back-to-back in a circle and jostle] together. Having a harsh experience from the get-go gave me the confidence that we could brave anything from now on.

Kaibe: The spots that got wet from touching the snow would freeze over. Even though it was that cold, the feeling of fun won over and many of the girls were smiling. I, too, was one of them.

Suzuki: The director told us "While 'Time Limit Kataomoi' is a love song - for the 6th generation - it's also a song that expresses the time limit until graduation". I found myself thinking, "Maybe I could become the beautiful, fleeting idol that I'd always dreamed of [being]." While looking out over the Yatsugatake mountains, I thought "Had I not auditioned for the 6th generation, I may have just been lounging around at home", and I felt SO happy to have the companions I do now.

Atago: Since idols have a time limit, I want to make the most out of the time I've been given and challenge myself to try anything and everything.

Masuda: In the midst of filming, I thought to myself "There are such kind people in this world". This music video was created by everyone in the 6th generation, and it wouldn't have been possible if even one of us were to be missing. I'm glad it was these eleven people.

Yada: There was this certain tension because this isn't a song by our seniors; it's a 6th generation song. I could feel the fierce drive coming from everyone. There was such a sense of accomplishment when the shoot was over, and I think it really brought the 6th generation together. I've become able to talk with everyone now.

Kawabata: I think 'Time Limit Kataomoi' is a song that we can really make our own. I'm looking forward to seeing the 6th generation members' colours emerge from now on.

Okoshi: As an idol fan, I can't help but find everyone in the 6th generation adorable. They're cute just by being there, and they're even cuter when they start walking around. What's more, everyone's really kind and hardworking. Where have you all been hiding up until now, I wonder? I pay close attention to everyone's little quirks, be it during filming or rehearsals.

At the Nogizaka46 First Unveiling Event: "Nice to meet you, we're the 6th generation." (held on the 6th of April), they performed songs such as 'Seifuku no Mannequin'. The eleven supported each other in rehearsals, about to take to the stage for the very first time.

Masuda: I was looking forward to performing 'Seifuku no Mannequin' and got really excited, but when we started learning the choreography I realized that my skills just.... weren't there yet. When I watch videos of myself dancing - unlike my seniors - I realize that I'm just. Moving. I bought a big mirror and am [now] practicing [more] at home.

Atago: I like 'Seifuku no Mannequin'. It may be a song that's different from my usual image, but I feel like this style of dancing - where every movement is clear and well-defined - rather suits me. However, I'm not very good at performing 'Hodoukyou'. Since my body is stiff, it's hard for me to move gracefully.

Kawabata: Whenever I'm rehearsing 'Seifuku no Mannequin', the image of my seniors dancing always pops up in my head. I make a conscious effort of drawing out that pressure and expressing it. The flowing choreography of 'Hodoukyou' was difficult for me. Whenever I hit a wall, Urumi - who has previous ballet experience - kindly walked me through it. I tried copying her dancing, which is beautiful right down to her fingertips. I want us all to get on the same wavelength and put on a performance that really moves people.

Morihira: I was happy to get to perform my favourite 'Hodoukyou'. However, I worried that when it came to the actual performance, the lyrics would hit me so hard that I'd start crying. We asked the staff "Are there any days when we can practice on our own?" and they prepared a time and place for us to do so, so we're working hard.

Okoshi: We'd like to perform 'Hodoukyou' not as an imitation of our seniors, but rather as an answer coming from the 6th generation.

Nagashima: I want to convey the world of 'Hodoukyou''s lyrics not with a sad expression, but rather with an expression that's like a fleeting smile. Sometimes it gets physically demanding to keep dancing during rehearsals, but there's such a kind atmosphere that if somebody's feeling down, somebody else would always cheer them up, so that environment really helped me out too.

Setoguchi: I'm so happy to have got to dance in the center for 'Ohitorisama Tengoku', the very song that made me fall in love with Nogizaka46. Back when I was a fan, I'd get energized by 'Ohitorisama Tengoku', but now it's my turn to be the one energizing others. I want to liven up the place together with everyone in the 6th generation. Since I used to be a cheerleader, I think that smiling is my forte, but I'm worried about how much that'll get through. I'd like to find a way to truly convey my cheerfulness.

Ozu: It was fun when the entirety of the 6th generation clapped along to the beat perfectly in sync during 'Ohitorisama Tengoku'. I'm getting really excited just thinking about what it'll be like when the audience will start clapping along with us. During rehearsals, we've started discussing more amongst ourselves about how "we should do it like this [instead] here and there". I used to be shy and called everyone by "[name]-chan", but now that I'm able to just call them by their names* [without any honorifics], I feel like that's brought us closer.

Yada: Even when lessons run late, everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. There are times when I feel depressed, but there'll always be someone to brighten up the mood. We're rehearsing with the feeling of "If we're not having fun, then the audience won't have fun either".

Kaibe: When we're practicing on our own and everyone's reviewing each other's [dancing, singing], checking "This part goes like this, right?" - I keenly feel how much I love this space.

Suzuki: Some members even shed tears, going "I'm no good at dancing", but they really put in the effort and practiced on their own, they weren't afraid to ask about anything they didn't understand and just kept on steadily improving. I found myself being really inspired by that too. I'm glad that we've become the kind of team that doesn't leave anyone behind, ensuring that if someone stumbles, someone else will always be there to lend a hand. I can do my best too - because I'm not alone.

Masuda: You can really tell that everyone in the staff is thinking "Let's create something great", so we're feeling like we absolutely must live up to those expectations. I want to turn our first time on stage into a good thing and celebrate together with everyone.

Nogizaka46 currently doesn't have any 1st or 2nd generation members. How do the 6th generation members intend to carry on the legacy of Nogizaka46 that their seniors have upheld?

Kaibe: Nogizaka46 has been built up by the 1st generation-san and 2nd generation-san - and has been inherited by the seniors who are leading the group today - so we also want to carefully carry on that legacy, one step at a time.

Masuda: I believe the seniors of today have learned important things and have carefully passed them on, so we want to do our part in continuing that legacy and protecting Nogizaka46.

Nagashima: Even though we may not have been able to see the 1st & 2nd generation-san doing their activities up close, we want to learn as much as we can from our seniors - from the 3rd to the 5th generation.

Ozu: I believe that the 1st & 2nd generation-san have built up the brand Nogizaka46 from scratch. We want to introduce that brand to as many people as possible - without damaging what it stands for. I think there are things we can do to help achieve that. Above everything, I want to prioritize etiquette, decorum and love for Nogizaka.

Kawabata: I believe we mustn't forget 'doryoku, kansha, egao [= Nogizaka46's motto; effort, thanks, smiles]' and bring about a new wind while inheriting the Nogizaka-way.

Suzuki: We were warmly welcomed by our seniors. Upon our every meeting, they show [their] care for us, asking "Are you okay? You aren't struggling, right?". That must've been the example set by the 1st & 2nd generation-san.

Atago: Everyone in the 6th generation accepted me - with my flaws and all - creating a warm and supportive space where they always encouraged me. I want to cherish that warmth and strive to become someone worthy of being part of Nogizaka46.

Setoguchi: The girls taking the audition were nice, and I'd already felt as if this were a warm place. Upon joining Nogizaka46, I've come to appreciate the importance of human connections.

Morihira: I carry on with my activities while struggling with the question "What is the colour of Nogizaka46?". We hope that with our joining, we'll help make the group even more exciting.

Yada: Even when watching as a fan only, I felt an overwhelming aura coming from the 1st & 2nd generation-san. I don't know if we'll ever exude such aura ourselves, but we want to carry on the traditions while adding our own colours.

Okoshi: Rather than merely accepting kindness from my seniors, I want to pass on that kindness to everyone who's picked up this magazine and to everyone who supports us, while bringing smiles to the faces of as many people as possible.

Finally, we asked the eleven about what kind of person they'd like to become in Nogizaka46.

Kaibe: All of the seniors in Nogizaka46 are kind. Thing is - I tend to rely too much on that kindness, so I'd like to learn how to stand on my own two feet.

Suzuki: One of my shortcomings is that I lack in things I want to do. I took the audition out of my own volition and was able to become a member of Nogizaka46, so from now on I want to be greedy and aim for the top.

Atago: I tend to be withdrawn. Even if I think "Maybe it'd be better to do it like this", I just can't bring myself to act on it. In Nogizaka46, I want to change this personality of mine and become someone who can give courage to those who support me.

Setoguchi: First of all, I want to become someone who's able to put their feelings into words. Provided I'd change, I'm aiming to become an idol who can move others.

Okoshi: I want to become a human being who's truly able to embody the music of Nogizaka46.

Kawabata: I don't know my own personality or colour as of yet, but, I really hope to become someone who can genuinely express themselves, much like my seniors who always are effortlessly natural. Just as 'Sayonara no Imi' was the catalyst for me, I want to become someone who can be that same kind of catalyst for others.

Morihira: Outward beauty is important, sure, but I reckon that what's most important is someone's character. No matter what may happen, I want to become an idol who doesn't forget to be kind, so that people would think "I'm glad I came to like this girl [after all]".

Ozu: Ever since I was in elementary school, I've wanted to be someone who could awaken dreams in lots of people. I want to bring smiles to many people's faces through my performances.

Nagashima: I want to be an idol who cherishes being true to herself, without trying to be someone she's not. I hope that my presence in Nogizaka46 will help make the group even more colourful.

Masuda: I, I don't really know myself. Truth be told, there have been times where I've worried over which version of myself is the real one. I want to find myself through my activities in Nogizaka46.

Yada: I want to become an idol who can be a pillar of support for someone, who can bring others peace of mind just by being there.

TL: laundrycolour

QC: otsukareii_

[fukuchans]

[pound66]

道重さん！田中さん！石田亜佑美

[cutebeam]

❀ the neverending list of my fave girls ❀ tanaka reina  

[laundrycolour]

The Prologue of the Beginning (Nogizaka46 6th Generation, BUBKA; 31.03.2025)

Nogizaka46 6th generation's 'Beginning' Reportage

The Prologue of the Beginning

The audition, moving to Tokyo, meetings and partings -

The story of the chosen girls' journey to change the world.

"Human beings are the only living creatures capable of dreaming." This is the story of the 11 girls who looked up to idols and were dreaming of joining Nogizaka46, before they go on to change the world.

Why did these girls take that first step, and why were they chosen? This documentary traces their footsteps. First of all, let's start with the story of these girls when they were nobodies.

31.03.2025

The beginning of spring. 

"The world can change with just one step." This was the sentence written on the web homepage for Nogizaka46's 6th generation audition. Two promotional videos were made, one version featuring Inoue Nagi and one featuring Yamashita Mizuki, with each version depicting a scene where they take 'you' by the hand and lead you into the outside world.

And so the recruitment for the 6th generation began.

The key feature of this time's auditions was that recruitment was split into spring and summer groups. For the spring group, applications were accepted from the 2nd of February until the 5th of March, while for the summer group, applications were accepted from the 28th of June until the 22nd of July, with each group undergoing a first examination - the screening of the WEB application documents. Those who progress through the 2nd, 3rd and 4th round will undergo the final trainee screening and only when they pass the last examination will they be officially unveiled as 6th generation members.

Yada Moeka from the spring group was unsure about applying.

Yada: I'm from Akita prefecture, just like Ikoma Rina-san. Ikoma-san sometimes participates in events in Akita, and I'd go see them every time. Ikoma-san is a superstar born in Akita. Ikoma-san is what drew me in to Nogizaka46. What made me decide to audition was dancing to a Nogizaka46 song during my school's cultural festival. As I memorized the dance, I really started to feel how wonderful it'd be to have a job where you could bring smiles to people's faces. It was then that I found out that auditions would be held. I was really anxious and worried about whether it'd be feasible or not to balance this with my schoolwork, but when I learned that Ikeda Teresa-san took the audition while she was a ronin* [= high school graduate waiting for another chance to enter university after having failed the yearly entrance examination], and that she put in lots of effort and still got into the university she wanted to attend, it gave me the [necessary] courage and I was able to take the leap. I submitted my application ten minutes before the deadline.

Kawabata Hina's family was the one that gave her a push.

Kawabata: When I was five years old, I saw 'Sayonara no Imi' on a music programme and thought it was SUCH a great song. That's what made me like Nogizaka46. I also went to Hashimoto Nanami-san's graduation live at Saitama Super Arena, and the members were all really beautiful, which left quite the impression on me. Even so, I never imagined that I'd become an idol myself. However, my father told me "Just give it a shot, don't worry about whether you'll get in or not", so I took the plunge and applied.

Kaibe Akari even remembers the date when she applied.

Kaibe: It seems like I've loved singing and dancing for as long as I can remember, and apparently I used to dance by myself at the supermarket, treating the fruit as my audience. I came to know Nogizaka46 around the time of 'Itsuka Dekiru kara Kyou Dekiru'. I thought they were cute and beautiful, so I started following them. Afterwards, when I saw Endo Sakura-san shining SO brightly, my feelings changed from those of liking [her] as a fan to admiration and wanting to become like her. I submitted my audition documents on the 26th of February. It's not like I had any particular idea of what I wanted to do in the future. When the audition for the 6th generation was announced, for an instant I was worried, but then I decided right away to give it a go.

Nagashima Rio had secretly decided that the 6th generation audition would be her last.

Nagashima: I had always dreamed of being part of the entertainment industry, but I devoted myself to my studies in middle school and high school. But after entering high school, I happened to see an advertisement for the 6th generation recruitment. At the time, I was in high school and while I'd started thinking about my future path, I was troubled because I couldn't find something I wanted to do. Since I liked Inoue Nagi-san, I decided to apply right away. In high school I was part of the kyudo* [= Japanese archery] club, and before tournaments I'd watch Nagi-san's kyudo videos to calm myself down, thinking "Alright, time to do my best!"

Setoguchi Mitsuki's life was changed by Nogizaka46.

Setoguchi: Ever since I started liking Nogizaka46, I've received lots of courage and energy. Especially Inoue Nagi-san! I thought she was cute ever since her debut, but during 'Ohitorisama Tengoku' I fell for her completely. The application period was right around the time I'd be graduating from high school, and I applied because I'd always wanted to do something that would move others.

After passing the initial document screening, you'll advance to the second and third rounds.

Nagashima: The third round of the audition involved us singing the chorus of a song we liked a capella, so I sang Mori Nana-san's 'Smile'. My expression wasn't that of a smiling one in the slightest LOL. For the fourth screening, I sang the song 'Ohitorisama Tengoku'.

Kawabata: Since this was my first audition, I had no idea what kind of things they'd ask, so I was quite anxious. On my way to the venue, I was listening to BOØWY-san's songs in an attempt to calm myself down. I grew to like them thanks to the influence of my dad. I thought if I could lift my spirits, I could keep the groove of the song going.

The fourth and last round of screening took place in Tokyo.

Nagashima: I bought a cute pale blue dress and wore it for my trip to Tokyo! I was just trying to lift my spirits a bit LOL. Once the fourth screening came to an end and the ones who had been accepted were settled on, there was a bit of a stand-by period. At the time Setoguchi was next to me, and because she was petite and REALLY cute, I was CONVINCED that she was my junior, so I casually asked her "[And you're] how old?", only to then find out that she's older than me... I realized just how rude I'd been right from the get-go....

Setoguchi: That, I do remember (laughs). When I asked everyone for their age, they were all younger than me. That being said, I was surprised by how grown-up-ish everyone was. Moreover, from the third screening onwards, the examinations were in-person, so I met all the applicants face-to-face, and seeing how fired-up and cute everyone was really made me feel that I had to step up my own game, and I got more and more motivated. With that in mind, I bought some clothes that were a little nicer for the audition. I got some nice pants at Yamakataya, Kagoshima's famous department store LOL.

Nagashima: I had my eye make-up done for the audition, but up until then I'd never had the experience of having my make-up done by a professional. When I saw the make-up tools spread out on the desk, I just went like "Waaaa~!!" and got super excited.

Kaibe: I was together in the same group with Yada during the final screening, and she REALLY stood out, so she left quite the impression on me.

"Because I'm an only child, my mom quietly murmured "I wish I could've spent just a little longer raising my child......." But, I went ahead and applied despite knowing that I'd have to leave my parents' home, that's how badly I wanted to pursue my dream."

They were informed of the final result on the same day.

Kawabata: Now that I'd come this far, I REALLY wanted to pass. My assigned number was #1, so I was really worried about what I'd do if [the number] wouldn't get called. But when they called out "#1", I felt really relieved.

Setoguchi: When they called out, "#2, Setoguchi Mitsuki!", I managed to reply "Yes!", but as I walked up onto the stage, a lot of questions popped up into my head, like "What's going on? Is this a dream? Did I truly pass?".

Nagashima: I was #5. I thought that I'd for sure fail, so much so that I was just staring at the wall, picturing my life after having failed, thinking "Now I'll get a part-time job... Maybe I'll dye my hair too...." And then, they called out "#5", and I was like "Huh? Did they call out [my number]........" I had no time to cry tears of happiness, I only was astonished. I ran to my mother, who had been waiting for me near the venue, and informed her "I passed!", and the both of us cried our eyes out. Once I got back to Hokkaido, my family and I went out for yakiniku to celebrate. I was told "Eat as much as you'd like" (laughs).

Yada: I headed towards my mother, who had been waiting for me at a café nearby. All while giving off an air of having failed. LOL. I wanted to record my mother's reaction, so I had my camera rolling when going into the café, and told her in a low voice, "I passed", and she yelled out "WHAAAT!!" way louder than you're supposed to in a café (laughs).

Kaibe: I sent my mother a message on LINE going "It's over", and deliberately waited a few minutes before sending her another LINE, saying "I passed". And then, I got a phone call, with my mother going "Really!?!!", she was that shocked.

Lessons for the spring group began. During the weekends, they had to go to Tokyo for lessons, while during the weekdays, they took lessons remotely also.

Nagashima: When it comes to dancing, I'm just SUPER stiff. Looking back on it now, I was so bad that it's a wonder that the instructor was able to keep a straight face.

Yada: Even now, I still have a long way to go, but at the beginning I was just. Awful. I couldn't do anything, be it ups, downs, or doing isolations. As time went on, each one of us started to notice our strengths and weaknesses, so we started teaching one another.

As a matter of fact, they had not yet passed the examination at that time. Only after finishing this training period and passing the final evaluation, will they at last earn the right to be called members of the 6th generation of Nogizaka46.

During the training period, the spring group had a harmonious atmosphere. Rather than focusing on the harsh reality that someone could be dropped, instead they decided on a collaborative system where they'd teach one another the parts of the choreography that they didn't understand. In the end, these five people were officially chosen as part of the spring group. Happiness, apprehension, astonishment - a whirlwind of emotions churned within the girls as they found themselves waiting for the summer group that had yet to join.

Summer resolution.

Recruitment for the summer group began in late June.

Atago Kokone was pondering applying for the spring group.

Atago: While my school friends were figuring out their future paths one by one, I was getting anxious as I was the only one who hadn't decided on mine. It was then that I found out about the sixth generation auditions and it suddenly came to me: "This is it!". I filled out everything on the last day, trying to apply for the spring group. However, I couldn't muster up the courage to do so. I kept thinking "What do I do, what do I do....." and hesitated right until 16:59, the minute before the deadline and after all that, I ended up just deleting the data. I spent my time regretting why I couldn't just send it in that day. I realized that the reason why I regretted it this much meant that that was what I truly wanted to do, so I applied for the summer group.

Okoshi Hinano was crazy about idols.

Okoshi: I was the type of person that didn't have lots of friends at school. I've been a huge fan of idols ever since I was little, so when I got home I'd just watch videos of their live performances non-stop. I admired Nogizaka46 and thought they were super cute, but they had such a 'prim & proper young lady' image so I just felt like "We're total opposites..." Even so, I still dreamed of becoming an idol. I've always had an inferiority complex about my height, but when I went to a concert and saw Umezawa Minami-san and Kaki Haruka-san, I was struck by how CUTE and tall they both were. It made me think, "There are people this amazing out there".

Ozu Reina took in the Nogizaka46 experience as part of the audience at Meiji Jingu Stadium.

Ozu: I think I started liking Nogizaka46 when I was in the upper grades of primary school. The first live concert I ever went to was during the Manatsu no Zenkoku Tour two years ago. So when I saw the faces of the members and the faces of the audience alike, both of them were absolutely beaming. I thought, "How wonderful it is to be [part of] such group that can make so many people SO happy". I applied on the very last day of the summer group recruitment, during the extension period.

Suzuki Yuuna was drawn in by certain words.

Suzuki: I've been a fan of Nogizaka46 since I was in primary school. However, I couldn't figure out just what I wanted to do in the future. Right at that time, the audition's tagline, "The world can change with just one step." really hit home. This summer could very well be my last chance. If I let this [chance] slip away, I wouldn't know when the next one would come, so I decided to take on the challenge.

Masuda Mirine was a third year middle school student.

Masuda: I'd always thought - for some reason - that I'd work at city hall in the future. I thought that if I could live an ordinary life, that'd be more than enough. It was right around that time that the announcement video for the audition came out. I had a gut feeling that if I didn't apply now, I'd absolutely regret it when I grew up. Even so, I couldn't muster up the courage, but then the tagline "The world can change with just one step." jumped out at me. Those words gave me the push I needed.

It was a friend who changed Morihira Urumi's fate.

Morihira: Back in springtime, I wasn't even thinking about applying. However, when I enrolled in highschool, a friend I met there suggested "Why not audition for Nogizaka46?", and that encouragement was my motive. I was a fan, but I thought it unthinkable that I'd ever take part.

Suzuki - in particular - was a huge fan of Nogizaka46.

Suzuki: Meet & greets, concerts, namajashin* [= real photographs (printed on photo stock)]... Listening to their songs every day was the norm. For Meguri, [I met] Umezawa Minami-san. I also wanted to go to handshake events, but my parents told me that I wasn't allowed to go by myself - and right when I'd gotten permission, the COVID pandemic began. I remember feeling really down about it.

The summer group's screening began.

Atago: I did ikebana* [floral art/arrangements] back in highschool, so I showed them some photos of it. That's about the only special skill I have..... So I stuck with the same photos all the way through to the final round.

Okoshi: For my minute-long self-promo, I said "My special skill is having long arms". Once I said it, I felt like something was off and I couldn't speak anymore....... There were about 30 seconds of silence, so I figured I'd failed already.

Suzuki: For the fourth screening, I pasted photos that I'd taken on my usual strolling course into a sketchbook and showed it to them. You could spot Mount Fuji - it [= the mountain] was beautiful.

Morihira: I attended the second screening online from a friend's house. I borrowed some clothes from my friend and asked her to help me brainstorm a draft for my minute-long self-promo.

"During the lessons with only the summer group, somebody was always crying - but once we started lessons with the spring group, the summer group's smiles gradually started to appear more and more; It really felt like 'spring has come'."

The final screening took place the day after the fourth round.

Atago: On the way to the venue, I felt more nervous than I ever had in my life. I couldn't even get food down my throat, my stomach hurt and I felt sick. I did think about just going home, but were I to do that, I'd have to keep living with that for the rest of my life. Remembering my state of mind as I applied, I headed to the venue nearly in tears. There was this singing screening, but the thing is, I've never actually sung in front of others - even when going to karaoke with my friends, I'm always the one just listening. Therefore, I completely missed the pitch....... I was so ashamed that I couldn't keep singing halfway through.

Okoshi: Since I figured I wouldn't pass the final screening anyway, I was actually rather at ease. During the fourth round, I arrived two hours before the starting time and ended up hiding in the station toilets, but on the final day, I got there right on time. I was surrounded by nothing but cute girls, and I had no confidence in myself, so I think I just sort of developed a 'whatever' attitude.

Ozu: Before the final screening began, I was reading from my English vocabulary notebook. I just feel restless if I'm not doing something. Of course, it went in one ear and out the other. In the midst of the screening, I dropped my smartphone while I was speaking, and I panicked, so much so that I completely blanked on the lyrics during the singing screening that followed. I thought "It's over.....", and I just cried and cried in the bathroom.

Masuda: When I arrived at the venue, everyone was just SO cute that I felt like I was sticking out like a sore thumb and thought about just going home. However, I was worried that me not being there would be a bother, so I stayed put. I was already crying while waiting in my seat, but once I entered the venue, I was overwhelmed by the sheer strength of it all, so much so that my tears actually stopped. When my turn came, I thought that just reading what I'd prepared would be no fun, so I decided to go off the cuff and just say things off the top of my head. The words flowed out easily, but I don't remember what I actually said at all. I only remember that my hands were shaking.

Morihira: I was astonished by the sheer number of staff and cameras, so much so that I ended up crying the whole time I was singing. During my self-introduction, I said "Please don't look at my face, body, eyes or anything at all", quickly mentioned just a little bit about how I was feeling at the moment and then just went back to my seat.

When Masuda told her parents that she had passed, she got an unexpected reaction.

Masuda: When I was taking the last bullet train home, I was together with my parents. They were really happy that I had passed, but it seems that there were also mixed feelings, and there were some long moments of silence. My mother wistfully murmured "I wish I could've spent just a little longer raising my child......." I'm an only child. But, I went ahead and applied despite knowing that I'd have to leave my parents' home. That's how badly I wanted to pursue my dream.

It wasn't only their family who was happy for them.

Yada: A senior got in touch with me, telling me "To think that the idol from our highschool is gonna become a national star T_T". That same senior suggested that I'd dance to a Nogizaka46 song with her for our school's cultural festival back in the day.

And so, the training period for the summer group begins. The final result had yet to be decided. They were bound to be rivals, but everyone was kind.

Masuda: Everyone was so kind and helpful to one another that I thought it was a miracle that such people had all come together. "There's nothing to talk about apart from lessons!" - I thought that such would be the atmosphere. The manager was SO kind too, which was a real lifesaver. Every time I got home, I'd say "Everybody was so kind today too! Humans are amazing!" (laughs). I'm not very good at opening up to others. Even so, it seemed like these people would be good. That's how overflowing with love it was. It really hit me how amazing people are, and how we've managed to survive by helping each other.

At the end of the training period, they all danced to 'Synchronicity'. It took Atago four hours to memorize just tens of seconds from the chorus. And so, these six people were accepted into the spring group.

A blending of seasons.

The spring group was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the summer group. Suddenly, the faithful day came.

Setoguchi: The summer group came in just as the spring group's lessons ended. We had no idea of how many people there were.

Yada: After the introductions, we had some recreational activities to help break the ice. On the first day, the summer group was REALLY quiet. We established a dynamic where the spring group would talk proactively, while the summer group would be the one responding.

On the other hand, the summer group saw the spring group in this manner.

Ozu: Everyone in the spring group greeted us and bowed, going "Nice to meet you. We're the spring group from Nogizaka46's 6th Generation!" and the way they bowed was just perfectly synchronized. The summer group was just completely blown away. We were at a loss for words, so we could only awkwardly greet in disjointed voices.

Atago: The spring group had been together for a long time, so they had already formed a bond. We - the summer group - were overwhelmed by the bright atmosphere of the spring group. I couldn't keep up with the pace of the conversation, so I only found myself nodding along.....

Suzuki: During the lessons with only the summer group, somebody was always crying. But once we started lessons with the spring group, the summer group's smiles gradually started to appear more and more, y'know. It really felt like 'spring has come'.

There was a certain memorable day for the 6th generation.

Yada: We all decided to go out for a meal together in an effort to become closer friends. Because we're a large group, we were seated at separate tables, but we still had a great time chatting away.

Okoshi: We alternated between spring and summer for each seat. I was sitting right at the end of the table, so I didn't get to talk all that much. But when I saw the kids from the spring group writing down the summer group's birthdays on their phones, I thought they were all SO sweet.

The spring and summer group have contrasting personalities, but that day marked a turning point: instead of being groups of five and six people, they became a group of eleven.

Nagashima: At the beginning we were split into spring and summer in the waiting room, but nowadays that's no longer the case, and I feel like we've really become one as the "6th generation".

The 6th generation girls have already had the chance to meet the seniors they look up to.

Atago: They were SO cute that my whole body was shaking. Also, I thought it'd be a shame not to look at them, so I couldn't help but take their faces in one at a time.

Ozu: The pressure when the seniors lined up was IMMENSE. Umezawa Minami-san was standing in the middle, wearing bright red clothes and looking really cool.

Okoshi: I couldn't look my seniors in the eye, so I just kept staring right at the floor......

Suzuki: When I heard that we'd be meeting them, my heart was in my throat and my stomach hurt, but when I heard Sugawara Satsuki-san say "Thank you for coming to Nogizaka46", I was so happy that I cried.

Nagashima: Once we finished our self-introductions, we were getting ready to take the group photo, and as I got closer, I could sense a really nice fragrance from Umezawa-san. It was the scent of a beautiful woman.

The 6th generation members attended Yoda Yuuki's graduation concert that was held in February. Some members were met with the realization that they too could come to stand on the same stage in the near future.

Atago: I keenly realized that things couldn't go on like this. Yoda-san herself said that dancing wasn't her strong suit, yet during her graduation concert she took up the challenge of a difficult dance, didn't she. It's not my strong suit either, but I know I can't just keep saying that - I need to push my own limits and catch up quickly.

Starting February 6th, the profiles were released one by one. There was no turning back now. The moment when these girls would be recognized by the world as part of Nogizaka46 had come - at long last.

Ozu: I was at school on the day of the unveiling, and my friends who noticed called out to me, going "Congratulations!" and "Do your best, yeah?". Right before that, some friends of mine who had no clue about it were looking at some of the other 6th generation members right next to me. I overheard them saying stuff like "That sure is a rare last name. How do you even read it?", but I had to play dumb to safely get through it LOL.

Namida no osekihan* [ = Red bean rice (sekihan) cooked to celebrate a happy occasion, but eaten with tears of sadness or bittersweet emotion because of the circumstances].

It was only recently that the country-bred members moved to Tokyo. Coming to the capital meant having to say goodbye.

Yada: When I'm working I can devote myself to it without having my thoughts wander off, but when I'm eating at home - sure enough - that's when loneliness sets in. I- I loved the dining table back home. I've been feeling lonely, so my family and I have been sending videos to each other. However, seeing them having so much fun in said videos just gets me lonely all over again. I think, "Over here it's so quiet".

Masuda: For the fourth and final rounds I got on the bullet train with my mother, but on the day I moved to Tokyo for good, I realized I had NO idea how to get on by myself. I'd booked a reserved seat, but I ended up getting on in the non-reserved seating area. And what's more, I ended up just standing up the whole time when I could've just sat down. lol

Kaibe: We keep in touch every day. Nevertheless - y'know - I'm still getting homesick. At home there always was someone there, with a dog too - that's the kind of life I've been leading. At night it's quiet, and I still can't seem to fall asleep.

Setoguchi: On the day of my farewell, my family came to the airport to see me off. I thought I'd feel lonely after coming to Tokyo, but because everyone's there, it's fun! I still ring my family every day though. When I came to Tokyo, I brought along a plushie of the flying squirrel Chiikawa, and a message board that's full of photos. Right before I left for Tokyo, a number of friends came all the way to my home and brought [it] to me.

Nagashima: I got lots of farewell letters from my friends. In Tokyo, I read them every night before going to bed.

Suzuki: On the day of my farewell, I ate cooked red rice* [= osekihan] - made by my grandma - together with my family. My father cried, while saying "Now that I'm in my fifties, it makes me so happy that my children are bringing me joy....." It was my first time ever seeing my father cry, so we all ended up crying too. On parting at the train station, my family gave me a big wave goodbye.

[And then,] the 6th generation song came to be. The title is "Time Limit Kataomoi". The one standing in the centre was Yada.

Yada: The moment I was told I'd be the center, I felt both bewildered and happy. When we lined up in that formation right then and there, I was suddenly overcome by a sense of responsibility and anxiety....... When I looked around, though, I saw everyone smiling and watching over me, which rather moved me. Morihira and Setoguchi came up to me and told me "That's awesome! Let's do our best together!". I've always held on to the belief of giving it your utmost in order to put on a great performance.

"If somebody is crying, we all go give them a hug. And when we overcome something really tough, that feeling of having achieved it together is so overwhelming that we just break down smiling through tears. That's the 6th generation."

Then came the memorable first MV filming for the 6th generation.

Yada: It was fun to dance, but the waiting time in-between was terribly windy! Even for me - and I'm from Akita - it was cold.

Setoguchi: I was THE happiest just to get the song. The lyrics are heart-wrenching, but the tune is bright and fresh. It's a song that gives you an odd feeling.

On April 6th, the 'Nogizaka46 First Unveiling Event: "Nice to meet you, we're the 6th generation."' will be held. What kind of performance will the 6th generation show us?

Atago: I'm determined to give it my utmost in order to achieve what I've always wanted to do.

Kaibe: I still haven't reached a point where I can envision the ideal image of the kind of idol I want to be. However, above all I want my motto to be "Never give up".

Setoguchi: The younger members of the 6th generation really have their act together. The youngest, Kawabata, even gives [us] pep talks. Ozu is quick when it comes to picking up choreo. Masuda's clumsy and absent-minded though (laughs). I can't take my eyes off her because you never know what she'll do next.

Kaibe: The 6th generation's ethos is made up of mutual aid. We're companions who help each other out when we don't understand something during our lessons. I think our appeal is that we all move forward [together] in a horizontal line.

Yada: If somebody is crying, we all go give them a hug. And when we overcome something really tough in a lesson, that feeling of having achieved it together is so overwhelming that we just break down, smiling through tears. That's the 6th generation. Oh and also, everyone loves to eat! Whenever we hit a wall, we keep our spirits up and encourage each other by going "Hey guys, once we finish this we can go grab some food!" lol

Nagashima: The 6th generation's a considerate group. I reckon that what's great about it is the warm atmosphere that flows within. When you look at each individual, each person has a distinct personality, almost like a mixture of colours.

On the 6th of April, they'll take to the stage at Pia Arena MM, ready to dye Yokohama in the colours of the 6th generation. And just like that, the world that these 11 people have stepped into will begin to change, little by little.

TL: laundrycolour

QC: otsukareii_

[fukuchans]

[fukuchans]

[pound66]

田中れいな『ﾓｰﾆﾝｸﾞ娘。20周年★６期久々復活』 ⇒ https://ameblo.jp/tanakareina-blog/entry-12310830249.html