there is nothing funnier in chiyono’s career than CB fighting tooth and nail to try to get Maru back into the racing scene and to find that spark again despite the fact she’s past her peak. And then Rudolf pops up near the end to inherently go “the dream league’s not that bad. Your Legacy is important.” to Maru. Like oh my fucking godddd
SWITCH x Kimika Onai (Nogizaka46's Costumes, SWITCH Magazine; 20.06.2024)
How the Sakamichi Series' costumes are made
COSTUME DESIGNER: Kimika Onai.
So that you can take to the stage with confidence. Having supported the Sakamichi Series with her costumes ever since the [Series'] dawn, the stylist Kimika Onai, gives people a push.
20.06.2024
The stylist Kimika Onai has been involved in creating more than half of Nogizaka46's costumes, and has since worked on many of the costumes for Sakurazaka46/Keyakizaka46 and Hinatazaka46, handling many costumes for each of the groups in the Sakamichi Series. It all began with the MV costumes for 'Ushitakunai Kara', from Nogizaka46's debut single 'Guruguru Curtain', released in 2012.
"At that time, I knew very little about idols, and since I'd never created costumes for a group of people that large, I was so anxious that I was practically on the verge of tears, but as a novice stylist, I raised my morale by thinking this was a chance that I couldn't pass up on, so I took on the challenge."
With a smile, she reminisces. Ever since, she's been in charge of the costumes for many of Nogizaka46's representative songs, playing an essential role in establishing the group's image in terms of costumes. So, what were the key points emphasized in the making of those costumes, one wonders.
"As a fundamental principle, the members are THE main characters, so [the costumes] shouldn't stand out too much. I am mindful of the costumes. Because I want everyone to see [the members'] shining faces first. Furthermore, centered on Nogizaka46's image as neat and clean - as well as elegant - we aim to incorporate the trends of the moment, while also seeking out new things that are specific to Nogizaka46, with us always striving to move in a direction that satisfies everyone that's involved with the group, as well as the fans. That same fundamental approach remains unchanged in terms of the production of Sakurazaka46 and Hinatazaka46 costumes."
And, she wants to keep on [making] costumes that the members can wear with confidence.
"Y'know how your outfit for the day can really change your mood, right? When my outfit just doesn't feel right for one reason or another, I get down, thinking "I don't look my best today", while, on the other hand, when you wear your favourite clothes, you spend the whole day feeling positive. In much of the same way, if the members take a liking to their costumes for the day, I believe their expressions will light up, and I think they'll face their performances with more confidence. To achieve that feeling, I go to great lengths in terms of fabric production and pay meticulous attention to details, so much so that some people will tell me "Surely you don't need to go to such lengths?"
Take, for example, the performance costumes for Nogizaka46's 33rd single, 'Ohitorisama Tengoku'. They were inspired by the image of the girls jumping around and glittering on the shore, thus leading to [the costumes] being created with a mermaid concept [in mind]. Including the "scales" made out of fabric, each costume was put together using a total of 3000 parts. Looking back now, I can't help but tease myself - "Did I need to go to such lengths in order to create over twenty of those intricate pieces?" - the process took that much effort and time. All that effort paid off, and when the members saw the costumes, they said "It's crazy how cute they are!" and that made me so happy, knowing that they could now go on stage with confidence."
Onai had previously been in charge of almost all of Keyakizaka46's costumes, but, has there been any change in her approach to costume design ever since the group's restart as Sakurazaka46?
"Since both the groups have intense dance routines, the costumes are made in order to be able to withstand that, while incorporating elements such as sturdier buckles or sections of the clothes that flare out dramatically while dancing, therefore enhancing their dynamic and cool appearance. Among all these [costumes], Keyakizaka46 often had androgynous outfits that suited both men and women, but since becoming Sakurazaka46, I got a slightly softer impression from the group, so I made costumes that were slightly more feminine than Keyakizaka46's. In terms of Hinatazaka46's costumes, the focal point is a fresh and cutesy image, and since many of their costumes are entrusted to Yamazaki Hikaru, a stylist at our company (ALCATROCK), we strive to capture that atmosphere while also bringing in new perspectives."
This year, twelve years will have passed ever since she started designing costumes for the Sakamichi Series. When asked which costume among them all was particularly memorable, she gave a slightly wry smile and answered "There isn't one".
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"I'm always only ever thinking about creating something that will leave a strong impression on the members, so I can't think of anything that has left a lasting impression on me. I want the costumes to be something that the graduated members will be able to forever take pride in, and, above all, from here on out, I want to keep on creating costumes that can push the currently active members forward, so that they can take to the stage with confidence and think "Today too, let's give it our all!"."
Kimika Onai: Born in Tokyo, in 1986. Graduated from Bunka Fashion College in 2007. Currently serving as the representative of ALCATROCK Co., she works as a costume designer and stylist. The costumes she has created for the Sakamichi Series so far include Nogizaka46's 'Influencer', 'Synchronicity', 'Koko ni wa Nai Mono', Keyakizaka46's 'Silent Majority' (the above-mentioned being the MV costumes), among many others.
UTB x Nogizaka46 6th generation (Okoshi Hinano, Up to Boy; 22.03.2025)
Okoshi Hinano: Born on the 1st of December, 2004. From Shizuoka prefecture. Blood type: B.
22.03.2025
"My strong point is my mindset of 'loving idols'"
Q: Okoshi-san, have you always wanted to become an idol?
A: Yes, from an early age. What got me into idols was seeing Watanabe Mayu-san (AKB48) on TV when I was five years old. From there on, my curiosity kept growing and growing, so much so that I ended up loving all female idols, from one end of the spectrum to another (laughs).
Q: Among the various idols you had grown to like, what did you think about Nogizaka46?
A: I'd known the group ever since the year they were formed. I liked the group Nogizaka46, and I enjoyed their songs too, so I've been listening to them frequently, for a long time. I wanted to try being an idol in a group I had admired, so I took the audition.
Q: In Nogizaka46, are there any seniors you admire?
A: My admiration for Kubo Shiori-san and Hayashi Runa-san is growing stronger and stronger. In January of this year, I went to see Kubo-san's Seishun Bunkasai (youth culture festival). From singing songs, to acting, talking, and even doing impromptu comedy skits! Not only is she almighty [= multi-talented in this context], but everything she does is so high-quality that it's overwhelming, and I found myself loving the entire flow of her performance. I like Hayashi-san's singing, and I also like her face. It's difficult to put it into words properly, but I like Hayashi-san's [whole] being.
Q: Well then, when it comes to being an idol, what parts [of yourself] would you name as your appeal?
A: I don't have any particular strengths to show off, but the one thing I do have is my 'mindset'. I believe that my love for idols is strong.
Q: Are there any skills you want to acquire or aspects you want to develop [while being] in Nogizaka46?
A: I'm not very good at speaking, so I'd like to get better at it. That's why I often listen to 'All Night Nippon', where Kubo-san is one of the hosts. I'd like to improve my speaking skills in order to someday also get radio work.
Q: Finally, please tell us about your aspirations for your future activities.
A: Without forgetting my gratitude, I hope to have activities that will continue to support the group Nogizaka46, which has been sustained by our seniors for so long.
UTB x Nogizaka46 6th generation (Setoguchi Mitsuki, Up to Boy; 22.03.2025)
Setoguchi Mitsuki: Born on the 16th of July, 2005. From Kagoshima prefecture. Blood type: A.
22.03.2025
"I've received lots of messages from friends back home, which is encouraging!"
Q: First of all, Setoguchi-san, please tell us how you came to know about Nogizaka46.
A: 'Ohitorisama Tengoku' made me like Nogizaka46, and I came to love Inoue Nagi-san. Carrying such high expectations, I'm sure the pressure must have been immense. Despite it all, seeing her standing so dignified on stage, I thought she was very cool. I also like the contrast between the crinkling smile she has on during variety shows and the awe-inspiring countenance she has on stage. Inoue-san is someone I look up to. I hope to someday become someone like that.
Q: How'd you feel when you auditioned for your favourite group and were told you got in?
A: Even after I was told I'd been accepted, it didn't really sink in for a while, but lately it's only just starting to hit me bit by bit. Since my name was announced to the world, I've received messages from various friends back home telling me 'Congratulations! do your best, yeah~' which felt reassuring, and made me realize the importance of human connections. I think Nogizaka46, too, is a group that values human connections, and I want to make sure I'll properly carry that tradition on as well.
Q: How do you like Tokyo?
A: I'm still not used to it at all. The roads are so wide and the scenery is totally different from my hometown, so I thought "[now] THIS is the city.......!" (laughs) I was also surprised by how many railcars there are. The trains in Kagoshima only have about two [railcars].
Q: When you analyze yourself, what kind of character do you think you have?
A: [Someone] who does things at their own pace & in their own way, yet who's also surprisingly serious. There's also a part of me that won't feel right unless everything's done perfectly. I think that's a virtue, but I also have the tendency to overthink when things don't go well, so I guess that might be a weakness too.
Q: What are your impressions of the 6th generation with whom you're currently working?
A: Even though many of the members are younger than me, everyone's calm and reliable, so I can depend on them. On the contrary, it makes me wonder "Am I REALLY 19 years old?" (laughs).
Q: Which one of the members is particularly reliable?
A: (Kawabata) Hina. Whenever I seem anxious, she calls out to me and even gives me advice! She has SUCH a broad outlook that I can't believe she's only 14.
UTB x Nogizaka46 6th generation (Atago Kokone, Up to Boy; 22.03.2025)
Atago Kokone: Born on the 17th of September, 2005. From Hyogo prefecture.
22.03.2025
"For the first time in my life, I found something I really wanted to do"
Q: First of all, please tell us what made you decide to audition for the 6th generation.
A: While the friends around me were each finding their own dreams and goals and going on their own paths, I couldn't find anything I wanted to do. I had neither something I was passionate about, nor a dream job. In such a moment, I found out that Nogizaka46 - which I had always loved - was holding auditions for the 6th generation. I was planning to audition for the spring group, so I filled out all the columns [in the application form]. I'd finished, but then one minute before the deadline I unexpectedly got scared and at that very moment, I gave up on applying. Afterwards, I spent every day regretting it. But at the same time, I realized that "If I feel this much regret every day, it might mean that this is what I really want to do". It was the first time in my life that I genuinely wanted to do something, so I applied anew during the summer group audition.
Q: So you've liked Nogizaka46 from the get-go, right?
A: Yes. My cram school teacher during junior high was a fan of Nogizaka46, and when I first heard the teacher talk about them, it made me wonder "What kind of group are they?", which made me look them up and that's [what got me interested in them]. When I first heard 'Boku wa Boku wo Suki ni Naru', I remember instinctively thinking "This is it! I love this!!".
Q: At that time, did you have any thoughts of wanting to become an idol yourself?
A: In those days, there weren't any such thoughts. Just watching was enough to make me happy.
Q: Are there any seniors you admire?
A: Ichinose Miku-san. I think her cuteness is wonderful. She's someone funny who can handle both boke and tsukkomi [= being the 'wise guy' and the 'straight man' in a comedy routine], and she gives me the impression of being someone who can do 'anything and everything', making her someone I admire.
Q: Now, Atago-san, what do you like?
A: I like ikebana* [= the japanese art of floral arrangement] - which I did in high school for three years - the most. I freely put together flower arrangement materials in a large vase, which was so fun! My specialty was spontaneously putting arrangements together. Images would come to me naturally, so I arranged flowers the way I felt like.
Q: Well then, is there anything you'd like to do as a 6th generation member?
A: Much like the seniors did on the programme, us 6th gen members would like to have something of a sports day!
UTB x Nogizaka46 6th generation (Kaibe Akari, Up to Boy; 22.03.2025)
Kaibe Akari: Born on the 14th of February, 2007. From Hyogo prefecture. Blood type: O.
22.03.2025
"I was deeply moved by Endo Sakura-san's tears"
Q: Kaibe-san, what made you audition for the 6th generation?
A: I learned about Nogizaka46 on tv while in primary school, and when watching the behind the scenes footage of their concerts and the like, I thought it was wonderful how they moved forward while encouraging each other.
Q: You wanted to become a part of Nogizaka46 yourself, and pursue your dreams together with your friends.
A: Yes. Then, in middle school was when that desire to 'join' became particularly strong. When I saw the '8th Year Birthday Live' footage with Endo Sakura-san performing 'Kaerimichi wa Toomawari Shitaku Naru' with tears streaming down her face, I was deeply moved. I thought about Endo-san's feelings, wondering if the tears might have flowed from a mix of positive and negative feelings.
Q: Endo-san is someone you admire, right?
A: I like how naturally cute and laid-back she usually is, and I also like how the moment she gets on stage she transforms all at once, delivering cool performances. I admire that contrast.
Q: Do you remember the time you were told that you passed the audition?
A: Yes. I think I'll never forget that day. We were called in number order, but I was SO scared that I kept my eyes closed and my head down the whole time. I was really happy when I was called!
Q: Kaibe-san - as a member of Nogizaka46 - what are your goals?
A: The surname 'Kaibe' is unusual, so first of all I hope that many people will remember it. And, my goal is to become a member who can convey the charms of Nogizaka46 - such as warmth or unity - to many people.
Q: The surname 'Kaibe' is difficult to read at first sight, isn't it?
A: Since it's often read as 'Umibe' [= seaside], I'd be happy if you could memorize it as 'Kaibe'.
Q: Finally, if you could please leave a message to the fans of Nogizaka46 and Up to Boy's readers.
A: Although I am still immature, I want to learn each and every thing with a feeling of gratitude. Well then, I'll be in your care!
UTB x Nogizaka46 6th generation (Yada Moeka, Up to Boy; 22.03.2025)
Yada Moeka: Born on the 27th of January, 2008. From Akita prefecture. Blood type: B.
22.03.2025
"I feel like it's destiny with Ikeda Teresa-san, and my heart is racing!"
Q: Firstly, Yada-san, what made you decide to take the 6th generation audition?
A: The main reason why was when I danced to a Nogizaka46 song at the school festival in my first year of high school. Up until then, I had only had a feeling of 'They're cute; I like them' towards Nogizaka46, but when I actually watched their music videos and footage from their concerts, memorized their dances and songs and then performed on stage, I saw lots of smiling faces in the audience. I thought that was a really wonderful sight, and a feeling of 'I want to join Nogizaka46 and stand on stage too' was born. At that time, the auditions hadn't been announced yet, so I was eagerly waiting, all like "When will it start, it can't start soon enough!!" (laughs)
Q: That is to say, as soon as the auditions were announced, you applied without hesitation?
A: There was some hesitation. I had great anxieties about whether being an idol - who surely must be busy every day - could coexist with my studies or not. But for me, the decisive factor in terms of applying was the existence of Ikeda Teresa-san. I was encouraged by seeing how Ikeda-san balances both her studies and her group activities. I want to become someone that can bring a smile to others' faces while also achieving my own goals. Ikeda-san is my ideal!
Q: What is your favourite part of Ikeda-san the idol?
A: I think it's really wonderful to see her dancing on stage, getting immersed in the worldview of the song. And then, what I like most of all is Ikeda-san's blog. There's a lot of text in each blog, it's updated frequently, furthermore, all the content is interesting, so there's a great feeling of satisfaction each time you read it! Also, like Ikeda-san, I too enjoy watching anime, and the lineup of my favourite works, such as 'Hunter X Hunter' or 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' and the like, is alike to a remarkable extent. "Could this perhaps be, fate??" - I got excited all by myself (laughs).
Q: Have you already met Ikeda-san, whom you love so much that you feel it's fate?
A: Yep. But I haven't been able to have a one-on-one conversation with her yet. I hope to someday be able to talk with Ikeda-san about our favourite anime.
Q: Finally, please leave a brief message for all the fans of Nogizaka46.
A: I believe that many people will be starting a new life this spring. I too have started anew as a member of Nogizaka46. Together with all the fans, I hope to move forward!
