Ansoni◢

This space has been reallocated for Nogizaka46 blog translations. Nishino Nanase: all! Other members: on whim or by request! 

[yasukuansoni]

June meta-survey

The survey is for people interested in helping me make decisions about the upcoming June bonus poll.

A survey about a survey. Just looking for help picking topics for the next bonus survey. Which criteria-based senbatsu would be the most interesting for you?

[yasukuansoni]

Spring 2017 survey results analysis!

Spreadsheet (I'm not sure if it's easier to read but I think it's getting prettier! In certain places, anyway) https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bz1ZO5A480-5eW4wTlRMaE1DTU0 Perhaps easier to read here: http://stage48.net/forum/index.php?threads/seasonal-sakamichi-polls-spring-poll-closed-results-coming-soon.14672/page-7#post-1326979 Charts and photos of senbatsu: http://imgur.com/a/8M2zC Introduction

Survey series background. This survey was the 6th in a series of polls investigating the popularity of Sakamichi Series members among the international (specifically English speaking) fan community. In addition to measuring member popularity, this series also features some interesting questions about management styles and other aspects about the groups, many of which were requested by the community. The survey now spans over 1.5 years, including the entirety of Keyakizaka’s career.

Timing of the survey. This survey (Spring 2017) was conducted a little later than planned from late April through to early May, running for a total of two weeks. Since the last survey, Nogizaka have released their 17th single and Keyakizaka their 4th. Nogizaka’s 3rd generation have made their debut on Nogizaka Under Construction and their own show, Nogibingo 8 has begun. Hiragana have started making regular appearances on Keyaki tte, Kakenai? as well. Finally, we saw Watanabe Risa become Keyakizaka’s first exclusive model, a “scandal” featuring low tier popularity Nogizaka46 members Kawamura Mahiro and Wada Maaya, and far too many Nogizaka member photobooks to list.

Questions. The survey asked for your favourite members, who you want to see in centre, who you want to see in senbatsu, which two members you “ship”, which members you dislike, which group you prefer and which your oshimen is from, your predictions on future sales, and your opinions on a hypothetical 3rd Sakamichi group, Hirate Yurina’s centreship, Nogizaka choosing centres, and finally Nogizaka’s 3rd gen and Hiragana Keyaki in their respective senbatsu. Responses. This survey received 322 responses, making it the largest so far in the series. I was particularly interested in recruiting a large sample (rather than just my friends) so I could get a genuine feel for the international community and so that my own biases wouldn’t play too large a role. I’m happy many different people were willing to help spread the survey and find a diverse group of fans. Questions and Terminology All Favourites (AF). Choose all favourite members. Participants can select as many members as they like. Oshimen (OM). Choose number one favourite member (oshimen). Participants can only select one member. Centre Hopefuls(CH). Choose all members you would like to see take the centre position in the next few (I always suggest 3) singles. Overall (OA). A combination of the scores for AF and OM. Dislikes (DL). Choose all the members you “don’t really like”. Participants can choose as many as they like. This is the first time I asked for this.

Nogizaka popularity 

Goddesses As with every survey so far, Ikuta Erika and Nishino Nanase remain in 1st and 2nd overall. Both have relatively fallen in terms of their percentage scores particularly Nishino, who is currently the closest she has been to being overtaken by 3rd since last Spring, with only 7 points between her and Saito Asuka. It’s Asuka’s first time in the top 3 and in fact for the first few days she was leading the poll and it seemed like she might end in 1st. She is mainly held back by her OM score, falling from 3rd to 6th in OM with a significant points loss this round. With a small points loss in AF, Shiraishi Mai fell one place to 3rd despite what appears to be booming popularity in Japan. Finally, ending the Goddess tier is Hori Miona. Hori had been engaging in what seemed like it would be an eternal struggle for 3rd place with Shiraishi but has remained at 5th and appears to have been replaced by Saito Asuka for this role. However, all is far from last. The points difference between Hori and Shiraishi is minimal, and Hori is still far ahead of the other members outside the tier. Demigoddesses and The Third Wind There is a large gap between Goddesses and Demigoddesses this round, partially responsible for this is the absence of Hashimoto Nanami (former 6th). The ranks were retroactively adjusted to account for Hashimoto’s absence (by reranking the group without her). Takayama Kazumi and Wakatsuki Yumi “remained” at 6th and 7th, with Takayama topping the Demi tier by a large margin. Despite a minor point drop Eto Misa managed to rise two places to 8th over taking former 8th and 9th Sakurai Reika and Ikoma Rina. 9th and 10th this round are new entries to the Demi tier. The “monster rookies” Yamashita Mizuki and Yoda Yuki. Yamashita almost doubled her score and jumped from 21st to 9th and Yoda came close to tripling hers, rising from 27th to 10th. Most of the 3rd gen have performed amazing this round, including Ozono Momoko (29th to 18th), Kubo Shiori (32rd to 19th), Iwamoto Renka (38th to 21st) and Ito Riria (37th to 23rd). While some 1st and 2nd gens made significant point gains, few could gain ranks, unable to push back against the third wind. Ito Marika (jumping from 20th to 17th, with her highest score yet) was the major exception, with Terada Ranze being the only member to gain a rank (up one to 15th). Nogizaka Senbatsu and Centre hopefuls This time the senbatsu selection was done a little different. Rather than choosing which senbatsu members to keep and which unders to promote it asked respondents to choose senbatsu members from each generation. Then two versions are made: (1) the top (average number of selected members) from the group regardless of what gen they’re from and (2) the top (average number of selected members from each generation’s question). The 2nd version is used if we want to take into consideration how many members fans want from each generation. This round you selected on average 18 members. Divided by gen that’s 11 first gens, 4 second gens and 3 third gens. Notable entries: Terada Ranze returns for her second senbatsu already, Watanabe makes her senbatsu debut and, even in version 1, Yamashita Mizuki enters senbatsu. In version 2, the additional entries are Ozono Momoko and Yoda Yuki, but Kubo Shiori is really close. Centre Hopefuls sees Ikuta Erika rank 1st for the 5th time in a row (I’ve only asked this question five times). As usual the gap between her and 2nd is very large, and widening. She is the only member to score above 35%, and is somewhere around 50% each round. Shiraishi Mai fell from 2nd for the first time ever, perhaps thanks to her return to (double) centre. She now sits at 4th behind Saito Asuka and Hori Miona. Hori has hovered between 3rd and 4th since the beginning but this was a big jump for Saito, who ranked 7th in Winter. She made a similar jump last Spring to 3rd, she then made her centre debut, are fans hoping for a return? The 3rd gens did surprisingly well in this question, too, with “ace” Yamashita Mizuki ranking 9th with 13% of respondents selecting her. Nogizaka Dislikes This time I added dislikes, risking a bit of controversy. I wasn’t sure myself if it would be worth the potential fallout, but looking at the results I wish I started doing it sooner. Not that I’m happy to see dislikes, but they made me curious. I wish I had asked this question before so I could see the dislikes as a trend, and know if x (scandal, etc.) increased the number of dislikes. To see these trends, I’m going to continue asking this question. It will always be optional, though (as all questions are) and I’ll make sure it stands out (like it does now) in the results. Matsumura Sayuri got the most dislikes in Nogizaka with 44, but only ranked 4th for likes as a percentage of overall (all favourites + oshimen votes). She was followed by Ikoma Rina (40 votes, 7th by percentage) and Akimoto Manatsu (38, 8th in %). Ranks 4~6 were the top 3 for percentage: Wada Maaya, 1st for percentage with dislikes equalling 135% of her overall points; Kawamura Mahiro, 3rd for percentage with 83%; and Kawago Hina, 2nd for percentage with 95%. Both Wada and Kawamura were involved in a scandal recently, though Kawago was not. Yoda Yuki was the least disliked Nogizaka member both by votes (tie with Terada Ranze) and percentage. For percentage Terada and Ikuta Erika were close behind in 2nd and 3rd. One of the charts shows overall scores with dislikes taken into consideration. There were a lot of major differences, including one plummet down 14 ranks.

Keyakizaka popularity 

Goddesses Hirate Yurina keeps the #1 position in overall, this is the 4th survey she topped out of 6. This puts her in 1st every survey since the group’s debut excluding Autumn where she lost to Nagahama Neru by less than one point. Hirate lost points in both AF and OM yet she remains on top of each by a decent margin. Nagahama returned to 2nd after a brief drop to 4th in the last survey, with 2nd place in OM and 3rd in AF. Sugai Yuuka beat Nagahama for 2nd in AF but her low OM (fell to 6th from 2nd in winter) kept her behind overall. The Power Six Rather than separate these between Goddess and Demis I wanted to highlight the amazing competition between the members who ranked. In order of final rank these are: Shida Manaka, Imaizumi Yui, Watanabe Risa, Moriya Akane, Kobayashi Yui and Watanabe Rika. I first noticed about halfway through the polling period that these 6 members were within only one or two votes of each other even though they had so many (around 75 each, at the time). This near-tie continued for a very long time before they eventually began separating near the end. Watanabe Rika and Moriya’s high OM scores compensated for their low AF scores, and Imaizumi and Kobayashi’s decent AF scores did the same for their low OM scores. In terms of changes over the winter poll, the only standout result was Kobayashi, who made a huge point gain and went up a whole league of popularity, reaching a new record score, more than twice her score last spring. Other notable changes and Hiragana members Kanji Keyaki didn’t see many big changes with the major exception of Habu Mizuho who jumped back from 21st to 16th a large rise in score, her largest since last Spring, and also Harada Aoi who managed to reduce some of her huge drop last round (24th), now returning to 21st. Hiragana members had a few more major changes. Saito Kyoko replaced Kakizaki Memi as New-Hiragana’s highest ranking member at 18th. They actually swapped ranks with Kakizaki (now 23rd overall) taking Saito’s previous position as 4th in New-Hiragana. Kato Shiho and Sasaki Mirei were tied for 2nd last round but now Kato has gained the advantage pushing Sasaki back to 3rd. Keyakizaka Senbatsu Copied from Nogizaka – This time the senbatsu selection was done a little different. Rather than choosing which senbatsu members to keep and which unders to promote it asked respondents to choose senbatsu members from each team. Then two versions are made: (1) the top (average number of selected members) from the group regardless of what team they’re from and (2) the top (average number of selected members from each team’s question). The 2nd version is used if we want to take into consideration how many members fans want from each team. The respondents really showed how much they want all Kanjis to be in the next single. All Kanji-only members ranked before all Hiragana members (including Hiragana-Kanji kennin member Nagahama Neru). Next was Nagahama who ranked ahead of all Hiragana-only members. To be honest, this is probably because a number of fans forgot Nagahama is a Hiragana member and chose “none” without checking. But, in my defence, she is officially a Hiragana member first, with her kennin in Kanji. In any case, it would be unethical to change the results based on what I call mistakes so I must stick with the answers I have. As for the different versions of the results, using method 1 result with 18 members, all from Kanji Keyaki. Compared with the usual senbatsu, Ishimori Nijika, Ozeki Rika and Nagahama Neru are out. Using method 2, users chose 16 Kanji Keyaki members and 3 Hiragana Keyaki members, totalling in 19 (though both were only a few votes away from rounding down to 15 and 2). Method 2 sees Oda Nana and Saito Fuyuka removed from senbatsu, replaced with Nagahama Neru, Kato Shiho and Saito Kyoko. Centre Hopefuls Hirate Yurina ranked 1st in CH for the 2nd time. I wasn’t sure if she would rise or fall as the number of songs she centres rises but indeed her score rose slightly. Imaizumi Yui managed to stay in 2nd though her score continues to drop, with increasing speed. I expected this as she is being moved further from the centre and has recently entered hiatus to take care of her health. Nagahama Neru fell slightly no longer tying for 2nd but only a few points behind in 3rd. The most impressive rise was the new model, Watanabe Risa moving from 8th to 5th, swapping with Shida Manaka who went from 5th to 8th. Ironically, rank-wise, Hiragana members performed much better in CH than the senbatsu question. Kato Shiho jumped from 28th to 11th, becoming the highest ranking new Hiragana member, with Kakizaki Memi moving up one to 12th and Sasaki Mirei making her own big jump, from 30th to 16th. Keyakizaka Dislikes Copied from Nogizaka – This time I added dislikes, risking a bit of controversy. I wasn’t sure myself if it would be worth the potential fallout, but looking at the results I wish I started doing it sooner. Not that I’m happy to see dislikes, but they made me curious. I wish I had asked this question before so I could see the dislikes as a trend, and know if x (scandal, etc.) increased the number of dislikes. To see these trends, I’m going to continue asking this question. It will always be optional, though (as all questions are) and I’ll make sure it stands out (like it does now) in the results. Ishimori Nijika received the most dislikes in Keyakizaka, and also ranked 2nd for most dislikes as a percentage of overall votes (AF+OM), with 51%. I’m not sure what exactly brought this about, one reason why I wish I did dislikes before to see if this happened suddenly/recently or if it was always a trend. Ozeki Rika came next for votes and 3rd for percentage an Iguchi Mao 3rd for votes and 1st for percentage (by a lot: her dislikes were 83% the size of her overall score). These are a little more predictable, as I often see people complaining about their personalities. Nagahama Neru came 4th, the highest ranking popular member. I was expecting more for Saito Fuyuka, to be honest, after some controversy about her comments about not filling Imaizumi Yui’s absence from a music TV performance which were perceived by some online as being insensitive toward Hiragana members, but she only ranked 8th (5th by percentage). The least disliked member by both votes and percentage was Sugai Yuuka. For percentage, she was followed by Kobayashi Yui, who also tied for 2nd least votes with 4 Hiragana members. One of the charts shows overall scores with dislikes taken into consideration. There were a few big differences, including Nagahama Neru falling from 2nd to 4th, and Kobayashi Yui rising from 8th to 6th.

Miscellaneous

Next single sales

I asked what respondents thought the weekly sales figures would be for the next release of each groups. Based on 276 answers, the average fan thought Nogizaka’s 18th single would sell 923k copies in its first week, up 48k over Influencer. The most common answer was 900k with 53 votes. With 272 responses, Keyaki’s 5th single averaged at 728k, up 95k over Fukyouwaon. The most common answer for Keyakizaka was 700k with 71 votes. If the predictions turned out to be accurate and the predicted growth continued, Nogizaka would reach 1 million in one week for their 20th single (Keyaki’s 7th), Keyakizaka would reach it on their 8th (Nogi’s 21st) and Keyakizaka would eventually overtake Nogizaka on their 10th/23rd singles (respective). Nogizaka Centre and New Gens I asked how Nogizaka’s management should choose centres. This probably reflects Keyakizaka-only fans’ opinions on how Keyaki should choose their centre if they do ever change it as Keyakizaka-only fans didn’t answer this one less than Keyaki questions. The idea of choosing based on concept or to match a song was the most popular by far, and was the only option accepted by more than 50% of responses. Rotating to make many members popular, and giving it to young members were the next most popular and shared a common thread in that they were both strategies for making members popular as a way of investing in the group’s future. The unpopular options were giving the centre to whoever is most popular, giving it to the most talented member, or having a way for fans to directly select the centre. It could be said these are similar in that they seem to be about rewarding members rather than building the future and perhaps that idea isn’t popular. I also asked if the respondents felt members from Nogizaka’s 3rd gen should enter senbatsu or not. I assigned values to the “yes” options (1), “soon” options (2) and “no” options (3), and used these to calculate an average response of 1.9, indicating “soon” (i.e. not yet) but leaning slightly toward “yes”. The most common answer was indeed “soon”, with the most common “yes” answer/reasoning being that some are ready and the most common “no” response/reasoning was that the 2nd gens need to all make their senbatsu debuts first. Hiragana Keyaki in Senbatsu Because I predicted they might be a bit more controversial (in a good way – a good source of discussion) the Hiragana in senbatsu and Hirate’s centre position questions had more complex questions. Respondents were asked whether they agree or not with 7 statements regarding new Hiragana members being included in Keyakizaka’s senbatsu. The content was based on discussions I often see in the international community. To summarise the results briefly: More than any other question respondents were against the idea of Hiragana members never being included in senbatsu. However, despite the results swinging toward “disagree”, many still agreed with the idea of all Kanji members always being included, and it is difficult to imagine the number of senbatsu members being increased to more than 21. The most agreed with statement (while still close to even) was that Hiragana need to wait until all the Kanji members have experienced being positioned in the first row (even though including new Hiragana members and featuring the remaining three Kanji members in the front row aren’t mutually exclusive, there appears to be a symbolic issue here). Indeed, in accordance with this result and the results seen in the 5th single senbatsu selection earlier, respondents on average chose to not include Hiragana in the 5th single. Also, despite a majority feeling Kanji reaching the first row is important enough to have Hiragana members wait for, respondents generally disagreed that Hiragana members should have the same chance if they eventually enter senbatsu. A slight majority feel that they have been waiting long enough for the chance as one year has passed since their entry and only a small number of responses felt no one in Hiragana is ready for senbatsu. Hirate Yurina’s centre position This question was divided into three parts. The first part asked when respondents thought Keyakizaka should change centre for the first time. Results were almost split between changing for the 5th (40.8%) and 6th (40.1%) singles. Keeping Hirate for both but changing sometime next year was far less popular (12.5%) and keeping Hirate until she graduates was even less popular (6.6%). The next two parts were more enlightening. I asked why people think Keyaki should change centre and the same for why not. It was the first time I included a question like that in a survey, usually I look around for opinions and then add those opinions as options. This method took a lot longer to analyse and some might disagree with the categories I broke the responses down to but I tried to represent the results as accurately as I could. There were many more responders for why Keyakizaka should change centre. Out of a total of 156 responders, 60 said they felt Hirate should take a break/is under too much pressure. 51 said changing centre would make things more interesting, or that the perma-centre is boring, or worried about it becoming boring. 48 said other members should also get promotion which I distinguished from 30 who said there’s too much focus on Hirate and the group needs more popular members (similarly 8 said Keyakizaka needs back up centres, someone who can take over Hirate is unable to perform). Other responses included worries about Hirate gaining antis or straining relations with the other members. Of the 96 responses, most of the arguments listed were about why Hirate is suited for the position. The most popular of these was a rather broad category I titled “Techi fanaticism” (35 votes). These included general comments such as “Techi is the undisputed CENTRE”, “it feels like Techi was born to be centre”, and so on. I distinguished them from people who mentioned her “aura” (15 votes), her skill (10) and her popularity (7). Other than comments on Hirate herself, 11 didn’t believe there was any member capable of taking over at this point, 10 argued that by keeping Hirate in centre they can establish a stronger presence with the general public. Other responses were waiting for things like the front row rotation (7), or were satisfied with the way things are and took a “don’t fix what isn’t broken” approach (7 specifically about Hirate, 6 who like stability in general). "Shipping" Another new question was asking respondents to submit their favourite pairs, the members they “ship”. This question was skipped a lot and I got some negative feedback, so I probably won’t be doing it again, but it was an interesting experience. For Nogizaka, the most popular pair was Sakurai Reika x Wakatsuki Yumi (49 points) followed by Shiraishi Mai x Matsumura Sayuri (21) with points dropping quite low after that. For Keyakizaka there was a bit more variation. Shida Manaka x Watanabe Risa (49) came first followed by the captain pair Sugai Yuuka x Moriya Akane (30 points), Hirate Yurina x Nagahama Neru (27) and the more recently featured Nagasawa Nanako x Watanabe Rika (21). For Nogizaka the most shipped member was Shiraishi Mai (55) followed by Wakatsuki Yumi (53) and Sakurai Reika (50), though the members shipped with the most members were Ikuta Erika (12) and Nishino Nanase (11). For Keyakizaka the most shipped members were Watanabe Risa (73) and Shida Manaka (66), with Watanabe Risa and Hirate Yurina tied for being shipped with most members (9 each). Fan alignment Almost every survey I ask respondents which group they are a fan of on a scale of 1-to-7 where 1 is Nogizaka purist and 7 is Keyakizaka purists. This one was almost exactly even. On average the 316 respondents to this question chose 3.99. So basically, even (4), with the smallest Nogizaka leanings. Meanwhile for their overall (well, Sakamichi) oshimen, 42.5% of respondents chose their Nogizaka oshimen, 30.6% chose their Keyakizaka oshimen and 26.9% couldn’t decide between the two. I broke down the results to the miscellaneous questions by fan alignment (the 1-to-7 rating) to see if there are any significant differences between primarily Nogizaka fans and primarily Keyakizaka fans. Of course, the Sakamichi oshimen was very clear cut. Almost everyone chose the group they were closest aligned to. Sales predictions also showed bias. On average people predicted higher sales for the group they are aligned with than the overall average. One peculiar exception was the ‘3’ group (leaning Nogi) made some of the highest Keyakizaka predictions and one of the lowest Nogizaka predictions. Nogizaka-leaning fans were inclined to choose earlier responses for when Keyakizaka should change centre than Keyakizaka- leaning fans, though among Nogizaka fans the closer they were to Keyakizaka the earlier they chose (‘3’ was the earliest at 1.5, exactly between the 5th and 6th singles). Nogizaka fans were also much more likely to want to see Hiragana in senbatsu soon, supporting Hiragana’s debuts across the whole section. The reverse was also true, though to a smaller extent, Keyakizaka leaning fans were also more interested in seeing Nogizaka’s 3rd gen in Nogizaka’s senbatsu now or soon, compared to Nogizaka fans, particularly Nogizaka purists. In choosing centres, Keyakizaka fans stood out in overwhelmingly voting for choosing centres based on concept/to match a song, an option which was also popular with Nogizaka fans, but the other popular options, rotation and investing in younger members, were more competitive.

[yasukuansoni]

Sakamichi Series Spring Popularity Poll

I didn’t post here because I figured everyone who follows me on tumblr found me from some other place I usually post, but maybe not. For those who don’t know, I run popularity polls for Sakamichi members once every season. This will be the 6th survey and the first to include “shipping” and dislikes. There’s a few other quirky questions and it should fun to take as that’s at least half the point of doing it.

Here is the survey: https://goo.gl/forms/sBCmgHsiXTACbsJc2

The survey will be open until midnight on Tuesday 9th of May (JST). Please give it a shot and share with your friends if you think they would be interested.

This is probably the best place to follow the surveys. It comes with background info and an index of results displays. http://stage48.net/forum/index.php?threads/seasonal-sakamichi-polls-spring-poll-open-until-17-05-09.14672/

[yasukuansoni]

Winter poll analysis - Part 1 (extras only)

Winter 2016/17 poll Analysis (part 1) I wasn't planning on releasing these as the first part of the analysis but since Nogizaka are announcing their new senbatsu this week I rushed it ahead of the other pieces. They're all the parts that pertain to future senbatsu, including building Senbatsu, Centre hopefuls, and Predictions for 2017. These will receive some changes as the rest of the analysis is completed and published. Future Senbatsu Respondents were asked to make their own senbatsu. They were asked which members should stay and which should be added. With the option to choose none for each of the senbatsu members, unders/hiragana and, in Nogizaka’s case, new members. Asking “which senbatsu members should stay” is more difficult and time consuming for respondents (sorry for that) but it helps keep the scores consistent with the other questions and keeps the polls positive rather than negative. Senbatsu were formed 3 ways. The first is a pure popularity contest, the second and third take into account how much rotation the respondents asked for by analysing how many “unders” the average respondent choose to add, etc. 1st: the n number of members who received the most votes. Where n is the senbatsu size of the previous single (19 for Nogi or 21 for Keyaki). 2nd: for each group (senbatsu, unders, new members) find the average number of members chosen n1 n2 and n3. Add the highest scoring n1 of senbatsu members, and so-on. Answers of “none” are kept, adding zeroes to the total, reducing the averages for each group. 3rd: the same as the 2nd method, but removing “none”s to decrease the totals and increase the averages, just to see the results.

Nogizaka 17th – simple senbatsu 1. Ikuta Erika (228) 2. Nishino Nanase (225) 3. Shiraishi Mai (219) 4. Saito Asuka (205) 5. Sakurai Reika (203) 6. Eto Misa (196) 7. Wakatsuki Yumi (194) 8. Hori Miona (190) 9. Takayama Kazumi (189) 10. Ikoma Rina (172) 11. Akimoto Manatsu (168) 12. Terada Ranze (167) 13. Nakamoto Himeka (154) 14. Matsumura Sayuri (154) 15. Hoshino Minami (152) 16. Inoue Sayuri (129) 17. Ito Marika (113) 18. Kitano Hinako (113) 19. Watanabe Miria (94) There’s not much change here. Shinuchi Mai is the only drop, excluding Hashimoto Nanami, and Terada Ranze and Watanabe Miria are added in their place. This method does not take into account how many members were hoped for in the new senbatsu, and it is unlikely the actual 17th senbatsu will have 19 members. Nogizaka 17th – complex senbatsu 1. Ikuta Erika (228) 2. Nishino Nanase (225) 3. Shiraishi Mai (219) 4. Saito Asuka (205) 5. Sakurai Reika (203) 6. Eto Misa (196) 7. Wakatsuki Yumi (194) 8. Hori Miona (190) 9. Takayama Kazumi (189) 10. Ikoma Rina (172) 11. Akimoto Manatsu (168) 12. Terada Ranze (167) 13. Nakamoto Himeka (154) 14. Watanabe Miria (94) 15. Higuchi Hina (81) 16. Kawamura Mahiro (68) 17. Yamashita Mizuki (63) The responses had an average of 12 members kept from senbatsu, 4 from unders and one the 3rd gens, resulting in this senbatsu. If answers of “none” were removed, there would be an average of 2 members from the 3rd generation and Ozono Momoko (61) would take the 18th spot. The other groups would not be notably affected. Keyakizaka 4th – simple senbatsu 1. Hirate Yurina (195) 2. Imaizumi Yui (193) 3. Sugai Yuuka (187) 4. Watanabe Risa (187) 5. Shida Manaka (184) 6. Watanabe Rika (183) 7. Moriya Akane (177) 8. Nagahama Neru (177) 9. Kobayashi Yui (175) 10. Suzumoto Miyu (167) 11. Koike Minami (165) 12. Uemura Rina (152) 13. Nagasawa Nanako (144) 14. Habu Mizuho (144) 15. Yonetani Nanami (144) 16. Satou Shiori (140) 17. Harada Aoi (128) 18. Ozeki Rika (121) 19. Ishimori Nijika (117) 20. Oda Nana (117) 21. Saito Fuyuka (112) This senbatsu is made of the top 21 members (emulating the senbatsu size of the previous single) and features zero changes. But the respondents did show, including “none” votes, respondents wanted one member from Keyakizaka added, thus: Keyakizaka 4th – complex senbatsu 1. Hirate Yurina (195) 2. Imaizumi Yui (193) 3. Sugai Yuuka (187) 4. Watanabe Risa (187) 5. Shida Manaka (184) 6. Watanabe Rika (183) 7. Moriya Akane (177) 8. Nagahama Neru (177) 9. Kobayashi Yui (175) 10. Suzumoto Miyu (167) 11. Koike Minami (165) 12. Uemura Rina (152) 13. Nagasawa Nanako (144) 14. Habu Mizuho (144) 15. Yonetani Nanami (144) 16. Kakizaki Memi (69) This includes the top 15 senbatsu members (the average amount chosen) and the top Hiragana member (by average votes with nones, included, the score was just 5 votes away from rounding up to 2). Keyakizaka 4th – Complex senbatsu without nones 1. Hirate Yurina (195) 2. Imaizumi Yui (193) 3. Sugai Yuuka (187) 4. Watanabe Risa (187) 5. Shida Manaka (184) 6. Watanabe Rika (183) 7. Moriya Akane (177) 8. Nagahama Neru (177) 9. Kobayashi Yui (175) 10. Suzumoto Miyu (167) 11. Koike Minami (165) 12. Uemura Rina (152) 13. Nagasawa Nanako (144) 14. Habu Mizuho (144) 15. Yonetani Nanami (144) 16. Satou Shiori (140) 17. Kakizaki Memi (69) 18. Kato Shiho (51) 19. Saito Kyoko (47) “None” votes had a bigger effect on Keyaki’s senbatsu and removing them added one Kanji member and two Hiragana members. While this very undemocratically ignores the wishes of the fans who voted to add no Hiragana members to the next single’s senbatsu, I wanted to do it as a thought exercise, mostly because Keyaki’s senbatsu was so small with them. Centre According to the votes above, Ikuta Erika and Hirate Yurina are the main centre choices. As they are the most popular members, this should surprise no one. But this question didn’t ask about who should be the centre, and how votes change when that is brought up is a very interesting aspect of the CH question. Generally, the responses do match well with popularity, but they’re far from 1:1. Who fans would like to see centre a single in 2017 (so could be 3 or more centres): Nogizaka Ikuta Erika took first, by far. With 56.6% of fans giving her a vote, that’s enough to justify two solo centres. Shiraishi Mai (3rd) got 33.8%, Hori Miona (3rd) 26.1%, Nishino Nanase (4th) 25.4% and Eto Misa (5th) 23.5%. Despite competing for first in the popularity questions, Nishino loses points here likely due to having the 2nd most centre songs in Nogizaka, though her scores have been rising as she hasn’t taken the role for over a year now. Saito Asuka (18.4%, ties for 6th with Sakurai Reika) also has less points than her popularity otherwise suggests, likely due to being the only member remaining in the group for the 17th single onward who centred a single last year. Other notable scores include 8th through 10th: Takayama Kazumi, Ikoma Rina and Wakatsuki Yumi. Despite never being in senbatsu Terada Ranze got votes from 11% of respondents, managing 11th place, and all 3rd gens got at least one vote, with 13.8% of respondents giving at least one vote to a 3rd gen. Out of these Yamashita Mizuki’s airdrop has the most support with 5.1%. Keyakizaka Hirate Yurina is a clear first, but not as clear as her popularity would suggest, with only 42.3% of respondents picking her. 2nd is Imaizumi Yui (34.6%), neck-and-neck with Nagahama Neru (34.1%). The only real competitor with these three is Sugai Yuuka (30.9%). Shida Manaka and Kobayashi Yui tie for 5th with 24.4% followed closely by Moriya Akane with 24%. Even the highest ranking new Hiragana member, Kakizaki Memi (4.5%) doesn’t have much support for an airdrop. It’s still difficult to see Keyakizaka being centred by anyone but Hirate, but there is support for passing the baton to other popular members. Predictions Poll respondents believe we will see a 2017 like this: Nogizaka Nogizaka singles will be centred by Ikuta Erika (62.1%), Nishino Nanase (56.1%) and Shiraishi Mai (54.4%). Possibly also Saito Asuka (28.3%) and Hori Miona (21.6%). Nogizaka will reach 1,035,000 in Oricon sales (using mathematical weighting. With just the median answer it is between 950k and 1m). Yamashita Mizuki (42.2%) Ozono Momoko (41%) and Yoda Yuki (32.3%) will be promoted. Kubo Shiori (23.15%) and Ito Riria (19.1%) also have good chances but they rank after “none” (30.3%). 2 (2.4) members will graduate, most likely to be Shiraishi Mai (42.2%), Eto Misa (30.6%) and Shinuchi Mai (24.8%). Following 'none' (16.3%) include Kawamura Mahiro (13.2%), Matsumura Sayuri (11.6%) and Nojo Ami (10.9%). The following are very unlikely (-2 to -1) unlikely (-1 to 0) likely (0 to 1) or very likely (1 to 2) for Nogizaka: 1.11 maintain/improve music quality 0.4 member has solo single/album debut 0.67 mainstream hit 1 a new centre 0.33 a new drama 0.17 a new variety show 0.93 a new contracted model 1.1 a new member gets a first photobook (other than Saito Asuka) 0.47 a new album 0.86 another 46-hours TV 0.44 a scandal free year 0.88 a Tokyo Dome performance 1.43 a return to Kouhaku -0.03 a 3rd gen centre airdrop -1.25 4th gen auditions Keyakizaka Hirate Yurina will centre again (72.7%). Imaizumi Yui (42.3%) and Nagahama Neru (42%) may centre but it’s unlikely for anyone else, except maybe Sugai Yuuka (24.5%). Keyakizaka will reach 620,000 in Oricon sales (median: 550-600k) Kakizaki Memi (47.8%) will be promoted this year (in some way). Kato Shiho (32.3%), Saito Kyoko (25.4%) are also seen as likely to be pushed but failed to outscore ‘none’ (32.8%). 0 (0.42) members will graduate this year but if any do, it would be Sato Shiori (7.2%) or Ishimori Nijika (5.3%). No others received notable scores. The following are very unlikely (-2 to -1) unlikely (-1 to 0) likely (0 to 1) or very likely (1 to 2) for Keyakizaka: 1.28 maintain/improve music quality -0.02 member has solo single/album debut 0.86 another mainstream hit 0.62 a new centre 0.57 a new drama 0.58 a new variety show 0.81 first contracted model 0.72 first photobook (group or solo) 0.08 first album 0.51 a scandal free year 0.87 a tour 0.98 a return to Kouhaku -0.4 a Hiragana centre other than Neru -0.98 new auditions Comments I personally think we're underestimating both groups' sales records but I'm not certain. Scores were very low for promoting Hiraganas but that can't really be blamed as we don't know what promoting them means, yet. I'm not expecting graduations from Keyaki but by the end of their second year 4 Nogizaka members graduated (Iwase Yumiko, Ando Mikumo, Kashiwa Yukina and Miyazawa Seira) so I'm not all that hopeful we'll get through a second year without even one. Regarding the predictions given a numerical value: Keyaki has more hopes for a new drama and variety show. By a big margin. I can see drama, as TokuDare was far better than Bemars (though more time has passed since Bemars). I'm not so certain about variety shows though. Nogizaka has more confidence for new photobooks than Keyaki for any (including a group one). I can understand why, as Nogizaka has been pumping out PB like clockwork recently. However, I am expecting a Keyakizaka photobook this year. Nogi had one in their second year. And their average age was 18.5. Keyaki's will be 19.5 if they follow the same time scale (next October). Neither is hopeful about a new album. I guess that's because Toumei na Iro (Nogi's first) took so long to release. However, if they use the same schedule as Sorezore no Isu, we could get a new Nogi album 4 singles (summer) or 72 weeks (October) after their 2nd album. And there's no reason to believe Keyaki will stick to Nogi's album release schedule. That said, I'm not ready to put money on either. (Maybe a little on Nogi) Finally, the scandal-free year predictions were so low! Where is your faith in your idols?! :P

[yasukuansoni]

3rd gen first blog index

I finally finished all the 3rd gens' first blogs yesterday so I thought it might be nice to have a little index for them. While I’m at it, I decided to also post the number of comments each blog received, as a simple index of popularity so far. There are a lot of factors which are hard to track but at the very least I decided to show the date the blogs were posted. That's a big, easy one to pay attention to.

As a bonus I'm also including some reactions to my translations of them. They're not as useful (for various reasons) so keep in mind they're just a bit of bonus data for fun Date posted name | comments on blog | tumblr notes, retweets (twitter likes), FB likes

2016/12/19 Ito Riria | 2652 | 9 notes, 11 (2), unknown 2016/12/20 Iwamoto Renka | 1126 | 18 notes, 12 (4), 5 2016/12/21 Umezawa Minami | 1726 | 4 notes, 11 (0), 2 2016/12/22 Ozono Momoko | 1278 | 5 notes, 9 (1), 4 2016/12/23 Kubo Shiori | 1836 | 11 notes, 8 (0), 6 2016/12/24 Sakaguchi Tamami | 751 | 5 notes, 5 (0), 3 2016/12/25 Satou Kaede | 664 | 0 notes, 6 (0), 2 2016/12/26 Nakamura Reno | 962 | 5 notes, 3 (0), 2 2016/12/27 Mukai Hazuki | 739 | 2 notes, 1 (0), 4 2016/12/28 Yamashita Mizuki | 1936 | 12 notes, 9 (5), 5 2016/12/29 Yoshida Ayano Christie | 664 | 3 notes, 7 (0), 3 2016/12/30 Yoda Yuki | 2086 | 8 notes, 5 (2), 4

[yasukuansoni]

Yoda Yuki. Nogi 3rd gen first blogs series.

Finally...! - Yoda Yuki

Hello everyone ＼(^o^)／♡

I’m Yoda Yuki 🐼

Finally finally it’s my turn~

My first blog! dokidoki. .

I’ll start off with a simple self introduction（´-`）.｡oO

＊Name... Yoda Yuki (与田祐希)

＊Home town... Fukuoka

＊Nickname... For now, it’s Yoda-chan!

＊Birthday... 2000-05-05 (1st year in high school)

＊Favourite foods... roasted sweet potato, fruits, motsunabe, meat, cakes, (and more)

＊Family...father, mother, younger brother

＊pets... one dog (Taro), two rabbits (Don and Guri) one goat (Maple, AKA Bunzou) and one cat (Chibi)

This photo is of Bunzou-dono.

Goats might leave an overwhelming impression...(lol) But in truth I just love interacting with animals! Recently I got some photos from home of my Fukuoka pets... They were always beside me, playing as if that was how it always would be, now that they’re not, it’s really sad (T ^ T)

If there’s anything else you’d like to know please tell me (._.)♡

It might take some time, but I hope to answer everyone♪♪

Now then! Changing topics but. .

The 10th of December was our omitatekai thank you very much. Cute bundles of flowers, cheers, handmade fans and other goods. There were so many~（；＿；）♡ I was so so happy 😺 The handshake event was supppper fun too(^^) I can’t wait for the next one.. I’ll work hard to make my handshakes more funnn

We also had the announcement about 3-nin no Principal! I’ll work hard to improve by then!

From FNS Kayousai on the 14th, we were allowed to perform Seifuku no Mannequin! Thank you very much. It was the first time to see Nogizaka and so many other idols up close it was a great lesson but also reminded me of how little strength I have. I have to work harder!!

I’m truly thankful that from the beginning we are already able to gain so many experiences.  But I still am not able to do anything myself. I’m still a novice, and I feel very pitiful. But I won’t allow it to end this way! As a Nogizaka46 3rd generation member I’ll learn everything I can, and certainly level up!

The other day, I received fan letters and presents Thank you very much(o^^o) I’m so happy I was jumping up and down. I’ll cherish them. I want to become an idol who can give enthusiasm, smiles and love to others ♡♡♡

And about yesterday... Ikoma-san, Happy Birthday 🎂 You’re always calling out to us, you’re such a kind senpai. I will work my best so as to not bring shame to the Nogizaka46 that our senpai built.

I’ll end with some photos with other members...

Ta-da!!

Shiori When we’re together people think I’m the younger one. On the inside we’re about the same or maybe Shiori is a bit older...? No... please consider us about the same haha

Zukkii She has a powerful stare, so I was nervous when talking to her at first But she’s funny! and kind!! She’s a very reliable presence（￣+ー￣）

Even though we only formed in September, the 3rd gen members are all friends. I look up to everyone. We have a great relationship! I want to continue to post lots of stories and photos.. (≧ ∇ ≦)

This became long~ Thank you for reading the whole thing!

From tomorrow the second round will begin! Ririan✨

My next turn is the 11th of January (°_°)

I’ll be happy if you come back to read more! I’m waiten’! 🐼 [h]

Originally posted: 2016/12/30 21:21

You need to look at the original to see the cute emoji she uses. I replaced them as best as I could, but they’re not as cute.

Japanese I decided to leave in: dokidoki - the sound of heart throbbing. Implies nerves and excitement. dono - title like “san” and “sama”, means “lord”; I think “Bunzou-dono” sounds better than “Lord Bunzou”, but feel free to use whichever you prefer.

[h] Hakata dialect anglicised: I’m waiten matteru (east Japan standard) - “I’m waiting” mattoru (west Japan standard) - “I’m waitin’” mattou (Hakata-dialect) - “I’m waiten’”

[yasukuansoni]

Yamashita Mizuki. Nogi 3rd gen first blog series.

First blog ( ˙꒳˙ ) - Yamashita Mizuki

Everyone, nice to meet you ( ˙꒳˙ )

I’m Yamashita Mizuki, 2nd year in high school 17 years old!

I’d love if you called me Zukkii (´꒳｀*)

I’ve been reading these blogs since before I joined Nogizaka46.....

It makes me very happy to think that I can now submit my own (*´꒳`*)

I think there are many who don’t know who I am, so please allow me to give a brief self introduction~!

My hobby is watching flamingos. In high school I joined the tea ceremony club.

My favourite foods are miso soup and honey seasoned plum and onigiri and sashimi and....

I’m very indecisive but I love eating very much ( ´~` )

I’m usually quite shy when I meet people for the first time, but I’m looking forward to talking to everyone a lot at our handshake events (*´꒳ ｀*)

I would be happy if you could get to know me bit by bit through my blog......♪

It was Christmas last weekend \( ･ω･)/

How did you all spend it??

As for me, I went out with Ririan on the 24th♪

We saw the Christmas lights, and shared a big pizza, and snuck into the Nogizaka exhibition in Tsutaya.....

On the way home we got strawberry tart and mont blanc and shared them at home (*´^`)

We 3rd gens all had work on the 25th!

I was so happy we could all meet and work together on Christmas (*´꒳ ｀*)

After that Ririan and I went for all-you-can-eat cake♪

Thank you Ririan~(◦︎˙-˙◦︎)ﾉ

To everyone who attended our omitatekai.

We 3rd gens were all anxious and nervous about standing on such a big stage with just us, but being welcomed by so many fan’s warm calls moved me.

Thank you very much.

Our omitatekai in Budokan. Our appearance at FNS Kayousai. 3-nin no Principal

I can feel how these otherwise unreachable chances are only possible thanks to our senpai’s achievements. 

The same Nogizaka46 I have always loved and looked up to. That just makes the pressure even bigger.

The fan letters I received, the kind words given to me at the omitatekai, these are becoming my driving force. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I will work my absolute best, so I would be really happy if you kept watching my progress forever.

I’m finding it difficult to put this all together, sorry ( ˙-˙ )

My next update will be on the 9th of January!

I’ll be happy if you come take another peak then |ω･)peep

Tomorrow it will be the 3rd gen’s kind big sister, Ayachan (Yoshida Ayano Christie-chan) (*´^`)

Sorry to keep this until the end but I hope you all have year full of happiness...

If you catch a cold... I’ll punish you in the name of the moon~ [1]

Just kiddingg

Byebyee

Mizuki

Originally posted: 2016/12/28 19:48

[1] Sailor Moon quote. Mizuki 美月 means beautiful moon.

[yasukuansoni]

Sakamichi poll

I wasn’t going to post this here because I’m pretty sure everyone who follows me on Tumblr does so because they saw me post a link on FB, S48 or Twitter, but I figured why not.

In case you didn’t know, I run polls on the Sakamichi groups primarily about member popularity. If you came here from any of the above places you’ve probably already seen, but my current poll is accepting responses until this Sunday (after Keyakitte, Kakenai airs).

If Sakamichi and polls both sound like things you enjoy, check out the poll here. I try to make them fun and I try to get you to make some hard decisions. You’ve been warned ;)

The details of the polling schedule, purpose, and history, are pretty well laid out here: http://stage48.net/forum/index.php?threads/seasonal-sakamichi-polls-winter-2016-poll-accepting-responses-until-sunday-10th-after-keyakake.14672/page-5#post-1260931

[yasukuansoni]

Mukai Hazuki. Nogi 3rd gen first blogs series.

The first me. - Mukai Hazuki

Everyone, nice to meet you. I’m Mukai Hazuki!

I’ll introduce myself. ↓ I’m in second year of high school, I’m 17 and I’m from Tokyo. My name is Mukai Hazuki My birthday is the 23rd of August, Honey-san. [1]

I like socks, cats and walls.

Now! What I wanted to talk about ↓

To everyone who came to our omitatekai, thank you very much!

I played guitar. I was very nervous but after starting time just flew by, I was happy that so many people came to see us, in our first stage at Budokan.

The handshake event was so fun that I can’t wait until my next chance to do one. I want to talk to everyone more~(^^) I’ll try to remember everyone one by one!

↓ This is from FNS. My first ever Sailor suit, I was super pumped!

Denchan is always saying she’s hungry. Her little accent is very cute. I want to bring her to eat delicious lunch in Shibuya.

Recently I went running with Momoko. It was good exercise ◎ Diet (o^~^o) I want to go to an aquarium

↓ The Inochi wa Utsukushii uniform. Aya is always making kissy faces where it’s like her lips are being squeezed together, I love it.

I have to many photos I want to attach...

Ah, I received fan letters! Thank you very much everyone who wrote me. It was the first time I received anything like that so I cried. I’m still lacking in professionalism, but I felt encouraged by the letters. I let out a shout! I read them with deep care, I love them ༼;´༎ຶ ۝ ༎ຶ༽

So that I might be able to respond to the expectations of those supporting me, and that I may be seen as fit to be called a member of Nogizaka46, I’ll put in hard work daily, so please keep watching me. Please support me!

Thank you very much for reading until the end

Well then, until next time Let’s have nice dreams Goodnight. This was Mukai Hazuki.

I received Pokemon Moon from my older brother for Christmas (^^)

I chose Popplio Cute daydreams ~daydream~♡

Mukai Hazuki. 1

Originally posted: 2016/12/27 21:51

[1] She’s not just calling her readers her Honey,  8/23: 8=ha(chi), 2=ni, 3=san Ha-ni-san Honey-san.

[yasukuansoni]

Nakamura Reno. Nogi 3rd gen first blogs series.

Nice to meet you! - Nakamura Reno

Hello, nice to meet you everyone!

I’m Nakamura Reno, 15 years old, in 3rd year of middle school.

I hope we can get along well together ( ¨̮ )

To begin,

To all those who attended our 3rd generation omitatekai, thank you very much!

Also!,

Somehow, there was a big bunch of flowers addressed to the 3rd generation members in Budokan!

We were so happy, ! To whoever sent it, thank you

Also,

FNS Kayousai 2nd night Idol Medley

We performed in

“Seifuku no Mannequin”

To be able to appear in a program that I had only been able to watch until recently...

I’m so happy. . !

Other than that,

we were granted appearances in various magazines, we were granted the chance to perform our omitatekai in Budokan, we were granted the new Principal stage, solo,

Despite not much time since passing the auditions we are being granted all these precious experiences.

I’m once again being made away of how our 1st and 2nd generation senpai allowed us to be given this blessed environment.

So as not to waste these experiences, I want to face and tackle each of them seriously. , . !

I’m still in a state where I can hardly tell right from left, but I’ll do my best.

Please keep looking out for me!

I’ll end it with a few offshoots!

With Hazuki

With Tamachan ❤︎

With Riria.

Oh, one more thing,

I still haven’t settled on a nickname yet. . It’s copying Umezawa Minami-chan, but

I’m collecting suggestions. . !

I’m counting on you

I received some fan letters, of course I read them all! Thank you!

Thank you for reading this!

Tomorrow is Hazuki!

Well then, ! ☆彡

Nakamura Reno

Originally posted:  2016/12/26 21:23

Comment suggestions for her nickname include: Renochan Renotan Renotamu Renonon Renon Renopon Renorin Nonnnon Nakareno Re-tan Nanon Renomu Renoreno Recchon Renomaru Renren

What do you think her nickname should be?

[yasukuansoni]

Satou Kaede. Nogi 3rd gen first blogs series.

Nice to meet you! &Merry X'mas! - Satou Kaede

Hello! Nice to meet you!

This is my first ever blog...

I’ll start with a self introduction!

I’m Satou Kaede, an 18 year old in the first year of university, and I’m from Aichi.

Everyone calls me Denchan (^^ It was Momoko’s idea

I love citrus fruits! (*'▽'*) And I played badminton!

And, and, I have a lot of things I want to talk about.

First is the omitatekai from the other day.

When I heard that we, with no skills yet, were to perform an omitatekai in Budokan, I was overcome with anxiety and fear.

But on the day when I saw the arena filled wall to wall with guests I couldn’t think of fear, I could only think that I had to do this!

And with that I was able to send my nerves flying.

My biggest weakness is talking in front of a crowd to think that I was not nervous . . . haha

During the mini live

the penlights I had only ever seen from the audience-side formed a beautiful scenery.

I was finally able to see this from the stage-side.

Thank you very much for showing me that beautiful scenery.

I’ll never forget it.

And my first ever handshake event, it was truly, truly fun (^^)

Thank you very much for your kind interactions.

I was so happy that people who supported me since  showroom were able to come T_T Thank you very much.

And FNS Kayousai

The wonderful stage that is Budokan, and then the wonderful stage that is FNS Kayousai, were bestowed upon us.

So as to not waste these opportunities, the 3rd generation members all worked our absolute hardest.

There were so many idols there it was a strong impetus [to work hard].

And some photos

I’m so grateful they made uniforms for the 3rd generation.

There’s 2 variants! They really suited everyone they were so cute!  (^o^)

Momoko.

Her crossed eyes are so cute! She says she’s good at it so you should all ask her to show you at a handshake event!

Momoko.

Hazuki. My fellow girl’s schooler. You can tell from the way we talk. Lol

Finally,

Merry X'mas 〜(*'▽'*)

Tamachan is going to eat a delicious cake but this year I won’t be eating cake so I drew a picture instead~!

I think I did a great job!

It will apparently be 7 years until Christmas is on a Saturday! [1]

Was I able to write a good blog...?

To those who support me, even a little, I plan to repay you 100 times over, no, I will repay you. To that end I’ll work my absolute hardest.

I’m sorry this became so long.

Thank you so much for reading until the end.

If there’s anything you would like to ask please, by all means(*'▽'*)

Tomorrow is Reno-chan! Look forward to it~! (^^)

Well then, have a good year!!

Originally posted: 2016/12/25 18:56

[1] A typo? It seems like she thinks Christmas day was a Saturday this year... either way she’s wrong; xmas ‘21 will be a Saturday and ‘22 a Sunday...

[yasukuansoni]

Sakaguchi Tamami. Nogi 3rd gen first blogs series.

Merry Christmas - Sakaguchi Tamami

Sakaguchi sakamichi noborizaka! Tama ni Tamami to nobotte ne!

(Ascending the Sakaguchi hill road! Climb it with Tamami some time!)

Everyone, nice to meet you for the first time via blog! And merry christmas(ㆆᴗㆆ)*✲ﾟ*｡⋆

I’m the Nogizaka46 3rd gen member Sakaguchi Tamami, 15 years old, 3rd year in middle school.

3 months and 20 days since our final audition stage on the 4th of September. . . And here I am now, writing a post for Nogizaka46′s official blog... I’m filled to the brim with feelings of gratitude.(;_;)♡

Were these 3 months a dream? Were they reality? These have been perplexing days, days full of new experiences, days full of excitement, but also days full of anxiety.

“Was the time I met our 1st and 2nd generation senpai members a 3D video? A phantom?” is all I can think. . . |дﾟ) I’ll never forget the shock from that day(・o・)

I also want to become the kind of presence that can create such a shock..!

♡o｡+..:*♡o｡+..:*♡o｡+..:*♡o｡+..:*♡o｡+..:*

From the time whenit was decided wewould hold our omitatekai until now, the 3rd gens have become one in order to work hard so that we may be reconigsed as members of Nogizaka46

On the day of our omitatekai, when Ririachan called out “Nogizaka46 desu” we performed the Nogizaka Post I had yearned for,  and I cried from the feeling that I had come closer to my dream

Thank you very much for your warm support for us(´•̥̥̥ω•̥̥̥`)♡

The 3rd gen is full of unique, kind and funny members, and on top of all that, cute ones( ¨̮ ) I receive motivation from them everyday^_^

Ah~ I have to lose weight(∵`) I have to make my skin clean and beautiful(∵`) and I have to work hard on my singing and dancing(∵`)

I still have a lot of homework!

I’ll keep climbing the long hill road!

＼＼\(۶•̀ᴗ•́)۶//／／

Between FNS Kayousai and all the magazines I was invited to appear on I really am overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude!

｡o♡o｡+｡o♡o｡+｡o♡o｡+｡o♡o｡+｡o♡o｡+

Just a few from my photos with other 3rd gens. . .  Tada~!!!!!!

With Mizuki-chan♡↑

With Umechan♡↑

With Ayano-chan ♡↑

I still have lotsss more so I’ll post new ones next time( ¨̮ )♡

｡o♡o｡+｡o♡o｡+｡o♡o｡+｡o♡o｡+｡o♡o｡+

And today is Christmas Eve!! Yaay What kind of things do you do on Christmas? ଘ(੭ˊ꒳ ˋ)੭✧

I eat my grandmother’s home-made cake every year( ¨̮ )( ¨̮ ) [1]

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas♪

Thank you very much from reading( ¨̮ )♡ From Tamami

Originally posted: 2016/12/24 16:08

1: She uses the third person instead of a pronoun here “Tamami eats...” but it’s doesn’t translate well so I left it out.

[yasukuansoni]

Kubo Shiori. Nogi 3rd gen first blog series.

Nice to meet you everyone - Kubo Shiori

Nice to meet you everyone.

I’m Kubo Shiori.

I hope we can get along well!

I’m extremely  I’m sure this will end up loose and scattered but please try to keep with me  (´･_･`)

~Self introduction~ Name: 久保 史緒里 (Kubo Shiori) Age: 15 years old, middle school 3rd year Birthday: 2001-07-14 Star sign: Cancer Blood type: O ↑ Just a basic profile.

Since it’s my first blog, there are a lot of things I want to tell everyone. For that reason, I expect this will become very long (´･_･`) I’m terribly sorry 

First, about the “omitatekai”,

To everyone who came, and everyone who supported us, Thank you very much!

Even though we have yet to accomplish anything, we were permitted such a wonderful stage.

When I heard about it, I didn’t know what was what, I just kept crying non-stop.

Omitatekai. 3rd generation only. Budokan.

Each of these had their own huge impact.

In the end, what am I able to do...?

I was very anxious about this

However, when I thought this there was one other thing on my mind.

“I’m going to make it a success no matter what”

That we were allowed to hold our omitatekai in a wonderful place like Budokan is not due to ourselves.

Supporters, staff and senpai,

It was you that made this possible.

I wanted to make it a success to repay you.

But I still don’t feel like I have fully expressed my “thank you”.

Above all that’s why I’ll make a promise with you all.

“I will change.”

I can’t say how I will tangibly change, or when it will be when I change.

But still, I promise I will definitely show you a me that is far more powered up that the one that sits here.

I will definitely uphold my promise.

I can’t tell you how long it will take, but I would be extremely happy if you waited for me.

I’m sorry.

I’ll do my best to fulfil that promise, even a little, as soon as I can.

I know what I’m like, but even so, I hope you can support me.

... the contents there became quite boring I’m sorry (´･_･`) 

From the omitatekai. The three of us are the same age so we’re often chatting. Renochan, Tamachan In our uniform. I’m very happy for that! These two are really kind.

On top of that, we were allowed to perform on “FNS Kayousai”. (Sorry I don’t have a photo) Thank you very much.

We were allowed to perform Seifuku no Mannequin!

We really, really are being given such precious experiences I won’t waste them and use them as a source of growth.

And

“3-nin no Principal” was announced.

To be honest, I’m overwhelmed by doubt.

There’s no way of knowing...

just how severe

just how much pressure there will be.

But still, the walls our senpai overcame.

I want to break those walls.

If I can complete this one taskthat is Principal,

I feel like something, one part of me, will change.

No, it will change.

.. so I say and end up making it more difficult.

Yuuki ~~

We’re always being stupid together.

Losing our way... boarding the wrong trains... Both forgetting our luggage bags in a restaurant...

I’ll tell some of our stories another time!

Christmas is coming close~ I can hear Christmas songs in a lot of places. I really like Christmas songs. I even listen to them in summer.

Merry Christmas!!

Everyone, how do you spend the year end period?

I like to sit under the kotatsu, eat manndarins, eat mochi, watch TV... that’s my answer (´･_･`)

It’s going to get even colder~.

Please try to take care you don’t fall ill.

Finally,

I was touched by the warmth of those who supported me through Showroom, the handshake event,

Even if I try, I can not express my appreciation, nor the motivation and power you have granted me.

I am truly happy to just have you read through a long, meaningless blog like this one.

Everyone, thank you so much.

My next blog will be on the 4th of January!

But the 3rd gen members are updating our blogs every day, so I would be happy if you read all them.

This became such a long blog (´･_･`) Thank you so much for reading until the end.

This time it was quite formal and stiff, but you can look forward to a light, fun blog next time!

(↑ what did I do with my hair?)

I’ll write again. I hope we can get along.

Kubo Shiori

Originally posted: 2016/12/23 19:58

[yasukuansoni]

Ozono Momoko. Nogi 3rd gen first blog translation series

First. Ozono Momoko

Nice too meet you

For both the omitatekai and for FNS I was nervous but I tried my best. To everyone who came and everyone who watched, Thank you very much.

I’m in 2nd year of high school, 17 years old, I’m from Kagoshima and my name is Ozono Momoko. The other 3rd gens call me Momochan

I don’t often take photographs together with other people. This time I was in the right mood ✌︎ Denchan

More recent

I love owls, they’re very cute

Here’s one where I look like a ghost

I’m not really good at coming up with things to say so I’m trying to make up with photographs! I’m sorry

I’m also really bad at introducing myself and learning dances. I intend to work hard so that I can improve bit by bit and my own pace

Until next time ✌︎  

Originally posted:  2016/12/22 15:58

Ozono mentioned back in the early days of the showroom auditions that she got along well with Sato Kaede.

[yasukuansoni]

Umezawa Minami. Nogi 3rd gen first blog series.

Nice to meet you~ ☺︎ Umezawa Minami

Hello everyone!!

Nice to meet you.

I’m from Kanagawa, I’m 17 years old, 3rd year in high school My name is Umezawa Minami.

There are candidates but I haven’t picked a nickname yet. . . I’m accepting recommendations. . .

Since Monday the 3rd gens have begun our blogs in a relay format!! Yay☺︎

Reading these blogs before bed has become a daily routine for me. Being allowed to write one is like living in a dream.

I have a lot things I want to write so just this time please bare with me as this will be long （ ｉ _ ｉ ）

There’s something I’ve wanted to say for a long time!

Around three months ago, I was participating in the showroom event as a Nogizaka46 candidate.

Thank you very much to everyone who supported me without yet even seeing my face.

It became such a source of confidence and strength（ ｉ _ ｉ ）

I was saved by your kindness!!

I’m sorry that the expression of my appreciation has come so late. But I’m happy to finally get to say it.☺︎

And thank you to everyone who came to our omitatekai!!

Were you able to have fun??（ ｉ _ ｉ ）  

To keep this from getting to long I’ll be brief here,

when I heard our omitatekai would be held in Budokan I couldn’t stop crying from nerves and fear.

But even still, that were who have only joined this group 3 months ago were allowed such a large stage, such a large chance, we appreciated it too much to not make it a success!!

With that in mind the 12 of us put everything we had into it.

It was so fun!! I was sad it had to end.

And my first hand shake event as part of my idol life there was a random aspect to it so I was sorry to everyone that it was me but

everyone who came to see me was so kind and gave me such encouraging words it was such a fun and happy time.

Time flew by like the wind ( ¨̮ )

And in my lane-neighbour Tamamiii  “I can hear everyone speaking” (lol) she said (lol) And my manager “That seems fun! The people leaving are still smiling~!” he said☺︎☺︎

I was glowing red ( ¨̮ ) After it ended my voice dried up.

My want to be playful took over  ( .. ) (lol

I hope I can meet everyone again soon. . .

Renka~ She’s like a litte sister, she’s too cute!

I’m really thankful for the 3rd gen’s uniforms. Mine is grey ◎

And the 3rd gen’s first stage, a new Principal season, has been announced.

Honestly, I’m scared.

I’m not confident. I can’t do anything really special. I’m not good at competing or being compared with others.

But looking at the barriers our senpai have overcome, I want to do the same.

I want to break them down.

I want to do it as me, in a way I won’t regret I want to give it my all.

I don’t want to finish it with empty words!!

There’s still a lot of things I’d like to write.

The omitatekai, Principal, the 3rd gen’s uniform, FNS Kayousai

For us 3rd gens who only passed the audition 3 months ago, I really appreciate that we were already be granted all these experiences.

Every day I am reminded of the overly blessed atmosphere we are being given.

I want to work my body and soul to deliver the expectations many of you have given us.

I’m a beginner to singing, dancing and acting,  But I want to put in the effort needed to rise above the amount I am behind by.

I jumped into this world without knowing anything about it but

To learn a lot of new things To experience things I couldn’t otherwise To accomplish the things I set out to do in this place,

I will devote my life to succeeding at these.

Even though I don’t have any redeeming points, I hope you can support me.

This became kind of overly serious But it’ll just be this one time!!

Next time will be in the new year.

I want to collect questions and name recommendations. . .

If there’s anything you’d like to ask, please do☺︎

Mhmh

I’m sorry the contents are this disorderly.

It’s really long so thank you for reading it.

Early but Merry Christmas!! Have a good year!!

Be careful about not eating too much mochi (lol) and not to catch a cold ◎

See you next time!

Originally posted:  2016/12/21 20:52

Comments recommended: Umechan Miichan (...) Zawamin Umemii Naamin Miiyan Minamin Miina Umemin Mezacchi and many more Any new ideas or comments on the existing suggestions?

[yasukuansoni]

Iwamoto Renka. Nogi 3rd gen first blog series.

Nice to meet you~! Iwamoto Renka

Good evening everyone~! I’m Iwamoto Renka! My first blog~~ (*≧∀≦*)

I was so happy so many people came to see us at our omitatekai on the 10th of December. Thank you very much!

Ehm... first, I think there are people who still don’t know me yet so I’ll start off with a self-introduction.

I’m Iwamoto Renka, from Tokyo. I’m 12 years old, in first year of middle school. I’m Nogizaka46′s youngest member. I love chocolate and pudding. Please call me Rentan (o^^o)

About “Rentan”, it was what my mom called me when I was small. Even now she calls me Rentan from time to time.

I was happy people called me Rentan at the omitatekai╰(⸝⸝⸝´꒳`⸝⸝⸝)╯

And we were allowed be on FNS Kayousai as well. We were surrounded by many sparkling idols, it was overpowering. Seifuku no Mannequin is a cool song, and the dance is wonderful so even before I joined the 3rd generation I had learned the dance so I was really happy! Because we were all together I was able to relax and enjoy dancing.

Ah! Were you able to find me?

With Den-chan~

With Reno~

Our first head mics! I was blown away (≧▽≦)

And......  ( ´艸｀)

Can you believe it!!! I’m in today’s issue of Loveberry! I was allowed to wear lots of cute clothes it was a very fun shoot! There were some shot that were so grown up I could hardly tell it was me (〃ω〃) If you like please take a look.

It’s a cold day so watch you don’t fall ill. Keep yourself warm throughout the day ( ´∀｀)

A selfie~  ꒰⑅•ᴗ•⑅꒱

Well then, until next time~~★彡 Byebyee~ ( *˙︶˙*)ﾉ"

That was Rentan! (๑>◡<๑)

Originally posted: 2016/12/20 15:50   

[yasukuansoni]

Ito Riria. Nogi 3rd gen first blog series.

The first... Ito Riria

Nice to meet you everyone~!

And welcome to those who I already met at our omitatekai!

I’m Ito Riria (^▽^)

My first blog.... I’m nervous lol

I think there are very many who don’t know me at all so I’ll start with a self introduction.

My name is Ito Riria, I’m 14 years old, in second year of middle school andm I’m Nogizaka’s only Okinawan. 

My name is pronounced Riria but please call me Ririan anyway!  (>人<)

Something like that...? A~h what should I write (>_<) lol Blogs are difficult. . .

Ah, I forgot. We 3rd gens made our debut the other day at our omitatekai!

Here’s a photo from that event. I wore twintails to the omitatekai!

The truth is, I was worried that my hair would get in the way when dancing so I asked them staff if I could tie it up and they said OK!! That’s how I gained twintails~ (*´ `*)

And I really appreciate being able to appear on FNS Kayousai Wednesday last week m(__)m

FNS’s Twintails. In this one I’m with Renochan and Hazuki.

3rd gens all get along really well! I love everyone!!

It recently became cold (or has it been cold for a long time..?) so everyone take care of yourselves!

I find Tokyo so cold, I can’t live without heat patches, a scarf and gloves...  （´ヘ｀；） Ugh

I’m going to do my best to grab the gaze of as many of you as I can so I’d be happy if you watched over me, even a little.

Well then, until next time  ( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ

Bwong.

This was Riria

Originally posted: 2016/12/19 18:00

The “a” in Riria (that is, the 杏 in 理々杏) is usually pronounced “an”, the inspiration for her nickname.

Ito Riria is the first member of the 3rd gens in Japanaese gojuuon-jun (50 sounds order, also known as a-i-u-e-o order). Iwamoto Renka is next so it seems like they will continue in this order once per day until the end of the year.