On September 4th, idol group Nogizaka46 held the final performance of their "Midsummer National Tour 2024" at Meiji Jingu Stadium (Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo). On this day, 3rd generation member Yoda Yuki, who marked her 8th anniversary of joining the group, spoke about her love for Nogizaka46.
The 3rd generation joined the group on September 4th, 2016. At the end of the concert, Yoda commented with emotion, "When I stand on this stage at Jingu, a lot of memories come back to me... At first, I wasn't good at singing, dancing, or talking, but I watched my seniors and tried my best to stand on stage, and today marks 8 years. My juniors (4th and 5th generation members) are very reliable, but I started to wonder if there was anything I could do."
She continued, saying that she likes the lyrics of "Dareka no Kata," which they also performed that day, "Love takes turns, we take turns many times, let's walk the path of happiness," as they seem to represent Nogizaka46. "Every year, the members and their feelings are completely different, but we take turns and connect, and when I think that Nogizaka46 will continue on, it makes me realize what a great group we are! I am so happy to have come across such a group. If I say this, people might say I'm graduating, but I want you to wait until I tell you someday and not think about it (laughs). I don't think I'll ever forget this view. Thank you for showing me such a wonderful view!"
Yoda's fellow captain, Umezawa Minami, spoke of her trust in her, saying, "When I met her eight years ago, her eyes were wandering more than anyone else, and she was more timid than anyone else (laughs). But now she's more composed than anyone else, so when I feel anxious before a live performance, I go to see Yoda. She is such a reassuring presence." Yoda responded by saying, "Captain, thank you as always!" and both of them had tears in their eyes.
