The debut event for the new members of the 6th generation of idol group Nogizaka46, "Nice to meet you, we're the 6th generation," was held on April 6th at Pia Arena MM (Nishi-ku, Yokohama). The 6th generation is made up of 11 members who passed auditions held in two parts last spring and summer. This was their first time to appear in front of fans.
The 11 members appeared on stage after being called on by the group's captain Umezawa Minami and vice captain Sugawara Satsuki, who acted as MCs, and looked a little nervous. First, each member had one minute to introduce themselves. Kokone Atago, from Hyogo Prefecture, greeted energetically, "I'm Atago Kokone , and IKokone Atago for two years. Osu!" She said, "My charm point is that my cheeks turn red so easily. When you call me 'Kokonen,' I turn red," to which a fan responded with, "Kokonen!" She then said, "I've turned red!" and held the red paper she had prepared to her cheek, responding to the cheers.
Hina Kawabata Hina, the youngest member of the group at 14 years old, said, "I was born in 2011. I'm the same age as Nogizaka46. Since I met her at the age of 5, my days have been dominated by Nogizaka46," and shared some private photos. She showed her love for the group with photos of her impersonating the "Shijin" (spike person) that appears in the music video for the single "Sayonara no Imi" (2016) and Nishino Nanase, a former member of the movie "Asahinagu" (2017).
In the special skills corner, Moeka Yada from Akita Prefecture appeared in a kimono and performed the "Nishimonai Bon Odori," one of the three major Bon Odori dances in Japan, which is handed down in her hometown of Ugo Town. Yada said she had been learning the dance once a week since she was in the first grade of elementary school.
At the end of the event, a mini live performance was held, where the 6th generation members performed for the first time. Mitsuki Setoguchi stood in the center and the performance began with "Ohitorisama Tengoku" (2023). The center changed for each song, and Kawabata and Hinano Okoshi performed as double centers for "Influencer," a dance number that is considered to be one of the most difficult dance numbers for Nogizaka46 . They also performed the just-announced 6th generation song "Time Limit Unrequited Love," introducing it as "this is the first song we've ever received."
Umezawa, who watched the 6th generation members' big day as captain, said, "I'm really looking forward to the future of Nogizaka46. What I want to tell all the 6th generation members is that how much you love and care for this group will make all the difference in what you get in return, so I want you to always think strongly of Nogizaka46 and do your best from now on." Vice-captain Sugawara gave them some advice, saying, "There are many kind seniors in Nogizaka46, so if you're ever in trouble, please feel free to ask them anything."
The newly restructured Nogizaka46 will hold their anniversary concert "13th YEAR BIRTHDAY LIVE" at Ajinomoto Stadium (Chofu, Tokyo) on May 17th and 18th.
