The graduation concert for Yuki Yoda of the idol group Nogizaka46 was held for two days on February 22 and 23 at Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka (Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City). On the 23rd, Ozono Momoko, who was in the same year as Yoda and graduated from the group in September 2021 and retired from the entertainment industry, made a surprise appearance.
The two joined as third-generation members in 2016, and were chosen as the double center for the group's 18th single, "Nige Mizu," released the following year in 2017. "Nige Mizu" was the first song performed that day, but was performed again at the end. As the venue erupted in excitement, Ozono appeared in the center position with Yoda.
This surprise elicited huge cheers from the audience, and viewers watching the live stream on social media were quick to comment, with comments such as, "Whaaaaaaaat?!", "Mo-mo-mo-Momoko?! Is this really happening?!", "Someone who's retired from showbiz is performing live - that's pretty unheard of,", "It's too dramatic," and "I thought that Yoda Momo's final performance was over, I never thought I'd see it in 2025..."
After finishing their performance of "Nige Misu," Yoda expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Momo-chan!", and Ozono, with tears in her eyes, smiled and said, "I'm glad we were able to perform Yoda's last version of 'Nige Misu' together."
When Yoda asked Ozono how she felt about performing live for the first time in a long time, "It's been a while since Momo-chan's graduation ceremony. How is it after such a long time?", Ozono choked up and said, "I was so nervous. I didn't even know where to look, so I was nervous..." Yoda gave Ozono a hug and said, "Thank you!"
Afterwards, Ozono-san was unable to continue speaking well due to nervousness and tears, but Yoda-san smiled and said, "We'll be friends forever!" She then expressed her gratitude to her friend who came to see her, saying, "Let's sing 'Nigemizu' at karaoke again. Let's take a photo later! Thank you!"
