The selected members and formation for the idol group Nogizaka46's 39th single "Same numbers" (on sale July 30th) were announced on the late-night program "Nogizaka Koujichuu" (TV Tokyo and others) on June 15th. Haruka Kaki will be in the center, and a new summery visual was also released.
Kaki, who will be the center of the title song for the fourth time and the first time in five releases, said, "It's already our seventh year, so I want all my juniors, peers, and seniors to be able to feel at ease and have fun, so I want to keep smiling. The 39th single is a 'thank you'," she said with a smile, adding, "I hope the 39th single will be a work that allows me to express my gratitude to everyone."
Okamoto Himena, a fifth-generation member, was selected for the first time. Okamoto commented with tears in her eyes, "I feel like I can finally give something back to the fans who told me to 'keep working hard, one thing at a time.'" She was enthusiastic, saying, "I want to do my best so that I don't get left behind just because it's my first selection, and I want to do my best to carry on the next stage."
Also, fellow 5th generation members Miku Ichinose and Kawasaki Sakura were chosen as front members for the first time. Ichinose said with tears in her eyes, "I'm really nervous, but I think the fact that they've put me here means they have some expectations of me, so I'll give it my all and do my best so that as many people as possible will think that they're glad I'm here." Kawasaki spoke forcefully, "I'm really surprised. Miku Ichinose and I will do our best, supporting each other."
None of the 6th generation members who joined the group this year were selected for the group.
◇ "Nogizaka46" 39th single formation (titles omitted)
3rd row / 7 people: Nao Tomiri, Nao Yumiki, Satsuki Sugawara, Mao Ioki Ioki, Aya Ogawa, Ayame Tsutsui, Himena Okamoto
Second row / 6 people: Minami Umezawa, Aruno Nakanishi, Sakura Endo, Nagi Inoue, Eisa Ikeda, Shiori Kubo
1st row / 3 people: Sakura Kawasaki, Haruka Kaki, Miku Ichinose
