Rika Takai, a new member of the idol group "Hinatazaka46" and a member of the 5th generation, appeared at a press conference in Tokyo recently for the new program "Let's Become Hinatazaka - 5th Generation Growth Variety." Takai, a "Tigers fan" who enthusiastically supports the professional baseball team Hanshin Tigers, started the press conference with a full baseball story. "IRika Takai, the 4th pitcher! I'm the home run king, the pitcher with the most wins, and I can even play defense! I don't make bad throws! I'll even win the Golden Glove Award!" she said, making the audience laugh as she introduced herself while making a gesture of throwing a ball.
"Let's Become Hinatazaka - 5th Generation Growth Variety" is a revamp of the variety show "Motto! Let's Become Hinatazaka" that was previously performed by the 4th generation members, with the 5th generation members taking over. This is a "growth variety" show where the members learn from their seniors in the entertainment industry in order to become more like their seniors who are active in variety shows, radio, and dramas. It will be available on NTT Docomo's distribution service "Lemino" from July 14th.
When asked what kind of project he would like to do on the show, Takai said with a smile, "I would love to do a baseball project! I would also like to do a project where we go to a batting center and compete with the batting averages (5th generation members), and I would also like to go around baseball stadiums!" When asked by a reporter which baseball stadium he would like to go to, he said with a big smile, "Right now, other than Koshien, I want to go to Belluna Dome (Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture)! I heard that the food there is really delicious, so I would definitely like to go there."
