On April 12th, the idol group Sakurazaka46 held the final performance (day 2) of their 5th-anniversary concert, "5th YEAR ANNIVERSARY LIVE," at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo). The performance by the second-generation members attracted considerable attention.
The concert, held over two days on April 11th and 12th, drew approximately 140,000 people, the largest audience in the group's history. Five and a half years after changing their name from their predecessor, "Keyakizaka46," the performance once again demonstrated the group's growth and momentum.
During the performance of "Aozora ga Mieru Made" by the second-generation members, who have been at the core of the group since its name change, Rei Ozono spoke of her love for the Buddies (the fans' nickname) and the younger members during the instrumental break, and tearfully commented, "I think we're not in a position to easily say things like 'forever' or 'forever'..." The other second-generation members also shed tears.
Seeing the tears of Oozono and the other second-generation members, comments on social media included: "When Rei-chan said that you can't casually say things like 'forever' or 'forever,' my love for the second generation exploded and I cried my eyes out," "When she said you can't casually say things like 'forever' or 'forever,' and then the second-generation members were shown on screen, I was in tears," "The way the second-generation members have come this far and the fact that nothing lasts forever combined to make me cry," "I was moved by Rei-chan's expression, and above all, seeing all the second-generation members tear up made me cry too," and "I'm so glad that all the hard work the second-generation members have put in has finally paid off."
