Manami Ono, a fifth-generation member of the idol group Hinatazaka46, continues her rapid rise to fame. After joining the group in March of last year, she was chosen as the center for their 16th single, "Cliffhanger." In March of this year, she became an exclusive model for the women's fashion magazine "CanCam" (Shogakukan), and is currently appearing in the NHK night drama "Radio Star" (General). She also made her runway debut at the fashion event "Rakuten GirlsAward 2026 SPRING/SUMMER" held on April 18th. We spoke to Ohno, who is already being hailed as the "new ace," about her feelings immediately after her runway appearance and her future goals.
◇Former member Shiho Kato gets "revenge" for the meet and greet: "I want to give her a nickname again"
On this day, she wore a refreshing and elegant outfit consisting of a cardigan and shorts, and showcased a confident walk that belied the fact that it was her first time on the runway. Reflecting on the big stage, she said, "I was very nervous."
"I've loved the Sakamichi Group since before I joined, and I used to watch videos of everyone walking the runway, so it was a stage I really admired. I was happy to be able to perform, but I was so nervous before it started. I couldn't sleep at all last night, and I've been wide awake all day today (laughs)."
Mao Ioki of Nogizaka46 also appeared on the same stage. She said that Ioki gave her encouraging words backstage.
"It was the first time we met, but she was incredibly kind. When I asked her, 'How should I walk?', she gave me lots of advice before the actual performance, which really encouraged me. Ms. Ioki is also a cousin of Hinatazaka46 senior Yoko Shogenji, so she told me about that, which helped ease my nerves!"
Starting in March, she will also begin working as an exclusive model for "CanCam" magazine. While her opportunities as a model are likely to expand even further in the future, she says that what she focuses on on a daily basis is "managing her diet."
"Although lunch is often provided on set, I don't rely solely on that; I make my own soup, put it in a thermos, and carry it with me."
Shiho Kato, a former member of Hinatazaka46, is also an exclusive model for "CanCam." Since their time in the group did not overlap, she was able to greet Kato at the magazine's photo shoot.
"I've been supporting her ever since I was a fan of Hinatazaka46, so I was really happy. Actually, when I was a fan, I participated in Shiho's online meet and greet (online event). At that time, I asked her to give me a nickname, but the time limit ran out and it ended without her being able to give me one (laughs). So this time, I told her, 'I'd like you to give me a nickname again!' and she said, 'I'll think about it!' I'm looking forward to meeting her next time!"
◇ "I like to express myself."
This 18-year-old graduated from high school this spring. A girl who was a fan of Hinatazaka46 has grown into a member known as the "ace" in just over a year since joining the group. Looking back on the past year, she expresses her gratitude, saying, "I am in a very fortunate environment."
"Over the past year, I've really come to realize that idols are truly multi-talented. Whether it's acting, modeling, or of course, performing on stage, I've been inspired by how our senior members of Hinatazaka46 dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to each and every one of these things, and I think that's why we're able to be active as Hinatazaka46 today."
Through various jobs, she realized that she "likes to express herself."
"I believe that expressing myself through singing and dancing to music, conveying something through acting and words, and modeling are all forms of expression. That's why I want to learn and master many different genres of expression."
From the moment he joined the group, he has shown remarkable composure, leading fans to comment on social media, "How many lives has he lived?" When asked about the reaction, he laughs and says, "Of course I know about it."
"This is definitely my first time doing this (laughs). But I'm really happy to hear you say that. I'm actually very nervous and anxious inside, but I try to convince myself that I'm not nervous. I think that way I'll look better, so I'm trying my best to do that."
"I'm a very curious person, so I'm really looking forward to taking this new step," she says with a shy smile, her expression still radiating the dazzling aura of someone who has just graduated from high school. Center position, modeling, acting—we can't take our eyes off the future of this rising 18-year-old "new ace." (MANTAN/Kenichiro Kanemaki)
