Category Archives: nogizaka46

Former AKB48 Kenkyuusei Nishikawa Nanami joins Nogizaka46

Posted on May 10, 2013 by admin

On May 8, Nogizaka46 second-generation member Nishikawa Nanami was introduced to the audience during the second half of the Nogizaka46 performance of“16-nin no Principal deux” at the Akasaka ACT Theater in Tokyo.

Nishikawa joined AKB48 in spring of 2009 as an 8th generation kenkyuusei; she was dismissed in July of the same year because, “She took some thoughtless actions that were not suited for an AKB48 kenkyuusei.” She returned to the entertainment industry after a 4 year hiatus when she passed the Nogizaka46 second-generation member auditions at the end of last year.

After being called on stage by captain Sakurai Reika, Nishikawa was visibly nervous as her legs shook and confessed that, “Four years ago, I was active as an AKB48 kenkyuusei, but I applied to audition for Nogizaka46 since I could not forget about that time.” She greeted fans with, “It was a short time, but when I was an AKB48 Kenkyuusei, I learned a lot about the glamour of the (entertainment) world as well as the strictness. I am extremely happy to be standing on this stage.” She continued strongly with, “I think there are people who believe that I should not be a member of Nogizaka46. However, I will face it with this iron mentality.”

Sakurai asked, “From here on out, what kind of idol do you want to become?,” to which Nishikawa answered, “First I want to work harder than everyone in order to be accepted.” She followed with, “I want to be supported by both male and female fans and become a double-threat model and idol like Shiraishi Mai and Nishino Nanase.” The Nogizaka46 “16-nin no Principal deux” performances in Tokyo will continue until May 12 and during each performance, each 2nd generation member will be introduced.

Source & Image: Natalie

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Nogizaka46’s Ando Mikumo to graduate from the group

Posted on April 28, 2013 by admin

It’s been announced that Nogizaka46’s Ando Mikumo will be graduating from the group.

Ando decided to graduate in order to concentrate on her studies. She will part ways with the group after participating in the handshake event for Nogizaka46’s 5th single, “Kimi no Na wa Kibou” on April 29th at Yokohama Pacifico, and the special event, “Anata Dake no Tame ni Message, Iwasete Kudasai! -Namagoe Rokuon Kai-‘, on June 16th.

Ando has been a part of Nogizaka46 since they started in August of 2011. She will be the second member from the group to graduate following Iwase Yumiko, who graduated last fall.

Source & Image: natalie

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Nogizaka46 2nd generation members to be introduced during ‘16nin no Principal deux’

Posted on April 22, 2013 by admin

It’s been revealed that Nogizaka46’s 2nd generation members will be introduced during their 2nd stage performance, ‘16nin no Principal deux‘, which will be held from May 3rd to the 12th at Akasaka ACT Theater in Tokyo.

Nogizaka46’s 2nd generation member audition applications were accepted from December to January, but the results of the auditions haven’t been announced yet. More details will be revealed through the group’s official website at a later date.

‘16nin no Principal deux’ is Nogizaka’s 2nd stage performance following ‘16nin no Principal‘ that was held last year at Shibuya PARCO Gekijou. The script will be written by Kiyasu Kohei, who won the Best Screenplay at the 36th Japan Academy Awards for ‘Kirishima, Bukatsu Yamerutte yo‘, and it will be directed by Kegawazoku Theater Company’s Emoto Junko.

Tickets for the Tokyo performances are currently on sale through Play Guide. This performance will also be held from May 31st to June 2nd at Umeda Geijutsu Gekijou.

Source & Image: natalie

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Shiraishi Mai chosen as the new center for Nogizaka46’s upcoming single

Posted on April 21, 2013 by admin

On April 20th, idol group Nogizaka46 held a handshake event for their 5th single “Kimi no Na wa Kibou” at Kyoto Pulse Plaza.

During the event, they announced the Senbatsu members for their upcoming 6th single (both title and release date are undecided). It was also announced that Shiraishi Mai has been chosen as the new center for the single, which brought roars and glad shouts from the 7,000 fans attending the event.

This will be the first time for Shiraishi to take the position as Ikoma Rina has served as the center for all the group’s previous singles. Shiraishi commented, “I am feeling the big joy, and the inconceivable responsibility with this opportunity to stand as the center, which is the position Ikoma-chan has carried since the formation of Nogizaka46. While keeping my feet on the ground steadily, I would like to try harder than now in order to show everyone a new side of Nogizaka.”

Ikoma also commented, “The center is the position that brings you a lot of pressure. I want to make a good use of my experience and support her with full effort. I also want to enjoy my new position since I will be able to see a different view.”

The 16 Senbatsu members chosen for the 6th single are as follows.

Akimoto Manatsu/Ikuta Erika/Ikoma Rina/Ito Marika/Inoue Sayuri/Saito Yuri/Sakurai Reika/Shiraishi Mai/Takayama Kazumi/Nakada Kana/Nishino Nanase/Hashimoto Nanami/Fukagawa Mai/Hoshino Minami/Matsumura Sayuri/Wakatsuki Yumi.