Hinatazaka46 held their much-anticipated back-to-back concerts at the Tokyo Dome on December 25 and 26, marking another milestone as they celebrated the end of their national tour and the graduation of ace member Kato Shihou. Over two days, the event drew around 90,000 fans, making it one of the most memorable concerts for the idol group.
The concerts came as the group embraced their first opportunity to cheer and enjoy the performance live, following the COVID-19 restrictions of the past. Captain Sasaki Kumi expressed her excitement, stating, "The atmosphere is overwhelming! It’s incredible!" as she experienced the cheers of the gathered fans for the first time inside the Dome, where her gaze was met with vibrant energy.
On December 25, Kato Shihou, who has been with the group since its inception, received overwhelming support as she embarked on her graduation ceremony, reflecting on her eight and half years of contributions. Kato famously served as the center during her tenure, and her impact was clear during the ceremonial performances where she performed her hit songs. The concert featured her emotional rendition of her solo piece, "Tangen no Delete," compelling fans and fellow members to rally around her.
Kato, shining brightly donned in her signature blue dress representing her penlight color, brought tears to the audience with her heartfelt speech. "My idol life has truly been the best!" she declared, grateful for the unwavering support she received throughout her career. "I’ve faced challenges, but hearing your warm voices always lifted my spirits. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" she continued, emphasizing how pivotal the fans have been to her success.
Following her speech, Kato performed alongside fellow members, where emotions ran high as they delivered the symbolic song "Kimi shika Katan," their signature number reflecting their strong bond.
The day marked Kato's departure from live performances as she signaled the transition to younger members. During the concert, she ceremoniously passed the baton to Nao Kosaka, who took the center stage position for the new song "Sotsugyou Shashin dake ga Shitteru," debuted during the two-day event. Kosaka vowed, "We will continue to strive for excellence; we aspire to bring happiness to our fans!" demonstrating the resolve of the group as Kato’s legacy continues.
Concurrent with Kato's ceremonial send-off, the concerts featured surprise appearances from comedy duo Audrey, who serve as MCs for the popular show featuring Hinatazaka46, "Hinatazaka de Aimashou." The comedic surprise brought laughter to the audience as the duo engaged actively, showcasing their natural rapport and banter with the members.
On the second day, additional surprises emerged as the group highlighted upcoming circular events including the spring festival to celebrate their 10th anniversary scheduled for April next year, titled "Hina Tan Festival,” which will also be held at Yokohama Stadium.
Reflecting on the group's collective feelings, Sasaki remarked, "We want to keep aiming higher! That's something we believe we should always do. If we can get even stronger and happier, we can shine brighter for our fans, who are like the sun to us!" This statement came as the group reaffirmed their commitment to their fans, taking the necessary steps to reach greater heights.
The culmination of the Tokyo Dome concerts served not only as Kato's farewell but as recognition of the growth and achievements of Hinatazaka46. Their performances emphasized their dedication to music and artistry, showcasing their versatility and emotional depth. With tears and laughter woven together, this event stands as an indelible chapter for both Kato and the group as they part ways, setting the stage for new beginnings.
With the concert drawing to its end, the atmosphere was heavy with nostalgia. "I’ll cherish these memories forever!" Kato Shihou expressed, leaving behind not just her position but her heart within the group, etched deeply among their fanbase, the "Ohisama” (the sun). The stage curtains may have fallen, but this significant moment heralds new stories yet to be told as Hinatazaka46 continues on their path forward past this splendid milestone.
