Hinatazaka46 celebrated their sixth debut anniversary with a spectacular live event, the "6th Hinatazaka Memorial Ceremony," held at Yokohama Stadium on April 5 and 6, 2025. This year’s event was particularly notable as it featured the performance of every song released by the group, totaling 114 over the two days, including tracks from their predecessor group, Keyakizaka46.
The event drew in a massive crowd of fans, affectionately known as "Ohisama," who gathered to commemorate this significant milestone in the group’s history. The first day saw the graduation ceremony of member Sasaki Mirei, while the second day was dedicated to the farewell of Captain Sasaki Kumi, marking the end of her approximately nine-year journey as an idol.
The second day kicked off with the upbeat track "Doremisolasido," setting a vibrant tone for the performance. Members, dressed in spring-themed outfits, energized the audience with consecutive performances of their title tracks, including "Sonnakoto Naiyo" and "Tteka." Kumi, excited by the sunny weather, expressed her joy, saying, "Isn’t it sunny today?" This was a welcome change from the earlier rain forecasts.
As the concert progressed, the members showcased a variety of songs, beginning with the fourth generation performing "Shirakawa" and "Ame ga Futatte." The third generation followed with their hits, while the first generation, including Kumi, delivered nostalgic performances of songs like "Ai wa Kocchi no Mono da" and "Kotsukotsu no Natsu Yasumi." Each performance was met with enthusiastic cheers from the audience, creating an electric atmosphere.
During a special segment dedicated to Kumi, she expressed her deep emotional connection to the songs being performed. She stated, "I want to sing my favorite songs with everyone one last time," and began with "My God," followed by "Dakishimete yaru" and "Kuruma ga Kiru you ni Kimi ga Naku." Her heartfelt renditions drew tears and cheers from fans alike.
As the sun began to set, the event entered its climax with a surprise appearance from former first-generation members, including Ushio Sarina and Nagahama Neru, who joined Kumi on stage to perform "Hiragana Keyaki." Their reunion was a poignant reminder of the group's journey and the bonds formed over the years. Kumi's emotional farewell was further highlighted by a video message from former member Saito Kyoko, who congratulated the "W Sasaki" graduates.
In her graduation speech, Kumi reflected on her time with the group, saying, "The time I spent as Hinatazaka46 and Keyakizaka46 has been a treasure of my life." She expressed her gratitude towards her family, friends, staff, and, most importantly, the fans. "I am truly happy to have shared these moments with all of you. I will carry these memories forever," she added, prompting an outpouring of support from the audience.
Following her speech, Kumi officially passed the captaincy to Takase Mana. In a heartfelt moment, Kumi presented Takase with the captain's badge, symbolizing the transition of leadership. Takase, visibly emotional, pledged to uphold the values and spirit of the group, saying, "I will do my best to lead Hinatazaka46 forward, just as Kumi did."
The concert culminated with a high-energy performance of "Dare yori mo Takaku Tobe! 2020," where Kumi encouraged the audience to join in. Her final shout, "Jump higher!" resonated throughout the stadium, marking a fitting end to her time as captain.
As the event concluded, the group announced their upcoming 14th single, "Love Yourself!" set to be released on May 21, 2025. This will be the first single featuring the new fifth-generation members, marking a new chapter for Hinatazaka46. The group also announced their upcoming live performances at Yoyogi National Stadium on May 28 and 29, promising fans an exciting future ahead.
The "6th Hinatazaka Memorial Ceremony" not only celebrated the past but also looked towards the future, showcasing the resilience and evolution of Hinatazaka46. With new members joining the ranks and a fresh captain at the helm, the group is poised to continue captivating audiences and growing their legacy.
