In an exciting announcement for fans of J-pop and idol culture, the popular group Hinatazaka46 will see members Shiyo Kohinata and Kaho Fujishima gracing the cover of the magazine B.L.T.graduation2025 Junior High School/High School Graduation. Set to be released on March 31, 2025, this special edition magazine celebrates the achievements and transitions of young students, particularly focusing on those graduating from junior high and high school this spring.
The magazine features the dynamic duo of Kohinata and Fujishima, who recently served as W centers for Hinatazaka46's 12th single, Zettai Teki Dai Rokkan. The cover prominently showcases the pair, embodying the quintessential high school experience through their youthful smiles and charming poses. With a backdrop of a school environment, the photos capture moments that resonate deeply with every student, such as the nostalgic act of passing notes in classrooms and the thrill of running freely on the rooftops.
In addition to the cover stars, B.L.T.graduation2025 will also include notable appearances by Kira Masumoto and Jui Mukaichi from Sakurazaka46, who were selected for the 11th single UDAGAWA GENERATION. Their feature captures the emotional essence of graduation, framed around the last day of high school, highlighting the bittersweet nature of farewells as they reflect on their shared journey.
The magazine sets itself apart this year with the inclusion of pair photographs, showcasing friendships that have developed during school years. One featured set is the youngest duo from JOY, Kanno Ayuna Amano and Agetuki Yamano, whose charming matsuri-style photographs reflect the heartfelt bonds students share during formative years. The images depict them in coordinated outfits, engaging in whimsical activities like sharing a secret over a mysterious string phone, adding a lighthearted touch to the graduation theme.
On the horizon of J-pop events, the magazine coincides with the first national tour of the group Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora, which embarks on its journey starting March 22, 2025. Among the graduates showcased in the pair images from the tour are Anju Yasuna and Yua Kudo, celebrating their graduations—Yasuna from high school and Kudo from junior high, emphasizing the multi-generational aspects of growth. Their accompanying images depict a playful interaction that balances Yasuna’s mature persona with Kudo’s youthful charm.
The inclusion of other unique graduates such as Konoka Koga from Shiritsu Megumi Hibi Kotobuki Junior High School, who is transitioning from junior high, and Reina Kamimura from Rouge Kronicle graduating from junior high signifies the magazine’s aim to encapsulate the experiences of those navigating major life changes.
As the excitement builds for the release of B.L.T.graduation2025, fans are awaiting a rare opportunity to connect with their favorite idols in a deeply personal way. The magazine not only serves as a pictorial testament to the accomplishments of young graduates but also offers a glimpse into their festive and sentimental farewell tours.
Every photograph and story within the pages is thoughtfully crafted, tying together emotions, memories, and aspirations—the kind of assembly that resonates with anyone who has experienced the deep-rooted sentiments associated with the transition of leaving school behind. The editor of the magazine said, "This is a special collection that captures the essence and joy of graduation," which speaks volumes about the thematic relevance the publication holds.
The photographs aim to evoke nostalgia not just for the graduates but also for readers who remember their own early stepping stones into adulthood. In highlighting the everyday realities and adventures of high schoolers culminating in this significant moment, Kohinata and Fujishima embody the spirit of youth that pervades every school hallway and playground.
The upcoming issue aims to not only honor contemporary idols but also commemorate the experiences of youth, as seen through the lens of both fans and younger generations preparing to take their own steps forward into the future.
With the blend of heartfelt storytelling, rich photography, and the ever-positive vibes that these idols radiate, B.L.T.graduation2025 promises to be a cherished keepsake for fans and graduates alike as they celebrate one of the most pivotal moments of their lives—graduation, a symbol of new beginnings and the sweet memories of the past.