Kinoshita Kirei, a member of the popular idol group 日向坂46, is making waves this holiday season with her stunning magazine cover and photoshoot featured in the latest issue of 週刊少年マガジン (Weekly Shonen Magazine). Released on December 25, this edition showcases Kinoshita's charismatic smile and charm, embodying the theme of "ぽかぽかクリスマス" (Warm Christmas) with vibrant photography from Kazunori Fujimoto.
This year has been monumental for日向坂46 as they celebrate their fifth anniversary since their debut. The group has engaged fans with numerous exciting initiatives, including their first-ever exhibition titled 'WE R!' held at the Roppongi Museum, which coincided with special collaborative events at the iconic Tokyo Skytree. Kinoshita and her fellow members have expertly blended their stage performances with community engagement efforts, marking significant achievements throughout 2024.
Reflecting back, it’s hard to forget the disappointment they felt last year when they missed the opportunity to perform at the prestigious NHK紅白歌合戦. Yet, this setback only fueled their resolve. "日向坂46は今年の3月でデビューから5年を迎えた。" marks not only their longevity but also their growth as they consistently aimed higher, overcoming challenges and striving for success.
Among their many highlights this year, the group hosted 'ひなたフェス2024' at the Hinata Miyazaki Prefectural General Sports Park. Held on September 7 and 8, this outdoor concert was unique, featuring local cultural elements, with performances including traditional dancing and music, bringing together fans and their local community. Kinoshita, along with her members, embraced the festive atmosphere, showcasing their versatility beyond typical performances.
April was another pivotal month, as the group held the graduation concert for their key member, Kiyotaka Saito, at Yokohama Stadium, marking the beginning of transitions within the group. Despite several pillar members announcing their upcoming graduation, Kinoshita and her peers have demonstrated remarkable adaptability, welcoming new talent to the forefront. Prominently, younger members like Yoko Shogenji emerged as central figures, taking on leading roles within their recent singles, such as the May release "君はハニーデュー" (You Are Honeydew) and September's "絶対的第六感" (Absolute Sixth Sense).
This year has also seen the launch of their dedicated TV show, 日向坂ミュージックパレード (Hinatazaka Music Parade), which airs on Nippon Television. This program has provided the new generation of Kinoshita's peers—particularly the 4th generation members—a platform to flourish, spotlighting their talents beyond music, including dance and variety entertainment. The culmination of these efforts was celebrated during their live event at the Nippon Budokan, showcasing their dedication to artistry and performance evolution.
Looking forward, 2025 promises even more for Kinoshita and her talented peers, as they prepare for upcoming stage performances, including the highly anticipated production of '五等分の花嫁' (The Quintessential Quintuplets) set for March. This rapid accumulation of experience speaks volumes of their capability and promise. Kinoshita, now regarded as one of the leading faces of 日向坂46, stands as a beacon of inspiration not just for fans but for aspiring artists seeking to leave their mark.
With her infectious smile, Kinoshita Kirei captures hearts both on and off stage, solidifying her place within the vibrant world of Japanese pop culture. Fans are encouraged to keep an eye out for her latest magazine features and the group's forthcoming projects, which continue to surprise and delight audiences everywhere.
