Nogizaka46, one of Japan's most beloved idol groups, is gearing up for a significant year as they celebrate their anniversary with exciting events and new releases. The group's recent activities leading up to 2024 highlight their musical achievements and the dynamic presence of its members on various platforms.
On December 11, Nogizaka46 released their 37th single titled "歩道橋" (Hodokyo), which quickly made waves, selling 410,000 copies within just two days, according to Oricon. This impressive sales figure marked another triumph for the group, reinforcing their status as key players in the idol music scene. The single features diverse tracks, including a coupling song from the fifth generation members, titled "相対性理論に異議を唱える" (Challenging the Theory of Relativity), showcasing the group's blend of established and new talent.
Interestingly, the center position for this release was held by Sakurai Endo, who has garnered attention for her performances and visual appeal. Many fans are buzzing about both the music and the music video for "歩道橋," which was released around the same time, highlighting their traditional and modern aesthetic fusion.
Ahead of the new year, discussions are also underway concerning the group's anniversary events. On December 15, 文化放送 will air a special segment on the show "乃木坂46の「の」" featuring third-generation member Umezawa Minami and fifth-generation host Sugawara Satsuki reflecting on the past year's events and their shared experiences. Umezawa, who has taken her role as captain seriously, emphasized the growth she has witnessed among her fellow members, saying, "It's heartwarming to see how they support and push each other to excel, deepening the unity within us all."
This radio program will allow fans to enjoy insights from the group's milestones, such as the successful "乃木坂46 12th YEAR BIRTHDAY LIVE" and the upcoming "真夏の全国ツアー2024". Umezawa commented on the unique perspectives available from different generational members, aiming to provide depth and perspective about their activities throughout the year.
Member井上和 (Kazu), who has recently been on TOKYO FM's SCHOOL OF LOCK! show, shared her excitement about participating in the coupling track "乃木坂饅頭" (Nogizaka Manju). She described the process of developing the song from scratch, elaborately detailing the concept behind its title and the musical style. "The title sounded unusual at first but the song itself is catchy and has elements we think the fans will love. It allows for playful performance, which is always fun for us," she commented. This playful aspect is anticipated to charm fans, drawing them closer during live performances.
To celebrate the anniversary and engage fans, Nogizaka46 is also launching special promotions. This includes free subscription offers for new members wishing to join their official messaging service on December 14 and 15. Fans can enjoy exclusive member chats and have the chance to win autographed merchandise, adding personal interaction to their experiences.
The promotions are seen as another way for the idol group to connect with their loyal fanbase, enhancing their community and stimulating excitement as the new year approaches. Notably, the application offers unique content such as photos and videos directly from the members, giving fans insight not typically available through traditional media channels.
Looking to 2024, the group is eyeing new heights and more significant milestones as they prepare for concert tours and additional projects aiming to captivate both longstanding fans and newcomers alike. Messages of support were shared widely on social media, as many are eager to see how Nogizaka46 progresses through their anniversary year. Their collective energy and commitment promises another landmark year for the legendary idol group.
The fact is, the conglomeration of talent displayed within Nogizaka46's current lineup, along with their strategic engagement with fans, sets the stage for exciting developments as they remain committed to their artistry and performance capabilities. Enthusiasts are advised to stay tuned for more announcements leading up to their landmark events as the year progresses, as the excitement surrounding this vibrant group continues to grow.
