On December 27, the highly anticipated "Music Station Super Live 2024" aired on TV-Asahi, marking the last music show of the year. The six-hour special featured numerous popular artists, including the much-loved groups Sakurazaka46 and Hinatazaka46, who made waves with their stunning performances.
Taking the stage together, Sakurazaka46 and Hinatazaka46 captivated audiences as they finally shared the spotlight. Both groups are part of the same Sakuradai family, but opportunities to perform together are relatively rare. When host Tamori asked Hinatazaka46's captain, Kumi Sasaki, for her thoughts on the collaboration, she expressed her immense excitement. "Personally, I absolutely love Ten-chan's performance. The song 'What Age Do You Want to Go Back To?' is just irresistible," she remarked, highlighting her eagerness to see the group perform.
Yamazaki, who was in the spotlight for Sakurazaka46, shared her admiration for Hinatazaka46, praising the group's energetic and physically demanding choreography. "They have so many songs where they jump and run around, showing incredible stamina without ever losing their smiles. It's quite beautiful to watch!" Yamazaki said, reflecting on her anticipation for their performance.
During the live broadcast, Sakurazaka46 performed "What Age Do You Want to Go Back To?" with Yamazaki taking center stage, and Hinatazaka46 showcased "You Are Honeydew," led by Hideshi Yoshiko. Fans flooded social media with their comments about the collaboration, with many expressing delight over seeing both groups perform together. "So happy to see Sakurazaka46 and Hinatazaka46 side by side!" read one enthusiastic tweet, encapsulating the excitement of viewers.
The show featured over 60 musical acts, making it a monumental event. Alongside the two Sakuradai groups, other popular artists included Naniwa Danshi and SixTONES, among others. The extensive lineup ensured fans had plenty to look forward to throughout the night.
Another moment of interest during the broadcast arose when the energetic group Snow Man had to shift their performance slot unexpectedly. Originally set to close the show, delays caused by their prior concert left them scrambling to make it to the venue. They eventually arrived just before their performance was set to begin, leading to some anxious moments for both fans and the performers.
Snow Man's fanbase was abuzz with concern and gratitude for the support they received. "Thank you, L'Arc-en-Ciel, for letting Snow Man take the stage!" was one of the heartfelt comments shared on social media as the fan community rallied around their favorite artists.
Aiko, another notable guest on the program, shared light-hearted anecdotes with Tamori about her past interactions with Snow Man’s Daisuke Sakuma, humorously mentioning her favorite overalls and the fact she had packed them away for safekeeping after he expressed interest in wearing them.
The emotional connections and reactions from both performers and fans highlighted just how much these live shows mean, not just to the artists but to the viewers as well. With the final show of the year drawing to a close, the combined energy of Sakurazaka46 and Hinatazaka46 left many viewers feeling hopeful for what the new year will bring.
The event underscored the essence of live performance culture, where spontaneous moments and heartfelt interactions resonate deeply with both fans and artists alike. It serves as a powerful reminder of the joy of music and community, setting the stage for more unforgettable experiences to come.
