On December 14, 2024, Nogizaka46’s Sugihara Satsuki was appointed as the group's new sub-captain, as announced during the first day of the "Nogizaka46 Grand Thanksgiving Festival 2024." The announcement was made by current captain Umezawa Minami at the event held at Makuhari Messe Event Hall in Chiba.
Satsuki’s promotion is noteworthy considering it revitalizes the leadership dynamic within the group, which has been without a sub-captain since February 2023 when former captain Akimoto Manatsu graduated. Umezawa took over the captaincy from Akimoto and is now joined by the promising 19-year-old Sugihara as her deputy.
During the event, Umezawa spoke fondly of Sugihara, stating, "Satsuki possesses remarkable responsibility and is always bright and energetic. I feel very reassured having her as my partner." She praised Sugihara's strong love for Nogizaka46, indicating her confidence in the new duo leading the group.
Sugihara expressed her emotions during the announcement, saying, "When I heard the news about my appointment, I wanted to solidify my feelings before telling everyone. It was incredibly scary and anxiety-inducing." After reflecting on her responsibilities, she added, "Choosing me as sub-captain of such a long-loved group fills me with gratitude, and I want to work hard to meet everyone’s expectations. I will do my best to show you all I am worthy of this role." This heartfelt statement drew warm applause from fans attending the event.
The event didn’t just focus on leadership announcements; it also brought news of the group’s future plans. The second day of the festival scheduled for December 15 will feature the graduation ceremony of third-generation member Mukai Hazuki. This transition highlights the evolution within Nogizaka46, especially with Sugihara’s recent achievements contributing to her credibility. She has been engaging audiences not only as part of the idol group but also as the host of the radio program "Nogizaka46’s Nō" since April.
Built on the foundation laid by members before her, Sugihara’s role is pivotal as the group prepares for the 6th generation members joining next year. Her position as sub-captain signals the group's commitment to building strong leadership bonds and maintaining its integrity as it grows.
Despite her young age, Sugihara has already made considerable strides within the group. She joined as part of the 5th generation in February 2022 and quickly rose to prominence, appearing as a Friday regular on the TBS program "Lavit!" Sugihara has also showcased her talent on stage, having played the lead role of Sailor Moon in the 5th generation’s musical adaptation of "Sailor Moon" scheduled for 2024.
Looking toward the future, fans are optimistic about what this leadership shakeup means for Nogizaka46. With Sugihara’s fresh perspective and Umezawa’s experience, the group is positioned to inspire fans and chart new paths. The powerful partnership has the potential to resonate with audiences as they navigate the challenges and opportunities lying ahead.
One thing is for certain: Sugihara’s appointment marks the start of another exciting chapter for Nogizaka46. The anticipation for the upcoming radio show featuring both members adds to the excitement as fans prepare to hear from their newly formed leadership team. With their combined efforts, there's much to look forward to within the world of Nogizaka46.
