At their inception, Nogizaka46 was the official rival of AKB48. Debuting in 2011, it took Nogizaka46 seven years to overtake their rivals and become Japan’s top mainstream idol act.
Today, Nogizaka46 are the rivals to a new idol group produced again by Akimoto Yasushi. The new group is 「僕が見たかった青空」(“Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora”) or “The Blue Sky I Wanted to See.”
How long until they overtake Nogizaka46?
おめでとうございます！
It’s Nogizaka46’s formation anniversary. Eleven years ago 36 girls were chosen to form a new idol group to be the direct rivals to AKB48. At the time, it may have been a daunting task since AKB48 was at the height of their popularity. But from humble beginnings come big things.
Here we are 11 years later and at the moment they are the most popular idol group.
Congratulations!
Looking forward to more continued excellence from the members now going into their 5th Generation.
動力！感謝！笑顔！
Wait. We got a Sakamichi group singing with Sesame Street muppets. Singing Sakamoto Kyu’s hit song 「上お向いて歩こう」or known in the west as “Sukiyaki.” Is this some kind of joke? Well it is April Fool’s day.
But this isn’t any joke. It’s Hinatazaka46 with Elmo, Judy, and Cookie Monster! Nice. I’m enjoying it. You do the same.
St. Valentine’s Day comes around and I don’t really care. But watching idols doing idol things, you realize that on this day, idols do the idol thing that will have you all go “kyun!”
!= Me with Chocolate Melancholy.
I’ve bee sort of listening to this song off an on since it’s release. Not sure if I like or not. But I approve it to be played on St. Valentine’s Day.
One thing about being a fan of idols is that at any time they will make the decision to graduate, and you’ll be left with feelings of loneliness and sadness.
Today, Shinuchi Mai announced her graduation from Nogizaka46. I am left with feelings of loneliness and sadness.
She’s the eldest of all Nogizaka members at the ancient for an idol age of 29. She follows my oshimen, Ikuta Erika, out the door into the future and real life. I wish her all the happiness in the world, because I have fond feelings for all Nogizaka members (and somewhat for most all idols of Japan).
