Nogizaka46 (乃木坂46) is a Japanese idol group formed in August 2011 and produced by Akimoto Yasushi.
It currently consists of 35 members.
Nogizaka46 are AKB48‘s “official rivals”. They are also produced by Akimoto Yasushi.
They are a sister group of Keyakizaka46.(欅坂46).
The captain is Sakurai Reika.
The name of the group comes from the place where the SME Nogizaka Building, which houses Sony Music Japan’s office, is located in. The number 46 was chosen to challenge AKB48.
Biography / History
38934 applicants participated in the auditions in August 2011. 36 girls were selected as 1st generation members.
Their variety show Nogizakatte, Doko? (乃木坂って、どこ？) started airing on TX Network (TV Tokyo, …) in October 2011.
Nogizaka46’s 1st single Guruguru Curtain (ぐるぐるカーテン) was released in February 2012. The song was performed for the first time at AKB Request Hour Setlist Best 100 2012 (AKB48 リクエストアワーセットリストベスト100 2012) at Tokyo Dome City Hall in the previous month.
In August 2012, Hito wa Naze Hashiru no ka? (人はなぜ走るのか？) was the official theme song for the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup which took in Japan. It is the coupling track on their 3rd single Hashire! Bicycle (走れ！Bicycle).
In September 2012, the 1st episode of Nogizaka46’s musical 16-nin no Principal (16人のプリンシパル) ran at at Parco Theater in Tokyo.
In September 2012, Ikuta Erica was selected among the members of the idol group to voice act Rue in the movie The Hunger Games..
In November 2012, Takayama Kazumi, Nishino Nanase, Nojo Ami, Fukagawa Mai and Wakatsuki Yumi participated in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) Macau Grand Prix as Cipher Racing Team supporters.
In December 2012, Nogizaka46 became the best-selling new artists of the year according to Oricon yearly chart. They beat the score of AKB48.
Nogizaka46 1st Year Birthday Live was held in February 2013 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. As its title suggests, this event commemorated the 1st anniversary of the idol group’s debut.
In February 2013, Ikuta Erika made an appearance in the drama Biblia Koshodou no Jiken Techou (ビブリア古書堂の事件手帖).
In March 2013, the series Nogizaka to, Manabu (乃木坂と、まなぶ) started being published in Asahi Shimbun Digital (朝日新聞デジタル).
Shirashi Mai was appointed as an exclusive model for the fashion magazine Ray (レイ) in March 2013.
In April 2013, Hashimoto Nanami, Matsumura Sayuri, Akimoto Manatsu, Ito Marika, Ito Nene and Ikoma Rina acted in the drama Bad Boys J starring AKB48’s Itano Tomomi. Their 6th single Girl’s Rule (ガールズルール) is the theme song for the drama.
The members host the radio show Nogizaka46 no “no” (乃木坂46の「の」) on Nippon Cultural Broadcasting (文化放送) since April 2013.
The 2nd generation was announced on the TV show Nogizakatte, Doko? (乃木坂って、どこ？) started in May 2013.
In July 2013, Hashimoto Nanami appeared in the drama Summer Nude.
The idol group held its 1st nationwide concert tour Manatsu no Zenkoku Tour 2013 (真夏の全国ツアー2013) in August. The live performances took place in Sapporo, Fukuoka, Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo.
In August 2013, the idol group performed Tsuki no Ookisa (月の大きさ) which is the opening theme song for the anime Naruto Shippuden (ナルト 疾風伝). It is the coupling track on their 7th single Barrette (バレッタ) released in November 2013.
Their 1st photobook Nogizaka Ha (乃木坂派) was released in October 2013.
In December 2013, Watanabe Mayu sung their 5th single Kimi no Na wa Kibou (君の名は希望) at the 3rd AKB48 Kouhaku Taikou Uta Gassen (第３回 AKB48紅白対抗歌合戦) at Tokyo Dome City Hall. Ikuta Erika was playing the piano.
The members hosted the variety show Nogibingo broadcast on Nippon Television (日本テレビ) between January and March 2014. The program was inspired by AKB48’s AKBingo!.
Ito Karin, Akimoto Manatsu, Saito Yuri, Takayama Kazumi, and Nishikawa Nanami held their coming-of-age ceremony (成人式, seijin shiki) in January 2014.
In February 2014, Shiraishi Mai was starring in the drama Kamen Teacher (仮面ティーチャー).
The Kenkyuusei host the show Nogi Ken ♡ (乃木けん♡) on Showroom since February 2014.
In February 2014, a team shuffle was announced at AKB48 Group Dai Sokaku Matsuri (AKB48グループ大組閣祭り～時代は変わる。だけど、僕らは前しか向かねえ！～). It was decided that Ikoma Rina would join AKB48 Team B and that SKE48’s Matsui Rena would join Nogizaka46 in a concurrent position. Both girls debuted with their new idol unit in April 2014.
Nojo Ami, Nakada Kana and Ito Nene are starring in 3 horror movies released in theaters between April and June 2014 : Shi no Jikkyou Chuukei (死の実況中継 劇場版), Death Blog (デスブログ 劇場版) and Sugisawa Mura Densetsu (杉沢村伝説 劇場版).
In June 2014, Ikoma Rina ranked 14th at the AKB48 37th Single Senbatsu Sousenkyo (AKB48 37thシングル 選抜総選挙).
Nogizaka46 participated in Japan Expo in Paris Nord Villepinte, France, in July 2014. Check out our live report of their concert at Japan Expo, their conference and their talk shows (part 1, 2) at the festival.
The girls host the weekly show Nogiten (のぎ天) on Showtime since July 2014.
Hori Miona has been appointed as ambassador to promote the horror movie Kyonshi (キョンシー) in September 2014.
Ikuta Erika played in the musical Niji no Prelude (虹のプレリュード) in October 2014.
Ito Nene, Yada Risako and Yonetoku Kyoka graduated in October 2014.
Fukagawa Mai serves as the narrator on AC Milan Channel (ACン・チャンネル ミラノミラン) since October 2014. The program is about the famous Italian football club, the food, the fashion and the culture of Milan.
Akimoto Manatsu, Ikuta Erika and Hashimoto Nanami will be starring in the movie Chounouryoku Kenkyuubu no 3 Nin (超能力研究部の3人) which will be released in December 2014.
Shiraishi Mai’s 1st photobook Seijun na Otona (清純な大人) was published in December 2014.
Former member Miyazawa Seira appeared as a bikini model for the 2015 JSA campaign.
Nogizaka46’s 1st album Toumei na Iro (透明な色) was released in January 2015.
Inoue Sayuri, Sakurai Reika, Nakada Kana, Nagashima Seira, Nishino Nanase, Nojo Ami and Wakatsuki Yumi held their coming-of-age ceremony in January 2015.
Wakatsuki Yumi was starring in the stage play Vampire Knight (ヴァンパイア騎士) in January 2015.
Hatanaka Seira announced her graduation in February 2015.
Nishino Nanase’s 1st photobook Fudangi (普段着) was published in February 2015.
The girls were appointed as image characters in a commercial for Haruyama Trading Company in February 2015. They were dressed in a suit in the CM for the retail clothing company.
Sakurai Reika, Nishino Nanase and Matsumura Sayuri played in the drama Tenshi no Knife (天使のナイフ) which started airing in February 2015.
Nishino Nanase became a model for non・no fashion magazine in February 2015.
Kenkyuusei Ito Junna, Sasaki Kotoko, Suzuki Ayane, Terada Ranze, Yamazaki Rena and Watanabe Miriya were promoted regular members in February 2015.
Nogizaka46 Cafe 2015 ~Life Is Beautiful~ (乃木坂46カフェ2015～命は美しい～) opened at Area-Q, Harajuku, for a limited period of time between March and May 2015. Shinuchi Mai worked as cafe manager and was in charge of drink and food. Wakatsuki Yumi designed promotional goods which were only on sale at this place. Fans could watch video screenings and visit exhibitions.
Saito Chiharu entered at Meiji University in March 2015. She studies at the Faculty of Letters.
Shiraishi Mai appeared in a commercial (CM) for Palty in March 2015.
Hashimoto Nanami was appointed model for CanCam fashion magazine in March 2015.
Akimoto Manatsu, Ikuta Erika, Sakurai Reika, Nishino Nanase and Hashimoto Nanami participated in a promotional campaign for 755 live talk application in March 2015.
Takayama Kazumi started writing a series of novels entitled Nogizaka Katsuji-bu (乃木坂活字部！) published in Da Vinci (ダ・ヴィンチ) magazine since April 2015.
Hatanaka Seira announced her graduation in April 2015.
Nogizaka Under Construction (乃木坂工事中) variety show started airing on TV Aichi in April 2015.
Hashimoto Nanami hosts Girls Lock segment on Tokyo FM’s School of Lock radio show since April 2015. She is in charge of the segment every 3rd week of the month.
Matsui Rena’s concurrent position ended in April 2015. She left the idol group to pursue her activities with SKE48. At the same time, Ikoma Rina left AKB48.
Nishino Nanase appeared in a commercial for Pizza Hut in April 2015.
Shiraishi Mai threw the ceremonial first pitch before the baseball game Tokyo Yakult Swallow vs Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters at Meiji Jingu Stadium in May 2015.
Kawago Hina, Kitano Hinako, Nojo Ami and Wada Maaya host the variety show Nogizaka46 Eigo (乃木坂46えいご), also known as Nogieigo (のぎえいご), which will start airing on TBS in June 2015. The aim of this program is to speak English and expand the popularity of the idol group overseas.
Ito Marika played in the horror movie Eyes (アイズ) alongside Yamada Akari (Yumemiru Adolescence) in June 2015.
15 members were starring in Joshiraku (じょしらく) stage play in June 2015 at AiiA 2.5 Theater Tokyo. After passing auditions, the cast was split into 3 teams. The story in based upon the manga series by Kumeta Koji.
In June 2015, they promoted part-time jobs as part of a campaign for Seven Eleven stores.
Kawago Hina became an exclusive model for Popteen fashion magazine in June 2015.
The girls performed softball players in the drama Hatsumori Bemars (初森ベマーズ) airing on TV Tokyo in July 2015. Their 12th single Taiyou Knock (太陽ノック) was the opening theme song.
Kanashimi no Wasurekata Documentary of Nogizaka46 (悲しみの忘れ方 Documentary of 乃木坂46) was released in July 2015.
Ikoma Rina starred in the horror movie Corpse Party (コープスパーティー) released in theaters in August 2015 in Japan.
Nishino Nanase acted in the special movie Dog House Car (ッグハウス・カー) in August 2015. The story is based upon the light novel series Murai Naki (もらい泣き) by Ubukata Tow.
Their sister group Keyakizaka46 was created in August 2015.
In September 2015, Shiraishi Mai, Nishino Nanase, Sakurai Reika and Ito Marika served as models in the campaign for the Isetan’s seifuku (school uniforms) collection.
In September 2015, Nogizaka46 members appeared in commercials to promote From Aqua mineral water.
Iori Sagara and Bad Boys’ Kyoto the TV program Sagara to Kyoto no Nogizaka Pupupu (サガラとキヨトの乃木坂ぷぷぷ) since October 2015. It is broadcast on Teletama.
In October 2015, Ikoma Rina, Ito Marika, Inoue Sayuri, Saito Yuri, Sakurai Reika, Shinuchi Mai, Matsumura Sayuri and Wakatsuki Yumi performed in the stage play Every Dog Goes to Heaven (すべての犬は天国へ行く ; Subete no Inu wa Tengoku e Iku).
Nogizaka46’s 13th single Ima, Hanashitai Dareka ga Iru (今、話したい誰かがいる), on sale in October 2015, is the theme song for the anime movie Kokoro ga Sakebita Gatterunda (心が叫びたがってるんだ。).
The song Popipappapa (ポピパッパパー), from this CD, was used in the commercial for Samantha Thavasa Petit Choice.
Ikuta Erika was starring in the musical Princess Knight (リボンの騎士 ; Ribbon no Kishi) between November and December 2015. This show commemorated the 60th anniversary of the manga of the same title.
In December 2015, Kitano Hinako became an exclusive model for Zipper fashion magazine.
Nogizaka46’s All MV Collection ~Ano Toki no Kanojotachi~ (～あの時の彼女たち～) was released in December 2015.
Nagashima Seira announced her graduation in December 2015.
Ito Marika and Hori Miona were appointed as image characters for the promotional campaign Yokoso, Isetan Uchuu Shiten e ~Watashitachi no Mira no Hyakkaten~ (ようこそ、Isetan 宇宙支店へ ～わたしたちの未来の百貨店～) during the winter.
Takayama Kazumi wrote the light novel Carry Over (キャリーオーバー) which was published in Da Vinci (ダ・ヴィンチ) magazine in January 2016. Fukagawa Mai drew the illustrations.
Ikoma Rina, Ito Marika and Kawamura Mahiro held their coming-of-age ceremony in January 2016.
The pictures of Ikuta Erika’s 1st photobook Tenchou (転調), on sale in January 2016, were shot in Düsseldorf, Germany. She was born and she grew up in this city when she was a child.
The show Nogizaka Nano? Harajuku Nano? Docchi Nano? (乃木坂なの？原宿なの？どっちなの？) is broadcast on Ameba Fresh since January 2016.
In January 2016, Kimi no Na wa Kibou became the metro departure melody at Nogizaka station.
In January 2016, the girls participated in a commercial for Sizebook shopping website.
Ikoma Rina’s 1st photobook Kimi no Ashiato (君の足跡) was published in February 2016.
Inoue Sayuri and Higuchi Hina performed in the musical Teichi no Kuni (學蘭歌劇『帝一の國) in February and in March 2016.
Ikoma Rina became a model for Anna Sui 2016 spring / summer collection in February.
Fukagawa Mai graduated in May 2016.
She is the center of Nogizaka46’s 14th single Harujion ga Saku Koro (ハルジオンが咲く頃) on sale in March 2016.
Ikoma Rina threw the ceremonial first pitch at the baseball game Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks vs Saitama Seibu Lions in March 2016. At the same time, she performed the voice in SoftBank’s Giga-chan (ギガちゃん) commercial.
Nogizaka46’s official Line account was opened in March 2016.
The members of the idol group participated in a commercial campaign for Suumo real estate and housing website in March 2016.
3rd generation auditions were held in March and April 2016.
Wakatsuki Yumi makes regular appearances, as an assistant, in Tokyo FM’s radio show Evangelist School (エバンジェリストスクール！) since April 2016.
Nishino Nanase became a co-host of the variety show Lion no Goo Touch (ライオンのグータッチ) on Fuji TV in April 2016.
The mobile dating simulation game NogiKoi (乃木恋) was released in April 2016. As the title suggests, fans can get a chance to become the virtual boyfriend of their favorite member.
Inoue Sayuri made a guest appearance in the stage play Otona no Cafe 9 “Nomikake de Katta ano Musume” (大人のカフェ第9回単独公演『飲みかけで帰ったあの娘』) in April 2016.
Nogizaka46 teamed up with Seven Eleven for a campaign which started in April 2016. Shiraishi Mai was appointed shop manager.
The girls were starring in the stage play Joshiraku 2 ~Toki Kakesoba~ (じょしらく弐〜時かけそば〜) in May 2016.
Nogizaka46’s 2nd album Sorezore no Isu (それぞれの椅子) was released in May 2016.
Fukagawa Mai’s photobook Zutto, Soba ni Itai (ずっと、そばにいたい) was published in June 2016.
Ikoma Rina is starring in the sequel of horror movie Corpse Party entitled Corpse Party Books of Shadows. The film will be released in theaters in July 2016 in Japan. Ishimori Nijika (Keyakizaka46) also makes an appearance.
Ikoma Rina will perform in the stage play Kochira Katsushikaku Kameari Kouen Mae Hashutsujo (こちら葛飾区亀有公園前派出所), also known as Kochikame (こち亀), in September 2016. The story is based on the manga by Akimoto Osamu.
Ikuta Erika will play in the musical Romeo & Juliet (ロミオ＆ジュリエット) between January and March 2017.
Profile
- Nogizaka46 (乃木坂46)
- Years active : 2011 – present
- Label : Sony Music Records
- Agency : Akimoto Yasushi / Sony Music Entertainment
Members
- Akimoto Manatsu (秋元真夏)
- Ikuta Erika (生田絵梨花)
- Ikoma Rina (生駒里奈)
- Ito Karin (伊藤かりん)
- Ito Junna (伊藤純奈)
- Ito Marika (伊藤万理華)
- Inoue Sayuri (井上小百合)
- Eto Misa (衛藤美彩)
- Kawago Hina (川後陽菜)
- Kawamura Mahiro (川村真洋)
- Kitano Hinako (北野日奈子)
- Saito Asuka (齋藤飛鳥)
- Saito Chiharu (斎藤ちはる)
- Saito Yuri (斉藤優里)
- Sagara Iori (相楽伊織)
- Sakurai Reika (桜井玲香)
- Sasaki Kotoko (佐々木琴子)
- Shiraishi Mai (白石麻衣)
- Shinuchi Mai (新内眞衣)
- Suzuki Ayane (鈴木絢音)
- Takayama Kazumi (高山一実)
- Terada Ranze (寺田蘭世)
- Nakada Kana (中田花奈)
- Nakamoto Himeka (中元日芽香)
- Nishino Nanase (西野七瀬)
- Nojo Ami (能條愛未)
- Hashimoto Nanami (橋本奈々未)
- Higuchi Hina (樋口日奈)
- Hoshino Minami (星野みなみ)
- Hori Miona (堀未央奈)
- Matsumura Sayuri (松村沙友理)
- Yamazaki Rena (山崎怜奈)
- Wakatsuki Yumi (若月佑美)
- Watanabe Miriya (渡辺みり愛)
- Wada Maaya (和田まあや)
Former Members
- Yamamoto Honoka (山本穂乃香)
- Yoshimoto Ayaka (吉本彩華)
- Iwase Yumiko (岩瀬佑美子)
- Ando Mikumo (安藤美雲)
- Kashiwa Yukina (柏幸奈)
- Miyazawa Seira (宮澤成良)
- Ichiki Rena (市來玲奈)
- Ito Nene (伊藤寧々)
- Yamato Rina (大和里菜)
- Hatanaka Seira (畠中清羅)
- Matsui Rena (松井玲奈) (SKE48)
- Nagashima Seira (永島聖羅)
- Fukagawa Mai (深川麻衣)
Discography
Singles
- 22/02/2012 : Guruguru Curtain (ぐるぐるカーテン)
- 02/05/2012 : Oide Shampoo (おいでシャンプー)
- 22/08/2012 : Hashire! Bicycle (走れ！Bicycle)
- 19/12/2012 : Seifuku no Mannequin (制服のマネキン)
- 13/03/2013 : Kimi no Na wa Kibou (君の名は希望)
- 03/07/2013 : Girl’s Rule (ガールズルール)
- 27/11/2013 : Barrette (バレッタ)
- 02/04/2014 : Kizuitara Kataomoi (気づいたら片想い)
- 09/07/2014 : Natsu no Free & Easy (夏のFree&Easy)
- 08/10/2014 : Nandome no Aozora ka? (何度目の青空か？)
- 18/03/2015 : Inochi wa Utsukushii (命は美しい)
- 22/07/2015 : Taiyou Knock (太陽ノック)
- 28/10/2015 : Ima, Hanashitai Dareka ga Iru (今、話したい誰かがいる)
- 23/03/2016 : Harujion ga Saku Koro (ハルジオンが咲く頃)
Albums
- 07/01/2015 : Toumei na Iro (透明な色)
- 25/05/2016 : Sorezore no Isu (それぞれの椅子)
Links
News
