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Sakamichi Series
Sakamichi Series (坂道シリーズ) is the collective term referring to Nogizaka46 and its related groups. The name is a reference to its groups being named after different types of slopes.
The Sakamichi Series currently consists of three groups (Nogizaka46, Hinatazaka46, Sakurazaka46).
History
In 2011, renowned producer Akimoto Yasushi announced the formation of a new idol group Nogizaka46, as an "official rival" to AKB48. The group was named after the Sony Music Entertainment Nogizaka Building, where the group's final round of first-generation auditions took place. According to Akimoto, the number "46" was selected to show that Nogizaka46 will succeed with fewer members. The 36 members that passed the first-generation auditions were announced in August 2011. They released their debut single, "Guruguru Curtain," on February 22, 2012.
In 2015, it was announced that a new sister group will join the Sakamichi Series, tentatively known as Toriizaka46 (鳥居坂46). The 22 members that passed the first-generation auditions were announced in October 2015, along with the group's new name, Keyakizaka46 (欅坂46). In November 2015, Nagahama Neru was introduced as the first member of Keyakizaka46's subgroup Hiragana Keyakizaka46 (けやき坂46). Kanji Keyakizaka46 was then coined when the group needed to distinguish its separate lineups. Keyakizaka46 released their debut single, "Silent Majority" on April 6, 2016, becoming the best-selling debut act from a female artist in the Oricon chart.
In February 2018, Akimoto announced a third group titled Yoshimotozaka46, to be formed in collaboration with the talent agency Yoshimoto Kogyo. As opposed to previous groups, Yoshimotozaka46 became a co-ed entertainment group open to all ages. Auditions were also restricted to talents belonging to Yoshimoto Kogyo. The 46 members that passed the first-generation auditions were announced in August 2018. Yoshimotozaka46 released their debut single, "Nakasetekure yo," on December 26th.
On March 10, 2018, the Sakamichi Series announced joint auditions between Nogizaka46, Keyakizaka46, and Hiragana Keyakizaka46. Auditions were held between June 2018 and August 2018, with 39 members passing the final examinations. In late 2018, 11 members debuted as Nogizaka46's fourth generation, 9 members debuted as Keyakizaka46's second generation, and 1 member debuted as Hiragana Keyakizaka46's third generation.
In February 2019, it was announced that Hiragana Keyakizaka46 will leave Keyakizaka46 to form a new group, Hinatazaka46 (日向坂46). The group released their debut single, "Kyun," on March 27th.
In September 2019, the remaining members of the Sakamichi Series joint auditions were revealed as members of the temporary trainee unit Sakamichi Kenshuusei, due to their group placement being undecided. In February 2020, 5 members joined Nogizaka46's fourth generation, 5 members joined Keyakizaka46's second generation, and 3 members joined Hinatazaka46's third generation.
In July 2020, Keyakizaka46 held the livestreamed concert KEYAKIZAKA46 Live Online,but with YOU!. Captain Sugai Yuuka announced that the group will reform following a final concert in October 2020. The group's new name was revealed to be Sakurazaka46 (櫻坂46). On December 9, 2020, Sakurazaka46 released their debut single, "Nobody's Fault."
On October 29, 2021, it was announced that Yoshimotozaka46 will go on hiatus following a final concert on February 5, 2022.
Current Line-up
- Nogizaka46
- 1st Generation
- 2nd Generation
- 3rd Generation
- 4th Generation
- 5th Generation
- Hinatazaka46
- 1st Generation
- 2nd Generation
- 3rd Generation
- 4th Generation
- Sakurazaka46
- 1st Generation
- 2nd Generation
- 3rd Generation
Former Artists and Groups
- Keyakizaka46 (Kanji Keyakizaka46) (2015-2020; now known as Sakurazaka46)
- Hiragana Keyakizaka46 (2015-2019; now known as Hinatazaka46)
- Yoshimotozaka46 (2018-2022; indefinite hiatus)
See also
- Senbatsu (選抜; selection), a term referring to the selected members in singles, events, performances, etc.
- Fukujin (福神; Lucky Gods), used by Nogizaka46 to refer to the front row members of each single.
- Sakura (櫻), used by Sakurazaka46 to refer to the front row members of each single.
- Sakamichi Kenshuusei, a trainee group of members that passed the Sakamichi Joint Auditions in 2018. All members were promoted to Nogizaka46, Keyakizaka46, or Hiragana Keyakizaka46 / Hinatazaka46.
- AKB48, the first idol group produced by Akimoto Yasushi to coin the concept "idols you can meet," and the group to which Nogizaka46 was created to rival.
- Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora (僕が見たかった青空), an idol group produced by Akimoto Yasushi to rival Nogizaka46.
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