Nogizaka46 debuted in 2011 under Sony Music Japan, founded by Yasushi Akimoto (the same producer as AKB48). It is one of the most successful Japanese girl groups. Nogizaka46 was originally created as a “rival group” to AKB48 but later exceeded them in terms of popularity and influence. Known for their elegant, mature image and exceptional performance, they have become one of Japan’s highest-selling girl groups and a leading power in J-pop.
Unlike AKB48, nogizaka46 focuses on fashion, elegance, and polished performances. No rotating team members are promoted based on skills and popularity. nogizaka46 style of music was classical pop, emotional ballads, electronic music, and artistic song concept, unlike AKB48’s energetic and playful image. The choreography is more complex than other idol groups.
Nogizaka46’s achievements Japan’s bestselling of the late 2010s’s over 30 million records sold, winning the Japan Record Award twice (for their song Synchronicity and Influencer) not just that they broke AKB48’s dominance in the J-pop industry, One of the first J-pop idol group to receive an invitation to esteemed Kōhaku Uta Gassen every year and most of the member become actresses, top models, and influencers.
Most iconic song of Nogizaka46
Here are the most Iconic Song of nogizaka46
- Kimi no Na wa Kibou (2013) – a powerful ballad that turned into their signature song.
- Girls’ Rule (2013) – a refreshing song featuring Mai Shiraishi
- Hadashi de Summer ((2016) – a cheerful, tropical-themed anthem.
- Influencer (2017) – faced paced dance track
- Synchronicity (2018) – a beautiful and a emotional song.
nogizaka46 has had a total of 101 from First Generation to Sixth Generation by generations 1st gen (36 all graduated), 2nd gen (14 members 11 of them graduated and 3 a former Kenkyuusei), 3rd gen (12 members 5 of them graduated), 4th gen (16members 4 of them is graduated), 5th gen (11members), 6th gen (11members) and 1 Kennin member from 1st gen. As for 2025 nogizaka46 currently have 39 members. Nogizaka46 is just a generation not unlike AKB48 which has rotating team members.
The controversy
The dating ban rule same as AKB48 that have a strict rule when it comes to dating, they need to stay single if not they face consequences for breaking the rule. Some of the members started to cut off all friendship with opposite sex in high school.
Nagizaka46 Kanakawa Saya (19) and Johnny Jr. Hayashi Ren Oto (20) were spotted dating at the Yokohama. They went shopping, night view at a park near the sea, walked in the city went to Yokohama Station, and went home.
Kanagawa Saya apologize to her fans , here is the translation.
From FM AIR-G’S “IMAREAL
Good evening, everyone. I’m Saya Kanakawa from Nogizaka46.
I’m really sorry for my rash action regarding the recent news report, when I should have been concentrating on the activities of Nogizaka46.
I’m also very sorry for causing worry to everyone who listens to this broadcast and to the people who always support the program.
This program is a very, very important place for me. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be on this program again.
And I would like to continue to bring cheer to everyone through this program. I know that some of you may feel uncomfortable, but I want you to let me do my best with energy and a smile.
I’m really sorry about this.
Before going on to the regular program planning, let me play a song that is very important to me. I may not be qualified to sing this song now….
Until the day comes when I can regain your trust I, Saya Kanagawa, will continue to work with sincerity and awareness.
Many fans were hurt when they heard it on the radio, as it felt as though a cruel show had begun. It’s good that she was given a place to speak, those people still don’t like her and keep pointing out for not explaining enough the situation, despite the fact that the man she is dating is Johnny’s idol. Johnny’s is a strange agency that, until recently did not allow any of its member’s images to be shared online at all, and it was government by management that was even more paranoid than Disney. Although the management has recently changed and improved, it remains a large agency, and Saya should be careful about discussing her relationship with the boy.
One of the biggest worries of fans is that the top members will graduate, especially the legends like Nanase Nishino and Mai Shiraishi, fans are worried about the group’s future.
Nogizaka46 was meant to be “rivals” to AKB48 but Nogizaka46 surpassed AKB48 leading to tensions and comparisons.
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