Japanese idol members reflect on career milestones and new music

Members of the popular Japanese idol groups Sakurazaka46 and Nogizaka46 have shared insights regarding their recent activities and artistic growth.

Momomi Yamada, the youngest member of Sakurazaka46 and the first member from Okayama Prefecture, reflected on her first year since joining the group in 2025. Formerly a track and field athlete specializing in the 100-meter hurdles, Yamada was selected as the center for the fourth-generation song ‘Shinda Furi’. She noted the transition from viewing her peers as older sisters to seeing them as equals who motivate her growth.

Moeka Yada, a sixth-generation member of Nogizaka46 from Akita Prefecture, discussed the conceptual depth of the group's song ‘Inochi no Iro’ (The Color of Life). Yada explained that the song and its cinematic music video explore the idea that while life may ‘stain’ one's initial purity, these experiences are what give individuals their unique and beautiful colors. The song is set to be performed during the ‘Midsummer National Tour 2026’.