Sakurazaka46 single ‘Ai MUST BE’ hits number one with record sales

Sakurazaka46’s latest single, ‘Ai MUST BE’, debuted at number one on the Oricon Weekly Single Ranking, marking the group’s seventh consecutive and 15th total number-one single. The release achieved first-week sales of 565,000 copies, setting a record for the highest first-week sales by a female artist in the current fiscal year.

Third-generation member Airi Taniguchi served as the center for the title track, a milestone that marks her first time in the center position for a main track. The single also features solo works from departing second-generation captain Rina Matsuda and member Hono Tamura.

In related media news, the December issue of B.L.T. will feature Airi Taniguchi on the cover with a long-form interview. The magazine will also include a feature on Rina Matsuda, who is preparing for her graduation, and a solo gravure session for fourth-generation member Kazuko Matsumoto.