On January 14, AKB48 and their sister-group members who turned 20 or will turn 20 before April 1, attended the coming-of-age ceremony at the Kanda Shrine in Tokyo.
While the weather was terrible on the day of the ceremony, many fans gathered at the grounds to catch a glimpse of the members. After the members prayed, they participated in taking commemorative photos indoors. When asked about becoming an adult, Minegashi stated while looking back upon last year, “Since the members who turned 20 last year were magnificent, I started worrying even half a year ago whether or not there would be many people here to interview us this year.” As she mentioned, many popular members include Maeda Atsuko, Takahashi Minami, and Itano Tomomi, who all turned 20 last year. She then appealed for the members lineup for this year with, “ This year, our unique individuals are all present.” Sashihara stated, “As this year is HKT48’s major debut, I would like to try to lead them,” and showed her self-consciousness towards being the oldest member of HKT48.
Additionally, Sashihara, who is now of drinking age, talked about one of her wishes with, “I want to drink with Dachou Club’s (comedian trio) Ueshima Ryuhei.” She also invited her fellow members to drink with, “Shall we go drink today?”
Moreover, AKB48/NMB48 member Yokoyama was asked about what challenges she wanted to take on this year, to which answered, “I am studying to obtain a license for office work in an ethical pharmacy. I want to do my best on the exam in May.” NMB48’s Yamada spoke her strong aspirations, “It was regrettable that NMB48 could not appear on last year’s Kohaku Uta Gassen by ourselves. But this year we will aim higher!”
Reportedly, what Tanabe wore today was the Kimono she inherited from her grandmother, and she also accessorized with accessories that she made herself. Nito revealed that she bought her kimono from an antique shop and emphasized the importance of the ceremony with, “In order to wear this kimono well, I cut my hair.”
The 7 members of AKB48 who attended the ceremony were: Nakamata Shiori, Nito Moeno, Yokoyama Yui, Shimada Haruka, Oba Mina, Tanabe Miku, and Minegishi Minami. HKT48’s Sashihara Rino also attended the ceremony.
The 7 members of SKE48 who attended the ceremony were: Ogiso Shiori, Sato Seira, Yakata Miki, Umemoto Madoka, Kobayashi Ami, Shibata Aya, and Hioki Miki.
The 2 members of NMB48 who attended there ceremony were Fukumoto Aina and Yamada Nana (and Yokoyama Yui).
The 17 members attended dressed in a brilliant Furisode (long-sleeved kimono).
More pics can be seen here.
tokyohive