Single Sakurazaka46 11th [UDAGAWA GENERATION] (2025/02/19)

Luv luv this new 3ki song! The mv is also splendid!
Also looking forward to Miichan x Riko x Nagi unit!

 

Udagawa Generation performance in CDTV LIVE

https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1NQwdeYE4a

 

We tend to think so much alike... This is in my opinion the top highlight of the MV... It's so evident that Rika must have absolutely LOVED that moment!

Now, on a serious note, I was not thrilled by the song and the MV. This is because I am NOT AT ALL a fan of K-pop and yes, the song has K-pop vibes. BUT: If the aim is to attract more Korean fans I completely understand its existence. I can push the argument further and say that if it succeds in bringing more "numbers" from South Korea than I would be very happy. At the end the bottomline matters and if these "numbers" help the group into bigger and better productions this is for the best for everyone. As long as this K-pop approach does not become a trend for Sakurazaka46 and remains only a tangential oddity...

As for the rest, I liked the "no no no no" part (this kind of spooky melody), I liked the costumes (black and red is such a succesful combo), I enjoyed Mio as a center, despite the Tecchi vibes, I liked soooooo much that Nagisa had some decent screentime (which Miu hasn't unfortunately), and I would pick Itoha as the

Spoiler: ...

sexiest

baby of all.

For me, not one of their best 3rd ki songs/MVs but a nice one. I enjoyed it and I expect it to result to a great live performance...

 

UDAGAWA GENERATION freestyle basketball version performed by Rika and Yu.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGJBNRzzNM3/

https://x.com/sakurazaka46/status/1891160795699929551

 

The instrumental of Nightmare Syndrome was alright and it sounds like K-pop, but it's nothing new in Sakurazaka. The moment they brought in rap elements to their songs since 2nd single it was an attempt to make the songs sound cooler than your normal j-idol groups. Among 2nd gen and 3rd gen they love K-pop more than 1st gen did.

Outside of the music I want to say the trend of paying for ads that AKS in J-idol scene and big 3 companies in K-pop started in Asia to force the songs on general public on youtube is dying out. It was practically Western companies who started way before Asia but it has not been a profitable strategy. Especially streaming has become problematic with payola measurements. YG reported losses in 2024. SM made barely any profit after payola, pay for ads and mediaplay (hiring Macoll Consulting firm for smear campaign) on Hybe groups. Warner Music Group reported losses (they did a lot payola for Bruno Mars).

If you wonder why Sakamichi can't reach their normal views on youtube that Nogizaka, Keyakizaka and early Hinatazaka (in 2019 to early 2020) pulled off is because Sony Music Japan removed pay for ads and geo block in second half of 2020. Engagement is now more important than force a song on general public. Sakamichi has established its brand to pursue concerts to fill stadiums without the need of the general public's approval. They have a loyal fandom who purchase merchandise and pay tickets for their concerts. High engagement is more profitable than paying for ads.

We only see pay for ads from Yoani (Ikolove, Noimii) and Kawaii Lab (Fruits Zipper, etc). High views don't equal likes if it's forced. When you have reached 7.2M views but only 34k likes then something is wrong. How can Sakurazaka has 49k likes and only reach 2.1M views for Udagawa Generation? Exactly.

This method has even current AKB48's agency removed. It will never be profitable, only works for short term if the brand is new and need establishment.

BigHit used this method for BTS but now they have established they don't need that. Their loyal fandom across the globe is bigger than the entire K-pop industry today. JYPE has also removed pay for ads.

Sakurazaka has reached 13M views over time with Nazekoi, BAN and soon Start over with more likes is organic growth. Their engagement is high and healthy. The song quality speaks louder than ad monetization. Still growing with subs as they recently hit 1.19M. When you hit 1M subs you need 10k to hit next milestone (1.01M).

Natsuno Chikamichi is still the 3rd gen MV with most views and likes. Airi seems to have done a good job as the center. 3rd gen in general has showed us a good variety of concepts.

Take Shoninyokkyu and Sakurazuki for example. Shoninyokkyu is more appreciated than Sakurazuki because it has more likes but less views.

Sakurazaka does also tend to have long legs even if they start slow from the beginning. That is part of the engagement strategy. It does also works for Nintendo in the games industry for their software sales, their loyal fanbase will buy their games over time. You see Sakurazaka makes records for selling out stadiums by going beyond the highest capacity.

As for Udagawa Generation, it's been 7 years since Kazenifukaretemo. The same composer returned for Udagawa Generation. He is always known for his festival sound. Last time it was mafia concept and this time it's clown concept.

If he can come back and make a title track it's only a matter of time we see Bugbear make their first title track in Sakurazaka. What is on their mind is to surpass BAN and Start over. Not thinking about reinstate Silent Majority and Fukyouwaon. That was Keyakizaka. This is Sakurazaka.

 

Hey guys! What’s the prediction of this single sales? My prediction for
1st day : 350k
1st week : 500k+
Maybe I will be too optimistic climb to the top of sakamichi group

 

My prediction(oricon):

1st day: 370k
1st week: 490k

 

For personal reasons, I can't help noticing that two of those three songs have Karin at centre. I should add that this whole post is interesting. Thanks.

As for sales predictions, I can't do it. But the miguri sales make me think Sakurazaka might break their records (364K/450K, both for Shounin Yokkyuu).

EDIT: I'd like to add that I thought Run-chan was quite outstanding in the MV. Most I've ever enjoyed her work. The smoothness of the cartwheel and course around the light switches. The clown outfit hand work and facial expression. Sublime.

 

Their record stands at 395k/487k (IWTC) when Jigojitoku is not considered.

Hopefully this time round we can see a 400k first day.

My impression for this single is that the rest of the 4 songs are not as interesting as the IWTC tracklist though to be honest.

Nothing Special remains my top song for this single (followed very closely by Udagawa) and it bodes well that BACKS are getting solid songs.

Of the rest, Ultraviolet started normal but the instrumental in the middle really caught me by surprise. Monshiro feels Nogi-ish to me (not a bad thing. Just normal) while the first word that came to my mind for Ikanaide was Showa (very 70s?) haha. (Editted for the feels)
Edit: Yarushikanaijan is growing on me hahaha. My new fave of the 4.

Edit: Day 1 of Oricon
395,437

An increase of 380 singles.

 

As for the rest 4 songs, I liked them all! Each for its own reason:

Monshiro is happy and jolly! It's the song you want to listen to while driving a cabrio car on an April day, turning leisurely on a winding country road by the seaside, under blue skies and a brilliant sun and a beloved person beside you. Although a typical idol song (I would dare say "archetypical") it has a likeable and easily remembered melody. I bet Nogis and especially Hinatas will feel jealous about this song...

Ikanaide touched my heart: It's the last time I can listen to that cutest girly voice of our blonde angel Mii-chan. I'm so glad she seals this last memory with two little, underated imoutos that need more attention (especially sweet Nagisa). The song is indeed 70s (not only by Japanese standards but also by European - French music of the 70s anyone?) but it will certainly move the fan crowds everytime it's being played. However, if I remember well back in the early Keyaki days, on Keyakitte, wasn't revealed that Koike liked songs of the Showa era? If I do remember well, then I'm so happy the production honoured her by offering her a farewell song sounding like the songs she loved so much. Bravo guys and gals...

Ultrviolet started normally with the very pretty voice of Inoue (if I'm not mistaken) and with what may have proclaimed an "anime" song, only to be gradually building up to a "super-production musically". First of all the girls starting singing in "two-voice" and then OMG a big orchestra appeared out of the blue. Playing some quite imposing harmonies in a "big-orchestra jazz style" of the 50s. Once again Sakurazaka kept its promice of surprising us with experimental music productions and compositions. There are some very brilliant composers out there guys, creating jewels for our girls! Personally I am enamoured with what I keep hearing during the last two years...

Yarushikanaijan is just wrapping everything up with yet another very happy and jolly pop jewel (like Monshiro but with a stronger beat and nerve). It makes me wanting to listen to it performed on stage...

Now I can't wait for the mini-live, to begin with... Can I pick one of them? Nooooo, I like them ALL!

 

Good numbers. Thanks for the numbers and comparison. Do you (or anyone else) know of any site in any language that records the numbers? I have used the Stage48 Oricon page, but apparently that is not being kept up to date now, so if I miss the number on the day/week Oricon itself announces it, I can't find it. If I had a source, I could update the Stage48 page. Thanks.

 

Great numbers. This is their 2nd highest 1st day, only behind Jigojitoku.

@ukifune you can find some numbers here this account keeps track of Sakurazaka charts and they post everyday.

Latest 1st Day singles sales charts for reference

 

Hello, it's been a long time. I just wanted to share some of my opinions:

• First of all I'm very happy how this group has developed and all the things the have achieved.
• I don't know if it's just me, but I feel like Tamura Hono and Moriya Rena are being a bit ignored, I mean they keep their Saku8 position in every single but it feels like compared to the other members they aren't getting too much focus lately.
• It amazes me how the dynamic of the group has become into. I mean, the competition is brutal, I don't remember Nogi being this competitive (maybe in their debut days). It feels it's because of the fixed 14 senbatsu spots. As another person mentioned, I don't know why they can't expand the senbatsu so more members can get in. I guess mngmt doesn't want any of the members to get relaxed with their positions. Also, I think the 3rd row is now a very risky position because even tough a member is in senbatsu, she get almost no spotlight because it's always focused on the center and Saku8. At least while being in BACKS

 

Actually I went to the Oricon site to see the numbers previously and posts them here. That twitter account from watash.iwa would be a better source since they keep screenshots.

I had forgotten/not taken notice of that Miichan trivia haha. Good catch!

 

11th Single Review

UDAGAWA GENERATION - 8.8/10 - Great and addictive somehow, the MV carries this song.
Nightmare Shoukougun - 7.9/10 - Good but way too kpopish for my taste. Sounds like a Red Velvet song. At least those "nananana" are addictive.
Nothing Special - 9/10 - a calm and breezeful song and I like that.
Ikanaide - 10/10 - It´s Miichan grad song so even if it was bad I would give it a good score, but thankfully this one is great, can´t go wrong with 70s-80s jpop vibes.
ULTRAVIOLET - 8/10 - A bit AKB-ish but far from being bad. It´s a fun song
Yarushika naijan - 8,3/10 - Drone Sekaichuu + Koko ni Riyuu, I´m excited for the performance.
Monshirochou - 10/10 - This one is a gift for 2ki wota. Reminds me of old Nogi songs and that´s a compliment, it will be a fun song in concerts.

 

Day 2 Oricon"
35,939

An increase of about 1.5k from the previous day 2 of IWTC. Overall numbers seem to have increase from IWTC which is good. We look good for a 490k first week.

 

I think it's fair for me to give rating and review to each song after a month the realese date, because after listening the whole album for a long time the song you might think meh would sounds good lol. But for now Nothing Special (8/10) > 2nd gen song = Udagen = Nightmare > the rest.

Nothing special easily become my fav song in this single on first time listening. It's not experimental song and even the instrument just typical usual mainstream idol song, but it's more comfortable to listen. I could feel the warmness of this song. I noticed they give really good song for Yuu and Yuzu, I hope they could give other member good song too when they centering backs.

Also, I am happy for the increases on their single sales!! Everytime there are increase in their single even just 1 or 10 cd sales, I couldn't help but being thankful

 

I'm too!

Udagawa > Ikanaide > Monshirochou > Nothing special > Nightmare = Ultraviole = Yarushikanai Jan
but I have special place for Ikanaide in my heart This is perfect kaiyokyoku type of song which perfect for AKB stages (Team A or K)

 

Day 3 Oricon

16,161

Day 4 Oricon

12,151

Day 5 Oricon

10, 886

Day 6 Oricon

9,459

Unfortunately the impetus ran out and we end lower than IWTC.

We end Sunday with 480k, 8k below IWTC. We are still doing very well to be honest, so a slight dip should not be concerning. Hopefully, 12th single will see us bounce back!

 

Billboard 1st week: 533.000 copies. Source