Hiragana Keyakizaka46
Hiragana Keyakizaka46 (けやき坂46) is the unders group within Keyakizaka46.
The name of this unders group is essentially the same as the main group's name, but with the first kanji character of the Japanese name spelled out using Hiragana characters, making it " けやき坂46 " instead of " 欅坂46 ". This is its official name, but it is also simply referred to as "Hiragana Keyaki" (ひらがなけやき). The main group is also referred to as Kanji Keyakizaka46 and "Kanji Keyaki".
The unders group was unveiled on November 30, 2015 during an episode of Keyakitte, Kakenai? with a single member, Nagahama Neru. Auditions for more members were announced at the same time.
Nagahama Neru had auditioned for Kanji Keyakizaka46, and passed multiple auditions, but her mother took her back to Nagasaki just before the final audition. Management accepted her into the group when her parents relented, and made her the first member of Hiragana Keyakizaka46. Auditions for more members were held in the spring of 2016. Part of the audition was a series of individual appearances on SHOWROOM, a site that allows individuals to broadcast directly from their homes, replying to questions and comments posted by the audience.
They currently have 12 members.
- Iguchi Mao
- Ushio Sarina
- Kakizaki Memi (めみたん Memitan, めみー Memii)
- Kageyama Yuuka (かげちゃん Kagechan)
- Kato Shiho (かとし Katoshi, しほりん Shihorin)
- Saito Kyoko (こょんこ Kyonko)
- Sasaki Kumi
- Sasaki Mirei
- Takase Mana (まなふぃ Manafi)
- Takamoto Ayaka (ぱんちゃん Ponchan)
- Nagahama Neru (ねる Neru, ねるこ Neruko)
- Higashimura Mei
The group debuted with its song Hiragana Keyaki on the album Sekai ni wa Ai Shika Nai, released 10 August 2016. It performed the song in public for the first time at a handshake event mini-live in Nagoya on 13 August 2016.
