Sakurazaka46 History

Sakurazaka46 (櫻坂46) is a Japanese Idol Group and the 2nd group of the Sakamichi Series. They were formerly known as Keyakizaka46, until they rebranded on October 14, 2020.

2020

October

• 14 - Keyakizaka46 becomes Sakurazaka46.
• 18 - The group’s new crown program Soko Magattara, Sakurazaka? begins.
• 21 - It was announced that alongside Morita Hikaru, who would be serving as the center of the title track, Fujiyoshi Karin and Yamasaki Ten would also serve as centers for Sakurazaka46’s 1st Single Nobody's fault in the the group’s new system, with the 3rd row members being rotated and the birth of Sakura Eight.

November

• 25 - The group performs on Nippon TV's "Best Artist" Program.

December

• 8 - The group holds their first live, Sakurazaka46 Debut Countdown Live!!, with live viewing in cinemas across the country. They perform all the songs from the 1st Single and also unveil a new song, Sakurazaka no Uta during the encore.
• 9 - Nobody's fault, Sakurazaka46's first single, is released.
  • It debuted at No.1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, with 413,889 copies sold on its first week.
• 9 - The group performs on "2020 FNS Music Festival".
• 19 - The group appears on the 8th Annual "Akashiya Kouhaku!" prior to their first Kouhaku appearance later that month.
• 21 - The group performs on "CDTV Live! Live! Christmas Special".
• 25 - The group performs on Music Station's "Ultra SUPER LIVE 2020".
• 31 - The group performs at the 71st NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, marking their 5th appearance on the program, and their 1st as Sakurazaka46.
• 31 - The group performs on "CDTV Live! Live! New Year's Eve Special 2020→2021".

2021

January

• 4 - Sugai Yuuka is announced to be continue as captain for Sakurazaka46, while Matsuda Rina is promoted to vice-captain.
• 8 - Matsudaira Riko announces that she would be graduating at the end of 1st single activities.

February

• 27 - The group performs on "Sakamichi TV ~Nogi and Sakura and Hinata~ Vol. 3".
• 28 - The first part of TV Special "Daisuki! Sakurazaka46 〜Geinoukai "Sakura" Mankai Keikaku & Live Eizou Kuradashi SP〜" airs.

March

• 7 - Sakamichi Series collaboration drama Borderless starring Morita Hikaru, Kobayashi Yui, and Watanabe Risa with Nogizaka46 and Hinatazaka46 members begins airing.
• 14 - Matsudaira Riko graduates from the group.
• 28 - The second part of TV Special "Daisuki! Sakurazaka46 〜Geinoukai "Sakura" Mankai Keikaku & Live Eizou Kuradashi SP〜" airs.

April

• 10 - The group performs on "HEY!HEY!NEO! MUSIC CHAMP".
• 14 - BAN, Sakurazaka46's second single, is released.
• 19 - The group performs on "CDTV Live! Live! 3 Hour Special".

May

• 7 - Ozeki Rika announces that she will be on a health absence.

June

• 16 - 18 - The group's first in-person event, and first live for the BACKS Members titled BACKS LIVE!! is held. The live highlights the members outside of Sakura Eight, giving each the opportunity to center a song throughout the three days of the live.
• 30 - The group performs on "TV TOKYO MUSIC FESTIVAL 2021 Summer".

July

• 3 - The group performs on "THE MUSIC DAY 2021".
• 9 - 11 - The group's first joint concert with Hinatazaka46 takes place: W-KEYAKI FES. 2021. It took place at the Fuji-Q Highland Conifer Forest, the same location as the Keyaki Republic concert series.
  • During the concert, Ozeki Rika returns to the group after her health absence.
• 17 - The group performs on "Ongaku no Hi 2021 Summer".

September

• 9 - Kobayashi Yui announces that she will be on a health absence for the duration of the 3rd single's activities, therefore not participating in the nationwide tour.
• 11 - The group kicks off their first nationwide tour, Sakurazaka46 1st TOUR 2021, in Fukuoka.

October

• 4 - The group performs on "CDTV Live! Live! 4 Hour Special", where they perform Nagaredama for the first time on TV.
  • Additionally, selects BACKS Members participate in a special dance performance of YOASOBI's Kaibutsu.
• 6 - The group performs at MTV LIVE MATCH 2021.
• 13 - Nagaredama, Sakurazaka46's third single, is released.