Sakurazaka46 has officially cemented its place in J-pop history, becoming the first female group to hold a solo performance at the New National Stadium. The group drew a staggering 140,000 fans over two sold-out nights on April 11 and 12, 2026, for their 5th YEAR ANNIVERSARY LIVE at Tokyo’s MUFG Stadium.
The anniversary event served as a powerful testament to the group’s trajectory since rebranding from Keyakizaka46 five and a half years ago. The atmosphere was electric from the start, with Captain Rina Matsuda and newly appointed Vice-Captain Ten Yamasaki—whose promotion was announced during the first night’s show on April 11—leading the introductions. The performance kicked off with the latest track, “The growing up train,” featuring Karin Fujiyoshi at the center, followed by a high-energy run of dance-heavy numbers including “Shonin Yokkyu” (Approval Desire) and “Jigo Jitoku” (Self-inflicted).
Across a dense 27-song setlist, the group prioritized performance over dialogue, limiting MC segments to just twice during the show. A standout moment included a special dance sequence choreographed by member Yui Takemoto, which captivated the massive crowd. Vice-Captain Ten Yamasaki showcased her versatility with a solo vocal opening for the song “Samidare yo,” signaling her readiness for her new leadership role.
The emotional peak of the evening arrived during the finale, when Hikaru Morita broke down in tears although reflecting on the group’s journey. In a candid moment of vulnerability, Morita spoke about the group’s transition and expressed that she was glad she chose “regeneration,” referring to the group’s evolution and rebirth.
As the group enters its sixth year, the stadium show didn’t just celebrate the past but laid out an ambitious roadmap for the future. Sakurazaka46 stunned “Buddies” (the fans’ official name) with four major surprise announcements designed to expand their reach:
- The release of a new single, which will be the first double A-side single in the history of the Sakamichi group series.
- A comprehensive national tour.
- An upcoming stadium live performance.
- An expansive Asia tour.
By combining massive scale with raw emotional storytelling, Sakurazaka46 has demonstrated a level of momentum that transcends typical idol performances. The successful takeover of the MUFG Stadium, shared with other heavyweights like TWICE and =LOVE, highlights the group’s growing influence and their ability to turn a brand transition into a narrative of triumph.
