Rina Ikoma Returns to the Center Position for Nogizaka 46’s 12th Single!

| Idol | Posted by Kai Okudara on May.12.2015

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During the May 10th episode of Nogizaka 46’s late-night TV show “Nogizaka Kouji Chuu” (Nogizaka Under Construction), the senbatsu members for the group’s yet unnamed 12th single (release date: July 22) were announced and Rina Ikoma was appointed the center position. Ikoma has been the center member since Nogizaka 46’s debut single “Guru Guru Curtain” (release date: February 15, 2012) but was moved out of the spotlight after the 5th single “Kimi no Na wa Kibou” (release date: March 13, 2013).

With a 5-5-8 formation, Ikoma is joined in the front row by Nanase Hashimoto, Mai Shiraishi, Erika Ikuta, and Nanase Nishino.

: Mai Shiraishi

: Nanase Nishino

: Rina Ikoma (center)

: Erika Ikuta

: Nanase Hashimoto

In the second row is: Kazumi Takayama, Yumi Wakatsuki, Reika Sakurai, Manatsu Akimoto, and Mai Fukagawa.

: Kazumi Takayama

: Yumi Wakatsuki

: Reika Sakurai

: Manatsu Akimoto

: Mai Fukagawa

The third row is: Sayuri Matsumura, Yuri Saito, Minami Hoshino, Asuka Saito, Marika Ito, Sayuri Inoue, Mai Shin’uchi, and Misa Eto.

: Sayuri Matsumura

: Yuri Saito

: Minami Hoshino

: Asuka Saito

: Marika Ito

: Sayuri Inoue

: Mai Shin’uchi

: Misa Eto

Ikoma commented that her face went white as soon as she heard her name called and noted that she would use her experience as a concurrent member of AKB48’s Team B as well as the advice of other center members Nanase Nishino, Mai Shiraishi, and Miona Hori to make the single special in her own way. She stressed the importance that she placed on being center for a summer single by explaining that the results of it would determine whether or not Nogizaka 46 would be making their NHK Kouhaku Uta-Gassen debut in December.

Will Ikoma have what it takes to lead Nogizaka 46 to a place that they have never been before? Will they be invited to their first NHK Kouhaku Uta-Gassen? Will the MV for the song be viewable outside of Japan? The answers of these questions will be answered in the months to come!

Nogizaka 46 Official site: http://www.nogizaka46.com/