Ryoha Kitagawa and Ami Miyamae Take Center Stage for New SKE48 single “December Kangaroo”

| 48 / 46 Group | Posted by Ayaya on Nov.05.2014

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On Saturday November 1 and Sunday November 2, a two-day SKE48 event was held at the Nagoya Century Hall. The event, known as the 2014 SKE48 Request Hour 242 Song Set List, was held in order to determine the popularity ranking of the group’s entire catalogue of songs, from least to most favorite.

Over 300,000 votes were cast in the form of requests for specific songs for the girls to perform during a total of four concerts held over the span of two days and nights. The girls performed all 242 SKE48 songs in ranking order, according to the votes cast.

The second day of the event saw the surprise appearance of several special guests: Yuria Kizaki, who has transferred to AKB48, and graduated members Rikako Hirata, Rie Kitahara, and Shiori Ogiso. The girls’ appearance prompted loud cheers and commotion from the crowd.

For the grand finale, the girls took to the mic to express their thanks and share their best memories of SKE48 with the crowd. Many among the fans were reduced to tears by the girls’ heartfelt words.

from left : Jurina Matsui, Ryoha Kitagawa, Ami Miyamae, Rena Matsui

For the encore, the group officially unveiled their sixteenth single “December Kangaroo” with an exclusive live performance. Ryoha Kitagawa and Ami Miyamae have been selected as dual leads on the song, which is set for a December 10 release in Japan.

Commenting on the change in position, Ryoha said: “I was on standby just crying because I was so overwhelmed. I was really nervous, but Jurina (Jurina Matsui) and Rena (Rena Matsui) gave me so much support, I was able to take the stage with confidence in the end.”

Ami added: “This is the first time I’ve been selected, so I was really nervous about the fans’ reaction. When I heard them cheering, though, I completely relaxed. When I got the news that I would be center stage for this song, it didn’t seem real at first. But once I got on stage in front of the fans, I started to feel like this is a brand new start for me.”

Rena Matsui also commented: “It’s important to switch up the leads. I hope to support these two while helping to provide an atmosphere in which they can come into their own.”

Jurina Matsui also said: “I’m very happy we have the chance to create a new and fresh SKE48. I’ll do my best to help the two girls, while making sure I don’t lose my edge to them, of course!”

Related Links
SKE Official Website : http://www.ske48.co.jp/

Translated by Evie Lund

Author

Ayaya

Been working in girls’ fashion magazines for a long time and am now the chief editor of Tokyo Girls’ Update. I have more expertise in Japanese teen fashion than anyone else (probably)! I’m a huge fan of the Revolutionary Girl Utena and Bakemonogatari animes.