The Glory of Idols

From Momoe Yamaguchi to the Onyanko Club and then AKB48, the meaning of the word “idol” has been steadily debased by Yasushi Akimoto’s unscrupulous business practices.

The moment I saw the call for Nogizaka’s third-generation members, I thought that if I could become an idol, I would have to win at everything.

Now that success is within reach, I have to consider whether this is the only chance I’ll ever get.

I believe that idols can reclaim the glory they once had in the Showa era, and we owe a great deal to all those who came before us.

Restoring the glory of idols is our duty.