Sakurazaka46 at
Japan Expo Paris
First stop to be known all over the world: Sakurazaka46’s performance in Paris
by Nazu, Sakuzaka Central Content Writer
Photo from Sakurazaka46’s Official X Account
On June 24, 2023, after three years of activity, Sakurazaka46, announced their first-ever overseas appearance to be held at Japan Expo Paris on July 15, 2023, in Parc des Expositions de Villepinte. After the announcement was posted, many fans, whether they were from Japan or overseas, were overjoyed that the members would finally fulfill their longtime dream of making themselves known internationally. The hashtag #櫻坂46初海外公演おめでとう was used to congratulate them for this achievement.
Before the concert, the members went around the convention halls, and fellow Buddies who went to Japan Expo were able to spot and interact with them, posting their experiences and sightings on Twitter using the hashtag #Sakurazaka46_JapanExpoParis. Fans also made an effort to make the whole experience for the members as welcoming as possible, holding up signs warmly welcoming them to the country. Those who were not able to attend shared pictures of their oshis or their owned merchandise along with the hashtag #櫻坂46が世界へ as a way to give their support despite the distance.
The 6th single senbatsu members were the performing members for this concert.
The setlist for their first overseas performance is as follows:
When the MC started, they introduced themselves using French and quickly overjoyed the audience watching as for most of them, this was their first exposure to Sakurazaka46 and it didn’t take long for them to be drawn into their performance as the crowd cheered loudly when the members did their signature human chair formation in “Start Over!” The concert ended with the group taking commemorative pictures with the audience and Buddies who were able to attend held up their merchandise and signs with pride.
Aside from the concert, the members vlogged their experiences touring around the convention and these vlogs were then posted on their second official YouTube channel, “Sakurazaka Channel” as behind-the-scenes content for the fans.
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