Sakura (2026.04.15)

Good evening.

 

I’m Katsumata Haru, a 4th generation member of Sakurazaka46.

 

Thank you so much for the 5th YEAR ANNIVERSARY LIVE.

 

During the concert, the 4th generation had the opportunity to perform “Mamoribito”, a song originally performed by the 3rd generation-san.

 

When the setlist was announced and I saw the word “Mamoribito,” for a brief moment I was feeling joy from the thought that we’d get to see the 3rd generation-san version of it.

However, that feeling quickly turned into nervousness when I realised it would be performed by the “4th generation”.

 

I imagine some of you who watched may have felt similarly taken aback.

 

The reason we were able to stand on that stage at the National Stadium is entirely down to the legacy 3rd generation members have built and passed down to us as “Mamoribito (= Guardians)”

 

Having watched them even before joining, I understand that very clearly.

 

Furthermore, it is a song centered by Kojima Nagisa-san, a member I’ve particularly looked up to immensely since before I even became part of the group. 

 

For that very reason, I was absolutely riddled with nerves, terrified I might ruin something terribly precious to everyone, and indeed, to myself. 

 

Some of you reading this may still feel uncertain.

 

Even so, I hope you will believe that there was not a single false note in the feelings we poured into our performance of “Mamoribito” during those two days on that stage.

 

I just want you to believe that one thing.

 

What’s more, the message in the speech wasn’t merely my own; it reflected the feelings of all of us in 4th generation. 

 

One certain day, I got in touch with each of them individually and asked what their goals were in Sakurazaka.

 

The one thing everyone’s answers had in common was the desire to be able to say, “I want to be recognised as a proper member of Sakurazaka, both here at the National Stadium and beyond.”

 

While we must continue to grow, each day also makes us more aware of our own shortcomings.

 

The reason I still have the drive to crack on without stopping is that I genuinely love Sakurazaka that much.

I want to get even a tiny bit closer to the Sakurazaka I love, I want to do my bit as a member, and to help more people come to know it.

 

I mentioned earlier that I wanted you to believe us, but I fully intend to keep striving until you can think, “What they said and the sheer resolve they showed back then was genuine.” 

 

That, I believe, is the duty we are bound to fulfil; having borrowed and performed our seniors’ song on that stage at the National Stadium. 

 

We absolutely won’t back out; We will see it through.

 

I haven’t seen the others for a day or two since the concert, but I’m certain they’re already pressing forward with the same mindset.

 

They really are such dependable bunch, the 4th generation.

 

Exactly one year ago today, the 4th generation was announced.

 

As we head into our second year, we will put our hearts into our voices more than ever, trusting that it will become a strength for Sakurazaka.

We will carry it further, stronger than ever, as we deliver it.

 

I would be truly grateful if you could spare even a small moment to listen to those voices.

 

As for me personally,

Standing as the representative of 4th generation during the speech, and being entrusted with the opportunity to stand at the center of such an important song by our seniors.

 

By all rights, I ought to have been far more confident and composed

Yet, as the performance drew closer, my nerves got the better of me, and I felt I showed far more weakness than I realised I had.

 

During our time at the National Stadium,

the most important thing I learned was “my own weakness”.

 

And precisely because of that,

I intend not to let this lesson go to waste, and first I will become stronger myself

 

And one day, I hope to grow into someone

who can help this cherry blossom tree spread further and flourish even more.

 

Lastly

There was something I mentioned during the MC on the first day:

The analogy of, “If a relative of mine said she wanted to join Sakurazaka, I would support her wholeheartedly.”**

*T/N: In D1 MC, Haru spoke of how kind all the seniors are, “They are so kind that, if I were a young relative of them who told them that I want to join Sakurazaka, they’ll say, ‘That’s great!'”

 

This wasn’t something I came up with just for that moment; it’s something I have always genuinely felt, and it even made me smile at how naturally it came to me.

 

That’s simply how wonderful everyone is. The seniors, my genmates, the staff, and everyone else I have the pleasure of working with.

 

Going forward, I want to express my gratitude to every one of them.

 

 

If I keep going on about it here, I might never stop, so please let me share it with you bit by bit in the future. 

 

 

 

And to you, who always listen to every word and return it with interest through your incredible support, truly, thank you, as always.

 

Someday, I want to become strong enough to shed the same tears as our seniors,

and make my return to this place.

 

 

Until then, I do hope you’ll wait for us.

If I may be so bold,

I’d be happy if you’d walk alongside us.

 

Katsumata Haru #28