hasbrialeblog: Nogizaka 46 MV Explained

Live Kami is a coupling song (3rd Track) from Nogizaka46's 18th single Nigemizu - Type C, released on 2017.08.09. It was performed by all members of the 2nd Generation. The song also features in Nogizaka46's 4th album Ima ga Omoide ni Naru Made.

The MV of this song was shipped in a DVD along with the Limited Edition CD.

Music Video:

Before we get to more details just watch the MV and judge how it is..

Key Personnel Involved:

Performing Members: Nogizaka46 2nd Generation

Hori Miona (MV Center), Ito Karin, Ito Junna, Kitano Hinako, Sagara Iori, Sasaki Kotoko, Shinuchi Mai, Suzuki Ayane, Terada Ranze, Yamazaki Rena, Watanabe Miria

The singing by Hori Miona simply amazes me. She hits every note perfectly. Especially at the last the over voices are just killer. All other members has delivered as well and there is nothing negative.

Lyrics: Akimoto Yasushi - the legend pens another wonder. The lines match perfectly and rhyme well.

Music & Arrangement: SaSA - Oh boy! This is a blockbuster of a track. Simple brilliant composition and a very modern theme. Great use of Drums with single beats, phenomenal Guitar riffs and other musical bits just pack a punch all over the song and there is never a dull moment or a drop in the level or intensity or excitement it brings. 5 out of 5 Stars.

Directed by: Ito Shujin - Take a bow. Amazing Music Video. A masterpiece.

I never explain MV's as it is meant to be watched and enjoyed. But this is quite unique and has a much deeper meaning. So, I have decided to understand it better. Well, its my favorite Nogizaka46 MV for starters. Hell Yeah!!

MV Breakdown: The group is showcased in an environment of a virtual LIVE Music Event/Show/Concert. Group members play roles as the Event Staff as well as The Performers.

At the beginning we see the eccentric fan - Ito Karin at the arena all ready and hyped to witness the Nogizaka46 Music Event.

Then we feed into the rest of the members as Even Staff personnel with a personality attached to each on as mentioned below with a "?". Interesting.

Focus	Member/Staff	Personality
	Ito Karin	Lively?
	Ito Junna	Justice?
	Sagara Iori	Softness?
	Sakaki Kotoko	Peace?
	Yamazaki Rena	Wise?
	Shinuchi Mai	Reliable?
	Watanabe Miria	Brave?
	Suzuki Ayane	Unity?
	Terada Ranze	Belief?
	Kitano Hinako	Force?
	Hori Miona	Lead

The members act as the event staff (apart from Ito Karin, who is shown as a Lively Fan! Shinuchi Mai as Staff Manager, Sagar Iori as Designer) with "LIGHT STAFF" printed in white at the back of their Nogizaka46 all black T-Shirt, and how conflicts occur even within the staff.

Conflict between fans and staff is also well depicted:

Hori is all Excited and we cut into the famous Nogizaka46 - Effort, Thanks, Smile huddle. This was beautifully captured from below and the music sync's in perfectly. One of my favorite bit in the MV.

Riggers Suzuki Ayane & Kitano Hinako get into a squabble after Kitano bumps Ayane. Ayane then grabs Kitano by the collar. Enter Yamazaki Rena.

Yamazaki Rena comes in singing (Microphone Tech) butting in between that argument.

Next we witness a cold stare and serious eye-balling from Sasaki Kotoko (Event Supervisor) over a poor and hapless Terada Ranze who is moving a piece barricade over.

Sagara Iori (not sure about her role, Costume Designer maybe) been harassed by a bossy/pushy Shinuchi Mai (Staff Manager.. kinda fits her as she is Nogizaka46 OL - you know Office Lady!!) for the group to wear the right outfits (may be). Sagara is not impressed and even rolls her eyes. lol... There is some note in Japanese sticking on the wall in the right side image and it is actually the Food Menu on the wall. When you combine the First letters of each item left to right, a hidden code / message is revealed "2きせ出担得希望" translated to 2 Hope to take part. Their message is clear, they want to come out of Gen 1 shadow and be more independent!

Hori (Even Lead / Director) gets bugged by the Watanabe Miria (the cameraman). Hori is not impressed with Miria sticking up the camera in her face. Seeing her disgust, Miria pushes off quietly! Miria has not lost that Smirk on her Face... What's that, ask Ijiri Okada from NogiBingo.

Ito Karin (Super Fan) tries to sneak in and is quickly grabbed the Ito Junna (Security Guard) and during the even she prevents Ito Karin from waving the light stick.

Next we see all Staff Members gather and watch the Group perform a rehearsal on stage and are quiet mesmerized by the performance.

This part is interesting because the members play a dual role. How the staff work under pressure before the show starts, the time of the show and the end. And not to forget the performers (the group) who have to give a memorable performance to the fans/audience. A well thought of and creative perspective from director Ito Shujin.

Now, that everything is set its time for the show to begin...

Hori is still mesmerized from the rehearsal and needs a shake up from Shinuchi to get back to reality and give the go ahead to Yamazaki and Suzuki Ayane at the lighting, audio and stage controls to push the buttons.

The Show Begins.........

Kitano gives thumbs up for all systems go! While Watanabe Miria zooms in on the act.

Sagara is happy with the Group's outfits. Terada Ranze has a hard time holding off the crazy fans behind the barricade.

Sasaki slowly drifts off into Kotoko Kingdom. Time for the battle of the Itos. Security Guard Ito Junna finds it hard keeping control of the crazy fan Ito Karin.

There is even more in the middle of the song. This time around all the members are introduced again properly with their name of the member but with added their personal characteristics.

Now back to the idols that they really are.

Sagara Iori shows off her Juggling skills.

Sasaki Kotoko with the Kotoko Kingdom of Heaven slogan flag.

Shinuchi Mai is all royalty, princess like.

Suzuki Ayane is all joyful and happy.

Kitano Hinako is the little Devil sporting horns.

Hori Miona... Horror freak, Hori Zombie appears. Knife stuck in her head as she plays dead.

Terada Ranze is all cute and bubbly.

Watanabe Miria playing with a balloon (clearly refers to Fuusen wa Ikiteiru).

Yamazaki Rena is happy to have a Gyoza.

Ito Karin, playing chess on her own, wonder what the next move would be?

Finally.. Ito Junna.. Having some candy beans.. Want some??

Video then cuts into a 3D like mode.

Taken from the perspective of the performers, audience and staff, there is no needless theatrics, tricky camera work or awful graphics eye wash here. It gives the impression that this MV is really intended to bring in that live atmosphere to fans who are not that fortunate to attend one. The choreography is very simply, again no gimmicks, just pure eye candy. The shots are spot on. Cinematography and Editing perfect.

The fact remains, no matter what "The Show Must Go On". The Gen 2 members show us that exactly as they act out both as staff to give satisfying shows, and then as the performers who continue the staff's good work to give a splendid and memorable performance. Just how do members and staff work hand in hand to give interesting performances? This side was rarely exposed before and this kind of storyline is more puts everything into perspective. The members all align and witness the Group perform all together as a single unit.

Towards the beginning and towards the end if you notice the back of the shirts of the staff reads Light Staff and the performers reads Right Stuff. Sounds a bit childish, a Sattire or Pun, but it does quite have a more deeper meaning. Sometimes Gen 2 members are not considered, but their presence is important. Very True!

Just how many Gen 2 member have entered into a Senbatsu (Promotional Single Singing & MV Appearance) with PR Campaigns, TV Shows, Interviews, Live Shows, TV Ads, TV Shows or Movies perhaps, Modelling, Magazine Covers ??

Hori Miona is by far the more successful of the lot, debuting as Center in her very first Senbatsu for 7th Single "Barrette" and she herself was unable to cope with such pressure of being the Center of attention. But then on, she has chosen in multiple Senbatsu's, appeared as Center with Gen 2 & Under Member on B-Sides, Movies, Stage Plays, Radio, TV Ads, Movies, Photo Books and Magazines... you name it!

Kitano Hinako and Shinuchi Mai too have a good run in the Senbatsu with multiple appearences.

Hori, Kitano and Shinuchi remain mainstream as far as 2nd Generation goes.

Other such as Ito Junna, Yamazaki Rena, Sasaki Kotoko & Ito Karin just did not make the cut in any Senbatsu. Kotoko and Karin have graduated from Nogizaka46.

While Watanabe Miria & Yamazaki Rena is like lost from the Media (apart from Nogizaka46 Variety shows and events), Rena has taken this opportunity to finish up her studies and is considered as the knowledgeable member of all of Nogizaka46. Ito Junna has taken up Stage Plays. Terada Ranze has done few Radio Shows.

And with more members joining in (3rd & 4th Gen) one wonders are these Gen 2 veterans doomed to bow out with Graduations? Really a shame as they don't get to or allowed to explore themselves and remain Under!

Some Pictures: