Hinatazaka46 1st Album

Hinatazaka46 will be releasing their first album under Hinatazaka46 banner called "Hinatazaka" featuring "Azato Kawaii" on September 23rd, 2020. Watch out!! 

The announcement of the album and the member formation was announced on their weekly Variety TV show "Hinatazaka de Aimashou" ("Let's meet at Hinatazaka"), Episode 59 earlier in August, 2020. 

This will be their 2nd Album after the successful release of Hashiridasu Shunkan (走り出す瞬間); released under the name Hiragana Keyaki on June 20, 2018. The album was sort of a compilation of the songs they did under Keyakizaka46 and some original tracks. That made the album very successful. It included some big hits like the very popular Dare Yori mo Takaku Tobe! (誰よりも高く跳べ!). Also featuring were hits W-KEYAKIZAKA no Uta (W-KEYAKIZAKAの詩), Soredemo Aruiteru (それでも歩いてる), NO WAR in the future and the magical hit Hanbun no Kioku (半分の記憶). Some other new songs like Mijuku na Ikari (未熟な怒り) and Yakusoku no Tamago (約束の卵) are absolutely brilliant.

Having said that this album will certainly have high expectations. But given the rising popularity of Hinatazaka46 everyday and the immense success of first 4 singles, the album is sure to grab the #1 spot on the Oricon (Japanese) Charts for sure. 

Azato Kawaii's Album lead/title song formation:

 
3rd row: 14.Kageyama Yuuka, 15.Takase Mana, 16.Yamaguchi Haruyo, 17.Takamoto Ayaka, 18.Sasaki Kumi, 19.Miyata Manamo, 20.Morimoto Marii, 21.Hamagishi Hiyori, 22.Takahashi Mikuni

Note: Kageyama Yuuka (Row 3, #14) is making her return after an educational hiatus after 2 years. She was part of their last album. She says: "I'm really grateful I was given a place I can come back into. I already decided to give my all wherever my position is, so I am genuinely happy. I will give my best."

Note: The 3rd Gen newcomers Yamaguchi Haruyo, Morimoto Marii, Takahashi Mikuni get their spots in the formation as well. No worries of Senbatsu for now.

2nd row: 6.Tomita Suzuka, 7.Matsuda Konoka, 8.Kawata Hina, 9.Nibu Akari, 10.Watanabe Miho, 11.Kamimura Hinano, 12.Higashimura Mei, 13.Ushio Sarina. 

Some big changes were in store for the 1st Row and Center position. Saito Kyoko (#1) and Kato Shiho (#2) took their customary Row 1 positions along with Kanemura Miku (#5)

Kosaka Nao who has been centering in their first 4 single releases but, the management decided to go for an old warhorse this time around! Kosaka was put in #4 position.

Kosaka Nao was in tears (clearly disappointed) but expressed she is relieved that she is not center as well. She says: "I have centered for 4 consecutive singles. I’ve been partly scared that it would keep being this way. I’m a bit relieved, if I could say. This is a new position to me. I’ll be in the center’s side for the first time. I want to be able to grow in this album."

And the Center position goes to: Sasaki Mirei

A visibly elated Sasaki Mirei (#3) was in tears and expressed "I wasn’t expecting to become center. I can’t explain how it feels, but… I hope I can give my best to become someone who can lead everyone. I will be myself, unchanged, a dummy. Not just me, I hope people can be interested in other members too. Please look forward to Hinatazaka46 1st album! We will do our best!"

Its worth noting that Sasaki Mirei was the center for Hashiridasu Shunkan album as well.

Watch the Video of the Announcement 

from Hinatazaka de Aimoshou:

AND HERE IS THE MUSIC VIDEO:

Director: Takehiro Shiraishi (CONNECTION)

Choreographer: TAKAHIRO

Producer: Hiroto Hashimoto (AOI Pro.)

Planner: Keita Tokawa (CHOCOLATE)

Production: AOI Pro.

A Quick Review:

Pretty Mad at Aki-p and his random nonsense of using Words like WoW, Yeah, Oh! After totally wrecking Nogizaka46's Route 246 with a bombardment of WOW's, to somewhat bearable Keyakizaka46's Dare ga Sono Kane wo Narasu no ka? which barely escaped with a barrage of Oh's, he is back again now with Hinatazaka and this time a string of WoW, Oh & Yeah in Azato Kawaii!! This guy is impossible and is nuts! 

For the song itself, it is default Hinatazaka46 track with 2 melodies that oscillates from start to end. It's a happy song. Hinatazaka46 again, do a fantastic job of singing and hit the right notes and keep the overall theme of the song alive. But is not on par with the title tracks of the other 4 singles. Not their fault at all. They get to sing what they are asked to. Shame! Could have been a better and more dynamic. Again, this is just my opinion. Everyone has a right to their view, so you decide!!

I didn't quite catch the concept of the Music Video yet, so you have to watch and get it for yourself. It has lot of Blue color for sure, clouds, water, imaginary world - Narnia like and what not. The costumes are a bit different with a mix of fancy two color (Blue and White) for the dance and the standard High Class School Uniform for regular shots. Choreography is Ok.

Well, that said... I might be surprised by other tracks on the album so, I will wait for its official release to listen to all the album songs for the final verdict!

About the Album: 

The Album is due to be made available in 3 variants: 

For more details about the album, contents, track listing and other related details visit Hinatazaka46 Website

Limited edition TYPE-A (CD + Blu-ray)

• Special Triangulated Box Package
• Deluxe Photo Book
• Special Ticket
• 5,445 yen (excluding tax) SRCL-11580-11581

Limited edition TYPE-B (CD only)

• Triangulated Box Package
• Photo Book
• Special Ticket
• 4,909 yen (tax excluded) SRCL-11582-11583

Regular Edition (1 CD)

• Normal edition CD only 
• 2,545 yen (excluding tax) SRCL-11584

English Subtitles Credits: 

TeamHinata Subs