Sakamichi46 Groups scoop 3 MTV VMA Japan 2023

MTV Video Music Awards Japan (VMAJ) for 2023 have been announced by MTV Japan and no surprises the Sakamichi46 Groups scooped 3 MTV VMA Japan 2023 Awards (each group bagging one award). Here are the different categories they won.

Nogizaka46:

“Ohitorisama Tengoku” music video won “Best Group Video -Japan-” (Best Japanese Music Group Video Award) at “MTV VMAJ 2023”! The music video for "Ohitorisama Tengoku" was awarded "Best Group Video -Japan-" at the music award "MTV VMAJ 2023," which recognizes the year's outstanding music videos. "MTV VMAJ 2023" to be held on Wednesday, November 22nd, a trophy presentation will be held! Nogizaka46 will also be on the red carpet of the pre-event “MTV VMAJ 2023 Pre-Show” but there will be no live performance during the pre-event “MTV VMAJ 2023 Pre-Show.

“Ohitorisama Tengoku”  (おひとりさま天国) MV is the title from 33rd single released by Nogizaka46 released on 23 August 2023. The Songs was produced by Yasushi Akimoto and released under the Sony Music Entertainment Japan label. 

The music video was directed by Shuto Ito, who has been involved in many Nogizaka46 works such as music videos and personal PVs.

The MV was shot for three days at a studio in Tokyo in late July. It seems that the members of Nogizaka46 took the photo with the theme of enjoying being alone while all of them are apart. Some of the members' personal belongings are displayed on the set, which is one of the highlights. Three patterns of dance costumes were prepared, and among them, the "Y2K fashion'', which became a trend in the 2000s, was worn for the first time by the members, creating a fresh visual.

Nogizaka46 quoted "In order to create a situation where all the members enjoy being alone, we actually shot a set that matched each member's hobbies and tastes. Inoue Nagi, the 5th generation member, serving as the Center for the first time, although nervous from beginning to end, she was drawn to the brightness of the song and had fun filming it.".

Inoue Nagi is the Center in this MV and other members include - Ito Riria, Iwamoto Renka, Umezawa Minami, Kubo Shiori, Nakamura Reno, Yamashita Mizuki, Yoda Yuuki, Endo Sakura, Kaki Haruka, Kanagawa Saya, Shibata Yuna, Tamura Mayu, Tsutsui Ayame, Yumiki Nao Ioki Mao, Ikeda Teresa, Ichinose Miku, Kawasaki Sakura, Sugawara Satsuki.

Sakurazaka46:

The music video for "Start over!" won the "Best Dance Video" award directed by Hidejin Kato at "MTV VMAJ 2023," a music award that recognizes the year's outstanding music videos. After receiving the award, Sakurazaka46 will appear on "MTV VMAJ 2023" to be held on November 22nd (Wednesday). A trophy presentation will be held in conjunction with the live performance. They will also appear on the red carpet of the pre-event "MTV VMAJ 2023 Pre-Show."

Sakurazaka46 "Start over!" MV is the title from 6th single released by Sakurazaka46 released on 28 June 2023. The Songs was produced by Yasushi Akimoto and released under the Sony Music Entertainment Japan label. 

It was produced by PICS and directed by Hidejin Kato (PICS management). The image of Fujiyoshi Karin (the Center), innocently letting go without being bound by rules or regulations, makes the video even more mysterious. Other members featured in the MV are Takemoto Yui, Saito Fuyuka, Kousaka Marino, Ozono Rei, Uemura Rina, Onuma Akiho, Inoue Rina, Masumoto Kira, Koike Minami, Kobayashi Yui, Habu Mizuho, Matsuda Rina, Moriya Rena, Tamura Hono, Yamasaki Ten, Morita Hikaru.

Winner of VMAJ 2023 - Director Hidejin Kato's comments: "Simplicity and innocence that destroys something rigid. Fixed ideas may cause a negative reaction, but it doesn't matter, and I feel a sense of progress that is so exciting. I asked her to play the role of a woman like that."

Credits:

• Director: Hidejin Kato (PICS management)
• Cinematographer: Makoto Tajima (Tateoka Office)
• Drone Operator: Michito Tanaka
• DIT: Shusuke Sekiguchi (Ray)
• Special Equipment (Tiger): Kota Tanaka (FLAT)
• Lighting Director: Kayoko Maekawa
• Light Board Operator: Yusuke Honda (Akari Center)
• Production Designer: Hidehito Mito
• Stylist :Remi Takenouchi
• Hair & Make-up:MAXSTAR
• Special Effects (SPARKULAR): Katsuhiro Kawakami (Tokyo Special Effects)
• Transporter: Toshiki Mochizuki (Grace)
• Colorist: Kenyuki Nishida (Artone Film)
• Mixer: Naoya Mochizuki (IMAGICA Lab.)
• On-line Editor: Chihiro Hagiwara (Khaki)
• Producer: Hajime Obama (PICS)
• Production Manager: Kazuma Kusanagi (PICS)

MV Info: https://www.pics.tokyo/works/sakurazaka46_startover/

Hinatazaka46:

The music video for "Am I ready?" won the "Best Cinematography" award at the "MTV VMAJ 2023" music award that recognizes the year's outstanding music videos. The song was directed by Takehiro Shiraishi. Director of Photograhy by Sunghun Hong and Produced by Hiroto Hashimoto. It was a Japan-South Korean Collaboration.

It features the first appearance of Hinano Kamimura as the lead performer (Center) of the title song along side: Sarina Ushio, Shiho Katō, Kyōko Saitō, Kumi Sasaki, Mirei Sasaki, Mana Takase, Ayaka Takamoto, Mei Higashimura, Miku Kanemura, Hina Kawata, Nao Kosaka, Suzuka Tomita, Akari Nibu, Hiyori Hamagishi, Konoka Matsuda, Mikuni Takahashi, Marie Morimoto, Haruyo Yamaguchi.

"Am I ready?" is the title song from the 10th Single by Hinatazaka46 released on July 26, 2023. The Songs was produced by Yasushi Akimoto and released under the Sony Music Entertainment Japan label. The song's Music was Composed by Ogawara Noboru and Arranged by APPAZI. The music video for "Am I Ready?" was released on July 3, 2023.

It depicts the "world within the mind" of a teenage girl in love, and was inspired by the imageries of summertime, as well as Kamimura's personal interests. 

In response to the award, a trophy will be presented along with a live performance at "MTV VMAJ 2023" to be held on Wednesday, November 22nd. They will also appear on the red carpet of the pre-event "MTV VMAJ 2023 Pre-Show.". 

Credits:

• Director: Takehiro Shiraishi
• Director of Photograhy: Sunghun Hong
• Choreographer：CRE8BOY
• Planner: Keita Togawa (CHOCOLATE)
• Producer: Hiroto Hashimoto (AOI Pro.)
• Production：AOI Pro.

“MTV VMAJ 2023” special site: 

https://www.vmaj.jp/

https://www.vmaj.jp/info-page/vnxl9x/mtv-vmaj-2023-winners