The popular idol group Nogizaka46 is bringing back its Sailor Moon musical, with the new shows happening this April.
Previously, the group held its special Sailor Moon stage musical back in 2018. With its return, the group’s fifth-generation members are now taking over the iconic Sailor Guardian roles.
Magical girl and idol fans are no doubt looking forward to the musical’s return. After all, Nogizaka46 is one of Japan’s most popular idol groups.
Who Is Nogizaka46? Meet One of Japan's Top Idol Groups
When it comes to Japanese idol groups, chances are that at least some anime fans are familiar with the likes of AKB48.
Given their somewhat similar naming convention, Nogizaka46 is somewhat related to the AKB group.
Nogizaka46 was created back in 2011, and it was billed as the “official rival group” of AKB48. Despite the rival status, Nogizaka46 has a more elegant and refined look compared to their AKB counterparts.
The group has since become incredibly popular in Japan, enough that they have expanded with sister groups, including Sakurazaka46, Yoshimotozaka46, and Hinatazaka46.
Much like other big Japanese idol groups, Nogizaka46 has had lots of new members added in recent years. This makes sense considering pretty much all of the original members from 2011 have graduated.
New members are added in generations, with the latest being the fifth generation, which consists of 11 members. These members made their debut on February 2, 2022.
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Nogizaka46 Brings Back Sailor Moon Musical Featuring Fifth Generation Members
Nogizaka46’s first Sailor Moon stage musical held shows in June 2018, September 2018, and October 2019. This musical featured a mix of generations.
Earlier today, Nogizaka46 confirmed the musical’s return with a special visual, as well as an announcement of its main cast. This time, the cast will be made up of fifth-generation members.
The main cast is divided into the following teams:
Team MOON
- Sailor Moon / Tsukino Usagi: Nagi Inoue
- Sailor Mercury / Ami Mizuno: Aya Ogawa
- Sailor Mars / Rei Hino: Hina Okamoto
- Sailor Jupiter / Makoto Kino: Mao Ioki
- Sailor Venus / Minako Aino: Teresa Ikeda
Team STAR
- Sailor Moon / Tsukino Usagi: Satsuki Sugawara
- Sailor Mercury / Ami Mizuno: Aruno Nakanishi
- Sailor Mars / Rei Hino: Miku Ichinose
- Sailor Jupiter / Makoto Kino: Nao Tomisato
- Sailor Venus / Minako Aino: Sakura Kawasaki
Officially titled Nogizaka46 5th Generation Version Musical Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon 2024, the show will be performed at the IMM Theater in Tokyo from April 12 to 19, 2024.
Tickets have been released today for Sailor Moon fan club and Nogizaka46 mobile members.
Similar to other anime-based musicals (such as the Spy x Family stage play), this will likely be a Japan-only production.
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