Nyanko Star Angora Village Mayor’s Surprising Obsession with Nogizaka46, Sakurazaka46, and Hinatazaka46

On the momentum of Otsuka Ai’s ‘Sakuranbo,’ jumping rope. Leaving a mark at “King of Cont 2017” and becoming the star of the era overnight. “Nyanko Star” is attracting attention in an unexpected way.

The first solo concert held at ZA・Koenji 2 on June 5 was almost full. One reason for this is likely the words shouted by Super 3 Jo at the beginning of the live show.

“Did You Buy Angora Village Mayor’s Photobook?”

That’s right, Nyanko star Angora Muracho’s digital photo book “151 cm, 48 kg” has been selling phenomenally well. The “explosive sales” have triggered a flood of press coverage, and in one day he was interviewed by a whopping seven media outlets. FRIDAY Digital asked Angora about her “hobbies,” not to talk about photogravure.

“The first song I fell in love with was ‘Synchronicity.’ Until then, I vaguely thought that Ikoma-chan (Rina Ikoma) was the center of the group.”

Angora Village Mayor is known as a die-hard ‘Sakamichi series otaku’ among comedians. In his solo performances, he incorporates staging inspired by Nogizaka46’s concerts. What was the trigger for his obsession?

“When I first saw ‘Synchronicity’ on a music program, I initially thought Ikoma-chan, who was upfront, was the center, so I was shocked when she stepped back just before the song’s climax. Later, I learned that Ikoma-chan had been offered the center position but chose to hand it over to Maiyan (Mai Shiraishi) for the future of Nogizaka. It made me realize how much narrative depth there is in idol formations and how fascinating they can be.”

Starting to be aware of Nogizaka46, what pulled Angora Village Mayor deeper into the swamp was the 2nd generation.

“I was captivated by Hori (Miona Hori). She was suddenly selected as center and later experienced being an ‘Under.’ It might sound presumptuous, but I felt that her situation was similar to ours.

However, Hori-chan didn’t feel down even when she was an Under. She said things like, ‘This time is a chance. When I became a center, I thought I lacked ability. Let’s make this time as a time to build up my strength.’ I thought I was the same. I appeared on TV as a Nyanko Star, but I knew I didn’t have the ability. Thanks to Hori-chan, I was able to think of this period as a time for effort. She’s already a master of life, isn’t she? (laughs)”

It seems that the efforts of idols deeply resonated with the Angora Village Mayor.

“Kitaono Hinako-san is also diligent, and her blog is philosophical. What she wrote left an impression on me, and when I looked it up, I found out Nietzsche said similar things.”

Recently, I appeared with the 5th generation in ‘Super Nogizaka Star Birth!’ and they worked so hard! Arno Nakanishi-chan even imitated me, which moved me greatly, and she even adjusted her hairstyle to match mine. Even in a small project, they put in their all. By doing so every day for 365 days, I felt how much they grow and gain confidence.”

Angora Village Mayor’s interests expanded from Nogizaka46 to Keyakizaka46, and further to the current Sakurazaka46 and Hinatazaka46.

“I got to know Keyakizaka46 midway, and I was really impressed by Hirate Yurina-chan. ‘Kakera wo Magaru’ is such an amazing song. It was also memorable when Nagahama Neru-san imitated me.

After they became Sakurazaka, Sugai Yuuka-san’s graduation was shocking. But Matsuri-chan has a bright personality and really brings the members together; her personality is truly wonderful.

In Hinatazaka, I’m interested in Morimoto Marie-chan. There was a chance for her to see my jokes on the show, and she said Nyanko Star was the funniest. When the selection system was introduced, she wasn’t selected as a member of the selection, but I liked her even more because of her hot blog with sincere words!”

However, idols inevitably face graduation. Just like other fans, Angora Village Mayor is currently experiencing the bittersweetness of parting ways.

“Tamachan (Sakaguchi Tamami) who will graduate next time, and also Re-chan (Seimiya Rei), both had amazing performances and were precious oshis for me. I liked how they didn’t just move facial muscles to make expressions but genuinely broke down the lyrics and showed it on their faces.”

Angora Village Mayor, who says she gets power from idols every day, now aims to participate again in the finals of the King of Conte.

However, there is a major obstacle. She can’t advance to the finals alone. As long as the motivation of her partner, Super 3 Jo, does not increase, the dream will not come closer.

In the second part of the series, ” Aiming for the King of Conte finals…Nyanko Star Angora Muranaga reveals her “true relationship” with her partner,” we will take a closer look at Nyanko Star’s “now.