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)”