Hiragana Keyaki at Keyaki Republic: Memi, Kumi, Toshi, Miho and NO WAR

Hiragana Keyaki only had 3-4 songs at each of the three Keyaki Republic lives. But they merited a story in Nikkan Sports entertainment news:

At their live, Hiragana Keyaki's Kakizaki Memi shouted out: "Let's make memories!"

The final performance of Keyaki Republic 2018 took place July 22nd, at the FujiQ Highlands Conifer Forest. In the middle of the program, Keyakizaka's junior group, Hiragana Keyaki, performed.

Hiragana went on stage for the tenth song, a joint version of Taiyou wa Miageru Hito wo Erabanai.

This was the first time Hiragana's 2nd generation had performed at Keyaki Republic, and it was the first time the groups had performed the song together. Just before the main hook, the two groups lined up together, members alternating, with the Keyakizaka46 captain, Sugai Yuuka (22), at the left end of the line, and the Hiragana captain, Sasaki Kumi (22), at the right end.

After that, the Hiragana members were alone on stage. Sasaki Kumi said: "Aren't outdoor lives great!" with a smile. Katou Shiho (20) and Watanabe Miho (18) told summer ghost stories, bringing laughter from the crowd.

After that, the group did Kitaishiteinai Jibun. Then the ten 1st-generation members did Dare Yori mo Takaku Tobe! Kakizaki Memi (16) shouted: "Come with Hiragana Keyaki and let's all make summer memories together!" Finally, they all performed NO WAR in the Future, and were bathed in huge cheers.

I've read comments that the crowd was really into the calls in NO WAR, roaring them out. One poster said it felt like an anthem. Another said he really felt as if he was doing something for world peace.

Memi's "let's make memories together" shout may have seemed noteworthy because that's a phrase sometimes used about a summer romance. Some commenters asked if Memi could really shout that loudly. Times have changed: yes, it appears she can now.