Akimoto Manatsu weeps at staff's praise

Akimoto Manatsu broke down in tears when staff praised her for being quick-thinking, for filling out surveys well, and for being such a hard worker. It was after that last one that she broke down. She entered Nogizaka46 later than other first-generation members and people think this has meant she had to work hard to catch up.

Tears may seem an excessive reaction, but it must have been pretty rewarding for a serious person to hear that the staff which are such an important part of her life -- and among them her bosses -- thinks that she is doing things so well. And broadcasting this may mean to her and to others that the big boss himself (Aki-P) thinks so, too.

The event was part of  the just-ended Nogizaka46-hour TV extravaganza. I didn't watch it all, but what a luxury it was over a couple of days to be able to open up Showroom at any time and find Nogizaka46 live: variety, performances, outings, etc., etc.


When I first saw Mana-tan, I thought she looked funny, with that slit mouth and scrunched face. Kind of like a death's head. But I have always found her so attractive, nevertheless. I'm coming to realize that her attractiveness comes from her true inner nature shining forth.


That item about surveys may sound odd to some, but surveys of various kinds (what you like, what you have done, what you think of other members, etc.) are used a lot in Sakamichi group variety shows. Giving the staff good material to work with is very important. And it must be awfully easy to get bored with them and fill them in half-heartedly.

In fact, the list about Mana-tan was itself created on the basis of a survey of 100 staff members, asking for three good points a member has.

More photos:

She was at least as moved that the members all agreed. More photos here.