Imaizumi Yui's blog post about the senbatsu changes in Keyakizaka46

Imaizumi Yui has finally broken her silence about the changes in the senbatsu, and the fact that she has been put in the second row.

She has made two posts since the announcements: she didn't mention the senbatsu at all in the first, and she just promised in the last line of the second to say something about it the next time. And she has.

Zuumin is very ambitious. She has singing talent and has made herself a good dancer, and she has always seen herself as Hirate Yurina's rival for centre. This seeming demotion must have been a hard blow, very disorienting for her. I think it is less a demotion than just a hiatus to give others a chance to show themselves. The second row she is part of is the solid middle of the group, its bulwark and strength. The people management thinks can be depended on.

Despite what must be bitter disappointment, she seems to have responded as well as she possibly could, offering her support to Hirate and the new front members, and promising to work hard for the sake of the group. Like Yui, I have included no photos in this serious post.

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2016.10.20

Senbatsu Announcement

Good evening!

For the third single
I have been selected for the 8th position, in the second row.

For the first and second singles, when I assumed a position in the front, I was worried that my inability would cause problems, so I gave my all to the performance.

Honestly, I was really scared.
I wondered if it was okay for someone with no dance experience to be in front.


I was afraid of what everyone might think of me
And couldn't look back.

But at handshake events and in letters from fans, people said
"I love Zuumin's dancing!"
I made up my mind that if even one person said they liked it,
I would summon up my self-confidence and perform.

This time, the positions are so very changed.
At first, the members couldn't hide how shaken they felt.

The four members from the third line who have been given this chance in the front are seeing many new scenes, I think.
During the first and second singles, it was so sad to hear third line members saying things like "Someone like me...."
We in the front could say "No, not at all," but we worried that it might be said that we really didn't understand their feelings.

In Keyakizaka46, anyone in any position can shine.
That's the kind of group it is, I believe.
Every position plays an important role and has meaning.
The lack of even one person is no good.

I think all the girls in the front row are feeling uneasy, including Hirate Yurina at centre.
I don't want to make them feel that way.
Everyone behind you is with you!
So please feel at ease.
Everyone is holding hands
Wanting to make a wonderful third single.

In a new position, seeing new scenery, I will perform with all my strength.
Please aim higher and higher.

I want to make a new wind blow through Keyakizaka46.

Good night.