Hiragana Keyaki gen2 auditions now open!

Full details of the auditions for additional members for Hiragana Keyaki have been posted on the Keyakizaka46 official site.

Submissions will be received until 16 June. The first stage is the application form I posted about earlier, in which applicants answer questions about themselves and include a short video.

The second stage will be screen tests conducted staff, to be given in various cities around Japan --  Nagoya, Fukuoka, Osaka, Tokyo, Sapporo and Sendai -- between July 1 and July 23. For candidates who survive those stage, there will be a third audition on August 5-6.

The final audition will be on August 11or August 13. One of those will be the date we can expect the new members to be introduced.



Applicants must be:

• aged between 12 and 20 as of 16 June [note: I believe these were the same ages as for the first group of Hiraganas].
• able to participate in two or more audition stages [note: no more Mrs.Nagahamas]
• able to appear on TV, Web or other media as part of the audition
• those who live far from Tokyo and pass the auditions must be able to move quickly to Tokyo. [note: more quickly than the Hiraganas, perhaps]
• there must be nothing preventing successful applicants from entering into a contract with Sony Music Labels.

The first step is the entry form. You fill that out, including two photos (1.face, 2.full body). Just a photo, no dressing it up with apps. You also include a 15-20 second video on the subject "My Treasure." Make sure you are in the video.

Notes to remember:

• application documents will not be returned
• after the auditions, you must not tell anyone anything about them [note: probably okay o tell parents, just not media]
• only successful applicants will be contacted [ouch]
• there is no fee for applying or participating 
• travel and lodging to be paid by the applicant
• underage applicants require the assent of parent or guardian
• materials sent as part of the application will not be used for any other purpose [note: we saw some of the Kanjis' videos on KeyaKake]

Auditions organized by Sony Music Labels and Seed & Flower LLC

Management by Sony Music Labels and Seed & Flower LLC

further questions: Sony Music Entertainment SD Group
株式会社ソニー・ミュージックエンタテインメント SDグループ
TEL:03-3515-5693(受付時間:平日11:00～17:00)
E-mail:hiraganakeyaki_audition@sonymusic.co.jp

I like the main headline at the top of the photo above, which I believe means: "You take the step that will make Keyaki stronger." This is a thrilling concept. My only problem with it is that I think Hiragana Keyaki is very strong already, and I'm loyal to the current members. However, I am sure I will come to like the new members, too -- as I did the Hiraganas.

I look forward to a July full of Showroom auditions.