Hiragana Keyakizaka46 is reborn as Hinatazaka46

It was announced today that Hiragana Keyakizaka46 will be changing their name to “Hinatazaka46”. Up until now there were two groups that went by Keyakizaka46; the only difference between the two was how the names were spelled in Japanese.

The main group that is normally discussed among fans of Keyakizaka46 is spelled 欅坂46 (the entire name—sans the number, of course—is written in Kanji). Conversely, the sister group of the same name is spelled けやき坂46. In this instance, only the first word is spelled out with Hiragana. This name sharing has led to some confusion causing some people to believe that both groups were, in fact, a single group.

けやき坂46 will perform a concert at Yokohama Arena March 5-6 and release a brand new single March 27 under their new name. Check out their latest single, “Happy Aura”, below to build hype for the new one (pre-order it here)!