Impact of Names on Nogizaka46 Audition Selection Criteria: A Deep Dive into Tradition and Talent

Impact of Names on Nogizaka46 Audition Selection Criteria: A Deep Dive into Tradition and Talent

Question from a reader:
Recently, I’ve felt that names and surnames have been influencing the selection criteria in the Nogizaka auditions since the 4th generation. What is the reality of this situation?

Selection Criteria in Nogizaka Auditions and Names

Recently, there has been a lot of discussion surrounding the Nogizaka46 auditions. In particular, doubts have emerged that names and surnames may be influencing the selection criteria for auditions since the 4th generation. When I reflect on this topic, I remember a small episode from my experience working part-time at a judicial
scrivener’s office, where I often encounter people with various names. While organizing the roster, I occasionally come across unique names that make me smile, such as “Tsukino” or “Hoshizora.” However, it makes me wonder if individuals with such sparkling names would actually pass the auditions.

Reasons for the Prevalence of Traditional Names

In fact, observing the auditions, I notice that many members tend to have traditional names or commonly recognized surnames. Names like Endo, Sato, Tamura, and Matsuo are quite noticeable. There might be a reason for this tendency. I believe that factors such as upbringing and family background could be taken into account. The prevalence of old-fashioned names may also relate to the brand image of Nogizaka.

My Thoughts

When considering the selection criteria for auditions, it is easy to focus on elements such as “appearance” and “names.” However, I believe the most important factors are a person’s individuality and talent. While studying to become a judicial scrivener and interacting with various individuals, I have come to appreciate the importance of valuing a person’s inherent abilities beyond their name or appearance. For instance, I once met a customer at my part-time job whose kindness was unimaginable based on their name alone. Through my interactions with them, I reaffirmed that names and appearances do not define a person.

Share Your Experiences

Considering this, while it may be true that names and surnames could influence the selection criteria in Nogizaka auditions, I feel that an individual’s charm is ultimately more significant. I invite readers to share any interesting stories or experiences related to names and appearances in the comments. I believe that hearing everyone’s voices can help broaden our perspectives.