Venue101 (NHK music show)
Illustration: WhyTrend

What happened

On June 6, 2026 at 11 p.m. JST, NHK General TV aired a live edition of Venue101, a music program built around live performances. Four acts appeared: M!LK (an idol group, a pop act whose members are marketed individually to fans) performing "Idol Power"; Sakurazaka46, a large idol group, performing "Lonesome rabbit"; singer-songwriter Kitani Tatsuya with "Hidane"; and the newcomer Fumino. The hosts were Erika Ikuta and comedian Ryuichi Hamaie of the duo Kamaitachi.

Why it is trending now

The hashtag #Venue101 spiked because NHK's account and each act's official accounts posted previews and rehearsal clips in step with the broadcast. M!LK in particular asked fans to rally around a rainbow-themed live hashtag tied to "Idol Power," a song that topped two Oricon charts as the first release in its 2026 rollout project. With Sakurazaka46's 15th single due on June 10, 2026, several fan communities were already primed to post around the same window.

How fans reacted

Reaction skewed strongly positive. M!LK's segment drew delighted posts about the upbeat performance and an on-air "members award" bit. Sakurazaka46's "Lonesome rabbit," centered on member Hikaru Morita, converted first-time viewers, with many remarking that they had never realized how striking the group's choreography was. Live mishaps such as a missed dance step were shared as part of the fun rather than as criticism.

What to watch next:

Sakurazaka46's 15th single "Lonesome rabbit / What's 'KAZOKU'?" is scheduled for release on June 10, 2026, so expect sales, chart placement and further performance clips to keep the song in conversation. M!LK's ongoing 2026 release project also means more singles ahead, and Venue101's rotating weekly lineup will keep drawing new fandom-driven trend spikes.