Sakurazaka46 Makes History With Double A-Side Center

At midnight on May 19, 2026 (JST), Sakurazaka46 dropped the music video and streaming for 'Lonesome rabbit,' the lead track of their 15th single. The release immediately trended across Japanese social media, driven by a convergence of milestone announcements that fans had been anticipating. The biggest story is the format itself.

This is the first Double A-side single ever released by a Sakamichi Group act — a franchise that includes Nogizaka46, Hinatazaka46, and Sakurazaka46, all under Sony Music. In a Double A-side release, two tracks share equal billing rather than one serving as a B-side. What makes this even more remarkable: second-generation member Hikaru Morita centers both tracks, a feat with no precedent in Sakamichi history.

The second A-side, 'What's "KAZOKU"?' , serves as the opening theme for the ongoing TV anime 'Yozakura-san Chi no Daisakusen' (Operation: True Love) Season 2, giving the single a direct hook for anime fans beyond the idol fandom. A special 'Yozakura Edition' of the physical CD is planned for the June 10 release.

The MV for 'Lonesome rabbit' was directed by Masaki Watanabe of maxilla, and the choreography was created by TAKAHIRO — who posted on X shortly after midnight to confirm his involvement and describe the track as 'a song where tradition, innovation, and chaos collide.' He has publicly called it the group's most difficult choreography to date, a claim that generated immediate excitement among fans watching the premiere.

What to watch next: Sakurazaka46 is confirmed to perform on TBS 'CDTV Live! Live!' on June 1, 2026 at 7 PM JST — likely the first televised performance of 'Lonesome rabbit.'

The physical single releases June 10 in multiple editions. For international fans, a collaborative YouTube streaming project was also launched alongside the MV drop.