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| Final Sparkle: Yamakawa Ui Joins Sakurazaka46 as 4th Gen’s Ninth and Final Member (YouTube) |
And just like that, the curtain’s closed on Sakurazaka46’s 4th generation rollout. The ninth and final member has been revealed — say hello to Yamakawa Ui.
Hailing from Miyagi Prefecture, 19-year-old Ui rounds out the lineup with a distinctly fresh vibe.
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| Former Cheerleader Yamakawa Ui Makes Idol Debut with Sakurazaka46 |
Her official vlog dropped today, featuring visits to familiar spots around her hometown — from Sendai Station to the quiet charm of Matsushima Kaigan Station, and even a nostalgic bowl of ramen at a local favourite.
It’s the kind of intro that quietly says, “I’m here, but I’ve got stories.”
Ui’s background? A proper dose of sparkle and stamina.
She was in the cheer dance club during high school and kept the rhythm going well into uni.
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Her cheer roots definitely show — bright eyes, big energy, and that natural knack for stage presence.
In her vlog, she shared that she first watched Sakurazaka46 during last year’s Tokyo Dome Live, and something just clicked.
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That was the moment she decided she wanted to be up there too. Quietly, she went for it — didn’t tell anyone she was auditioning.
Brave move, and it paid off.
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Fans are already buzzing — she’s quickly become one of the most talked-about faces in the new gen.
And interestingly, she’s the only 4th gen member from Miyagi, giving her that slight edge of regional pride.
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But Ui’s not just about cheer and charm.
Academically, she’s been pursuing cultural tourism studies at Rikkyo University — specifically in the Department of Intercultural Communication.
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She’s done a short-term study stint in the Philippines, including a training trip to Cebu, which she calls a life-changing experience.
That curiosity about people, places, and cross-cultural exchanges is something she says shaped her path — not just in school, but possibly as an idol too.
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Makes sense, doesn’t it? Idols are all about connection.
From cheering on the sidelines to taking centre stage — Yamakawa Ui might be the last 4th gen to be revealed, but she’s definitely not blending into the background. If anything, she’s just getting started.
We’ll be keeping an eye on this one. Could be big.