After much anticipation from fans, NGT48, the Niigata-based sister group of AKB48, has officially announced the release of their 11th single 'Kibou Ressha (希望列車)', scheduled to launch on 4 June 2025.
The announcement has sparked excitement among the group’s dedicated fanbase, marking the first new single in ten months since their last release.
The 11th single will feature a senbatsu lineup of 11 members, a notably smaller selection compared to some of NGT48’s previous releases.
Leading the group as double centers, or "W-Center," are Fujisaki Miyu and Otsuka Nanami, a pairing that has already generated buzz among fans for its fresh dynamic.
This marks a significant moment for both members, with Fujisaki previously having centered the group’s fifth single, Sherbet Pink, in 2020, and Otsuka stepping into the spotlight as a rising star.
The full senbatsu lineup for the 11th single Kibō Ressha includes:
Seiji Reina
Otsuka Nanami
Isobe Rua*
Kitamura Yuha
Kimoto Yuna*
Sugimoto Moe
Kimoto Anna*
Nishigata Marina
Sato Kairi
Fujisaki Miyu
Sato Hiroka*
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| NGT48's 11th Single Senbatsu Lineup |
Notably, this single will mark the first-ever senbatsu appearance for four members: Isobe Rua, Kimoto Yuna, Kimoto Anna, and Sato Hiroka.
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Their inclusion signals NGT48’s ongoing efforts to spotlight newer talent within the group, a move that has been met with enthusiasm from fans eager to see fresh faces take the stage.
The announcement, shared via the official NGT48 X account, also revealed that the single will be released in three different editions: Regular Editions Types A and B, as well as an NGT48 Official CD Shop Edition, each featuring a unique coupling track.
This variety is expected to offer fans diverse content to enjoy, a tradition that has long been a staple of 48 Group releases.
However, the announcement has not been without its share of speculation.
Fans have taken to social media to discuss the inclusion of veteran member Nishigata Marina in the senbatsu, with some wondering if this might be her graduation single.
A user on X, @gnko0_0, even questioned, “Nishigata Marina graduation single?” shortly after the initial senbatsu reveal on 8 April 2025.
Additionally, the choice of a W-Center with only 11 members in the senbatsu has raised eyebrows, with another fan, @holtzzzzzzz, commenting, “a wcenter with only 11 members in senbatsu?”
The smaller lineup and the absence of some expected names, such as “Gatanee” (a nickname for Nishigata Marina), as noted by @gnko0_0, have further fuelled discussions about the group’s evolving direction.
NGT48, which debuted in 2017 with their first single Seishun Dokei, has a history of using center positions to highlight rising stars or signal shifts within the group.
The selection of Fujisaki Miyu and Otsuka Nanami as double centers may indicate a focus on younger members, especially following a series of graduations in recent years, including first-generation members like Murakumo Fuka, Sato Anju, and Takakura Moeka in 2019 and 2020.
With its blend of veteran members and new senbatsu entrants, NGT48’s 11th single Kibou Ressha promises to be a pivotal moment for the group, potentially setting the stage for a new chapter in their journey.
On 4 May 2025, during the encore of the NGT48 Spring Concert 2025 held at Niigata Prefectural Civic Center, fans got a special treat—the very first live performance of their upcoming 11th single “Kibou Ressha”, set to be released on 4 June.
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One of the biggest moments came from 4th gen kenkyuusei Hiroka Sato (18), who made her senbatsu debut. “I want to become someone who can carry the future of NGT48,” she said nervously but with clear determination.
Also making headlines were sisters Yuna and Anna Kimoto, who both got into senbatsu at the same time—a rare and exciting double win.
With a festival theme, the concert featured a mix of songs from sister groups too, performed by all 35 members including the newly joined 5th gen girls.
It was a lively, full-on celebration from start to finish.
NGT48 11th Single First Performance "Kibou Ressha"#NGT48 #NGT48_希望列車 pic.twitter.com/rF6lZYEUYl
— 48G & 46Sakamichi Info (@Informasi4648) May 4, 2025
For more updates, fans can follow NGT48’s official channels, including their website (ngt48.jp) and X account (@official_NGT48).