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| Hinatazaka46 Drops Full Senbatsu for 16th Single Cliffhanger – And Yes, We’ve Got a Fifth Gen Centre (Photo: Hinatazaka46) |
J-Pop group from Sakamichi Series, Hinatazaka46 has officially lifted the curtain on the Senbatsu lineup for their 16th single Cliffhanger (クリフハンガー), set to arrive on 28 January 2026. The announcement sparked plenty of chatter overnight, especially with the group confirming that Ono Manami — a rising face from the fifth generation — will be taking the coveted centre role for the very first time.
This marks a major milestone not just for her, but for the group as she becomes the first Gen 5 member ever to lead a title track.
The single will be performed by a tight 14-member Senbatsu, featuring representatives from the second through fifth generations. It’s a smaller, more focused formation this time round, and fans are already buzzing about the balance of senior presence and new energy.
Who’s In the Lineup?
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| Cliffhanger Senbatsu Revealed Ahead of January 2026 Release |
Second gen anchors Kanemura Miku, Kosaka Nao, and Matsuda Konoka return as the senior pillars — with this release doubling as Matsuda Konoka’s final single before her departure from the group. Expect a wave of nostalgia when the single drops.
From third gen, Takahashi Mikuni stands as the sole representative this round.
Fourth gen makes a strong showing, with Konishi Nanami, Shimizu Rio, Shogenji Yoko, Fujishima Kaho, Miyachi Sumire, Yamashita Haruka, and Watanabe Rina filling out much of the formation.
And then, of course, comes the historic fifth-gen debut. Ono Manami leads as centre, joined by Takai Rika and Matsuo Sakura — both also marking their first appearance in a Senbatsu lineup.
It’s a huge moment for the newest Hinatazaka members, and fans are already calling this a generational shift.
The front row features Kosaka Nao, Ono Manami at centre, and Shogenji Yoko — a striking blend of senior star power and youthful momentum.
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| Hinatazaka46 16th Single ”Cliffhanger” Senbatsu Lineup |
Ono Manami on Becoming Centre: “A Fresh Breeze With a Bit of Nerves”
During the broadcast, Ono Manami spoke candidly about being chosen as centre. Her comments reflect both excitement and a very relatable sense of nerves:
“To be honest, I do still have a little bit of anxiety and uncertainty. But since I was chosen, I want to deliver this single with a smile. I also hope that working on this single will help me strengthen my resolve even more.”
She followed with a message to Ohisama, the group’s fans:
“Now that I’ve been selected for the title track, I want to bring in a fresh new breeze while also doing everything I can to help the long history that Hinatazaka46 has built grow even bigger. I’d be truly happy if you continued to support us.”
Her sincerity — paired with her status as a fresh-faced fifth-gen trailblazer — has already captured hearts online.
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What to Expect From Cliffhanger by Hinatazaka46
While the group has yet to reveal the sound or visuals, the vibe is already leaning towards a “new era” moment. With a compact Senbatsu, a generational handoff, and Matsuda Konoka’s final appearance, Cliffhanger looks set to land as one of Hinatazaka46’s most emotionally loaded releases in recent years.
Sakamichi Series fans can expect more teasers in the coming weeks — and if the announcement buzz is anything to go by, this single is already shaping up to be a major conversation starter for 2026.