Q From here on I would like to ask regarding your activities in Sakurazaka46. It has been three years since Matsuda-san was selected to be the captain in November 2022, but how do you look back to your days as a captain until now?
Matsuda: When I first succeeded it from the first captain, Sugai Yuuka-san, I felt afraid to be compared because Sugai-san was so great; there was a huge pressure to “properly do it”. I often cried from pressure before and after a concert, where I am frequently entrusted to lead the MC sessions.
There were times when I was unable to properly convey what I needed to as a captain through MC, and it made me feel down. Because of that I didn’t have the confidence to say “I’m the captain”, and my first year was truly filled with many worries.
But as I had more opportunities to speak publicly and gained experience, I started to slowly have confidence from my second year.
Q These days you are used to leading MC session even during concert, but I see that you had worries about it at first
Matsuda: That’s right. There were many things that I struggled with at first, but I am proud of how I have carried out my role as captain until now, and now the role of “captain” in itself has become a big source of confidence for me as well.
I have always been the type of person who speaks out whenever I have questions or opinions, and I think that “captain” is a position that makes it easier for me to relay my thoughts to members and staff. So I wondered if I am suited to be in such a position. When I feel that my words or actions have helped the group even for a little, I would feel a sense of fulfilment from being a captain
Q Regarding Inoue Rina, your genmate who graduated in December 2025, you mentioned in her graduation ceremony that you’ve been supported by her greatly. What kind of presence was Inoue-san for you?
Matsuda: She was my “best friend”. I was able to talk to her about work, and because Inoue looks at things in a very objective and calm manner, she always gave me accurate advice. She greatly helped me in that aspect as well
And when I feel nervous or pressured before a concert and become anxious from it, Inoue would notice and come to my side. When I whined to her like, “Uutan (Inoue), I don’t think I can do this…” she listened to me quietly and made me laugh. Even though I’m sure that Inoue herself must have struggled as well, she always gives me support. I am truly thankful to her
Q Speaking of Matsuda-san, isn't the presence of Takemoto Yui-san also important to you?
Matsuda: Yui-chan always compliments me. She would say things like “You’re amazing”, “You’re great”, and “Thank you as always” in a straightforward manner. Whenever I talk to her about my worries, she would give me advice with her very mature way of thinking. I’ve truly been helped by both Inoue and Yui-chan. As Yui-chan is still an active member, I don’t say this often, but she is not just a member but also a precious “friend”
Q Last year, Sakurazaka46 performed many shows both in Japan and overseas, and it was very memorable to hear Matsuda-san say “When we changed our name, there was a difficult time where it was hard for us to see what lies ahead, and we also explored to find what colors Sakurazaka should have”. After your activities in 2025, what does Matsuda-san think of the current “colors” of Sakurazaka46?
Matsuda: When we were renamed, we ourselves didn’t know what the colors of the group were. But now, we received more comments of “They have cool dances” or “Their concerts are cool”, and I feel that Sakurazaka46’s colors are becoming visible. I think that concerts truly is the group’s “weapon”
Q When did you start thinking that way?
Matsuda: When we completed “2nd TOUR As you know?” in 2022, I felt that I can finally see our path forward. Personally, I think that the “Buddies Kanshasai” that was held right after the 2nd tour also played a big part. The members are able to interact with Buddies in a natural manner, and I felt that the relationship between us and our fans have really deepened
Q Since then the scale of concerts continues to become bigger, and in April this year there will be the “5th Anniversary Live” that is held in Tokyo’s MUFG Stadium
Matsuda: I’d like to make the concert in National Stadium something that overwhelms those who are watching, one that will be remembered in history. However, I don’t think of this concert as an end goal. I’d like to turn it into a stage that can connect us to the group’s future, what lies beyond it
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