On January 14, AKB48 and their sister-group members who turned 20 or will turn 20 before April 1, attended the coming-of-age ceremony at the Kanda Shrine in Tokyo.



The 7 members of AKB48 who attended the ceremony were: Nakamata Shiori, Nito Moeno, Yokoyama Yui, Shimada Haruka, Oba Mina, Tanabe Miku, and Minegishi Minami. HKT48's Sashihara Rino also attended the ceremony.



The 7 members of SKE48 who attended the ceremony were: Ogiso Shiori, Sato Seira, Yakata Miki, Umemoto Madoka, Kobayashi Ami, Shibata Aya, and Hioki Miki.



The 2 members of NMB48 who attended there ceremony were Fukumoto Aina and Yamada Nana (and Yokoyama Yui).�

The 17 members attended dressed in a brilliant Furisode (long-sleeved kimono).



While the weather was terrible on the day of the ceremony, many fans gathered at the grounds to catch a glimpse of the members.� After the members prayed, they participated in taking commemorative photos indoors.� When asked about becoming an adult, Minegashi stated while looking back upon last year, �Since the members who turned 20 last year were magnificent, I started worrying even half a year ago whether or not there would be many people here to interview us this year.� As she mentioned, many popular members include�Maeda Atsuko, Takahashi Minami, and Itano Tomomi, who all turned 20 last year.� She then appealed for the members lineup for this year with, � This year, our unique individuals are all present.�� Sashihara stated, �As this year is HKT48�s major debut, I would like to try to lead them,� and showed her self-consciousness towards being the oldest member of HKT48.

Additionally, Sashihara, who is now of drinking age, talked about one of her wishes with, �I want to drink with Dachou Club�s (comedian trio)�Ueshima Ryuhei.�� She also invited her fellow members to drink with, �Shall we go drink today?�

Moreover, AKB48/NMB48 member Yokoyama was asked about what challenges she wanted to take on this year, to which answered, �I am studying to obtain a license for office work in an ethical pharmacy.� I want to do my best on the exam in May.�� NMB48�s Yamada spoke her strong�aspirations, �It was regrettable that NMB48 could not appear on last year's Kohaku Uta Gassen by ourselves.� But this year we will aim higher!�

Reportedly, what Tanabe wore today was the Kimono she inherited from her grandmother, and she also accessorized with accessories that she made herself.� Nito revealed that she bought her kimono from an antique shop and emphasized the importance of the ceremony with, �In order to wear this kimono well, I cut my hair.�

More pictures of the girls can be viewed here.

Source & Image: Natalie