is a Japanese late night variety show starring Japanese idol group Sakurazaka46. It is hosted by Yū Sawabe and Teruyuki Tsuchida and airs every Sunday at 12:35 AM JST on TV Tokyo. It is the direct continuation of Keyakitte, Kakenai?, which had the same cast, format, and time slot, but named after the former name of Sakurazaka46, Keyakizaka46.

The show is also often referred to as Soko Saku (そこさく), which is a shortened version of the original title. This shorter name is also used as part of the name for an original content series on VR SQUARE called "Soko Saku VR" and another feature available on GYAO! called "Soko Saku Daihyakkajiten" (そこさく大百科事典, "Soko Saku Encyclopedia").

History

The idol group Keyakizaka46 was rebranded into Sakurazaka46 on October 14, 2020, and it was announced in the Keyakitte, Kakenai? broadcast on October 11 that the show would also be renewed with a new title. The new show aired on October 19 without the title card in the beginning, and the new title was announced in the middle of the show. The title references the fact that the real Keyakizaka and Sakurazaka streets in Roppongi, Tokyo, are connected. Despite being a variety show, like Keyakitte, Kakenai?, this show is also used as a platform for various announcements regarding the group or the members, including the announcement of various Sakurazaka46 single selections.

From April 5, 2021, an exclusive broadcast catch-up service began to be available on GYAO! every Monday after the live television broadcast. This service provides a delayed on-demand streaming solution for fans or potential audiences who missed the live television broadcast. On GYAO!, a special edition of "Soko Saku Encyclopaedia" had been available since March of the same year, prior to the start of the on-demand streaming of the show.

On October 4, 2021, the video service VR SQUARE, operated by Softbank, also started providing on-demand streaming access to previous live television broadcasts of the show. Besides having the on-demand catch-up streaming service, various original contents, like spin-off videos, are also available on VR SQUARE and FR SQUARE. "Soko Saku VR" is one of the exclusive contents available on VR SQUARE.

On March 31, 2023, GYAO! stopped providing the broadcast catch-up service and the service is no longer accessible from 05:00 PM JST of that day.

On February 20, 2023, the 119th and 120th episode titled "Sakurazaka46 5th single hit prayer campaign" was released on YouTube by Sakurazaka46 OFFICIAL YouTube CHANNEL. The uploaded video has since been set to private by the channel owner.

On September 20, 2023, it was announced that VR SQUARE broadcast catch-up (on-demand streaming) and other original exclusives will no longer be added to platform from September 24, 2023, onward. Though, an archive of the already added contents on VR SQUARE will still be available according to the announcement post.

On March 12, 2024, during Sakurazaka46 4th ARENA TOUR 2024 in Osaka-jō Hall, it was announced that from April 8, 2024, the show will be available as a video on demand on the Lemino web streaming platform, which is operated by NTT Docomo. A special commemorative program for this occasion, scheduled to broadcast on March 22, 2024, was also announced.

Casts

Regulars

Hosts

Yū Sawabe (Haraichi) Teruyuki Tsuchida

Sakurazaka46 Members Below are the Sakurazaka46 members who are still active in the show up until March 6, 2024:

1st Generation: Rina Uemura, Minami Koike, Fuyuka Saitō 2nd Generation: Rina Inoue, Hikaru Endō, Rei Ōzono, Akiho Ōnuma, Marino Kōsaka, Yui Takemoto, Hono Tamura, Karin Fujiyoshi, Kira Masumoto, Rina Matsuda, Hikaru Morita, Rena Moriya, Ten Yamasaki 3rd Generation: Rika Ishimori, Riko Endō, Reina Odakura, Nagisa Kojima, Airi Taniguchi, Yuzuki Nakashima, Mio Matono, Itoha Mukai, Yū Murai. Miu Murayama, Shizuki Yamashita

Past performers Sakurazaka46 Graduates:

1st Generation: Akane Moriya, Rika Watanabe, Risa Watanabe, Aoi Harada, Rika Ozeki, Yūka Sugai, Mizuho Habu, Yui Kobayashi 2nd Generation: Riko Matsudaira, Yumiko Seki

Notable guests NameEpisodes appeared inAppearance informationYoshiyuki Hamaguchi3, 64, 116In all episodes he made an appearance in, he appeared as a fortune teller.Yuki Iwai (Haraichi)30, 72–74In episode 30, he appeared as a guest on the VTR. In episodes 72–74, he replaced Yū Sawabe, who caught COVID-19, as the show's temporary host.Kayoko Okubo (Oasis)35, 36In both episodes she appeared as a mentor, teaching the members how to liven up the show.Tani Plus 139Tani Plus 1 is a Japanese comedian whose hobby is radio-controlled stuff including RC cars and drones. In this episode, he controlled the RC car used in the "Catch the RC car" challenge.Nijihiko Amon69Appeared as a psychological expert, giving his psychological analysis on the members.Gensai Jūmonji78Appeared as a hypnosis expert who uses hypnosis to help members overcome the things they are not good at dealing with.Kumi Sasaki (Hinatazaka46)82Appeared as a guest on the VTR (video tape recording).Neru Nagahama (former Keyakizaka46)Takahiro Ueno (more popularly known as TAKAHIRO)82Appeared as a guest on the VTR (video tape recording). He is the main choreographer for Sakurazaka46 (and the former group Keyakizaka46).Miyo Ichikawa (former Japan Women's National Curling Team)154Both guests are Japanese professional female curlers. They appeared in the show as curling coaches.Hinako SonobeCRAZY COCO156, 157Appeared in both episodes as an English expert and instructor for the members.

Episode list

2020 EpisodeOriginal Broadcast DateEpisode TitleSynopsisStudio PerformanceRemarks12020.10.19Sakurazaka46 has started a new programme!The programme has been renewed and relaunched together with Sakurazaka46! The members will work together to make the programme exciting with a new spirit! The name of the new programme will be announced in the studio! You can also look forward to the newly renovated set! -1st Single selection announcement22020.10.26Sakurazaka46 rally! Let's think about the new group (First Half)The programme has been renewed, and the members announce what they want to do and what they want to try with a renewed spirit! What does Habu want to think about with everyone?

And the members' new characters blossom! - -32020.11.01Sakurazaka46 rally! Let's think about the new group (Second Half)Now that we've made a fresh start, let's have the future of Sakurazaka46 divined! The amazing Yocchan-sensei, who was also with us last time, is back with an astonishing accuracy rate!

What are the fortunes of the individual members and the group?

What was the reason for Sugai's tears? - -42020.11.08Let the new centre, Hikaru Morita, shine brighter!A project featuring Hikaru Morita, who is the centre of Sakurazaka46 1st single 'Nobody's fault'! The duo Takemoto & Matsuda introduce an interesting side of Morita that we still don't know much about!

The studio panics when Morita's favourite animal appears! - -52020.11.15Break down the group barriers! Sakurazaka46 three-way battle! (First Half)Let's break down more generation barriers to work as one from now on! This time, three teams from the first and second generation will face off against each other! Teams that seem to get on well with each other will be awarded friendship points! Which team will get on best? - -62020.11.22Break down the group barriers! Sakurazaka46 three-way battle! (Second Half)The second half of the session continues with the exciting battle between the three teams, including the "Pressure Relay" and the "〇〇Challenge"! Members try their hand at monoboke! The burikko is back again!

Which team will win? - -72020.11.29Sakurazaka46 1st single hit prayer campaign! (First Half)Finally, a hit prayer for Sakurazaka46's 1st single 'Nobody's fault', which will be released on 9 December! This time, they'll be going through a tougher ordeal than ever before!

The members' energy and stamina will be tested in the hit prayer!

Will they be able to achieve it safely and get off to a good start? - -82020.12.06Sakurazaka46 1st single hit prayer campaign! (Second Half)The eight members of the Sakura Eight takes on the challenge of climbing a mountain to pray for a hit. The closer they get to the top, the steeper and steeper the path gets!

With their physical strength being depleted, will they be able to overcome the remaining four challenges and pray for a hit at the summit with everyone in attendance?Nobody's Fault -92020.12.13Let's get excited about the 1st single - Nobody's Fault game! (First Half)Challenged to play a game based on the lyrics of the first single 'Nobody's fault'! "Nobody's fault" = "It's nobody's fault" If you fail, you are jointly and severally responsible for the embarrassing punishment for all challengers! Onuma's unusual answer astonished everyone!Saishū no Chikatetsu ni Notte -102020.12.20Let's get excited about the 1st single - Nobody's Fault game! (Second Half)They continued to play a game based on the lyrics of 'Nobody's Fault'! The 'Guess Your Strengths' quiz, where if you get the answer wrong you'll be 'arrogant'!

Can you get the rhythm in silence and come out together at the chorus?Buddies -112020.12.272020 Year in Review! The Great Clear Up SPWe're holding out our annual shredding project at the end of the year with "Keyakitte, Kakenai?" Clear up "things you left behind this year" and "things you want to ask this year"!

Look back at the scenes that were cut and the surveys that were rejected!

Let's get rid of the members' dissatisfaction and welcome the new year with peace of mind!Naze Koi o Shite Konakattan darō? -

2021 EpisodeOriginal Broadcast DateEpisode TitleSynopsisStudio PerformanceRemarks122021.01.10Big New Year's Gift! Sakurazaka46 Great New Year's Party (1/3)In order to start 2021 with a smile, which will be an important year for Sakurazaka46, the program has made a big move!

The members compete for what they want, and the winner gets a present!

We'll bring you a gorgeous look in our best!Blue Moon Kiss -132021.01.17Big New Year's Gift! Sakurazaka46 Great New Year's Party (2/3)The members continue to battle it out for what they want! To further boost the New Year's party, we will enter the entertainment section!! The members show their tricks that they have prepared for this day! Don't miss the New Year's party, which is still going to be a lot of fun!Hanshinhangi -142021.01.24Big New Year's Gift! Sakurazaka46 Great New Year's Party (3/3)The New Year's party is finally on its last night! Who wins the rest of the game and gets what they want!? Kousaka and Masumoto perform magic during the members' entertainment time, which continues from last week! In addition, Onuma's talented swamp song will be unveiled for the first time!Plastic Regret -152021.01.31Sakurazaka46 Sense Queen Tournament (1/3)Who has the best sense among the members? Not only the sense of words, but also all other senses of art and design will be competed for and finally the MVP will be decided by Tsuchida!

New talents of the members will be discovered! - -162021.02.07Sakurazaka46 Sense Queen Tournament (1/3)Still to come! The Sense Queen Tournament! Sawabe puts on a fashion show wearing a T-shirt designed by a member! They also devise comments for the obi of an imaginary photo book of the members!

And the Zero Sense Queen is born!? - -172021.02.14Sakurazaka46 Sense Queen Tournament (1/3)The members came up with a program character!!

Then a battle breaks out between Inoue and Takemoto! And a video queen praised by Onuma-sensei makes her appearance!

Who will be crowned queen? - -182021.02.21Blue Moon Kiss Championship!!The project was held in honour of the song 'Blue Moon Kiss', which is very popular among fans! Before the chorus, Morita says "Oh, I kissed you" and the members show their original words according to the theme!!