Sakurazaka46's Shizuki Yamashita & Yui Takemoto Unveiled on Cover & Back Cover of 'B.L.T. June Issue'! Featuring a Massive 35-Page, 26,000+ Word Feature Showcasing the Group's 'Inheritance and Evolution' including a 'National Stadium' Live Report!!

Tokyo News Service will release the entertainment magazine 'B.L.T. June 2026 Issue', which introduces female idols, actresses, and voice actresses through high-quality gravures and long interviews, on Tuesday, April 28. It is available for pre-order at bookstores and online bookstores nationwide.

'B.L.T. June 2026 Issue' (Published by Tokyo News Service) Photography by Masato Yokoyama

Appearing on the cover and opening pages of the 'B.L.T. June 2026 Issue' released on Tuesday, April 28, is Shizuki Yamashita from Sakurazaka46, who will be releasing their 15th single 'Lonesome rabbit / What's "KAZOKU"?' on Wednesday, June 10. The cover image has now been unveiled. The cover utilizes a cut of her wearing a black sleeveless outfit, piercing the viewer with a straight gaze. Her clear white skin is striking, and attention is drawn to her expression where a quiet resolve and hidden inner strength coexist.

'B.L.T. June 2026 Issue' (Published by Tokyo News Service) Photography by Kazunori Fujimoto

Additionally, the image of Sakurazaka46's Yui Takemoto gracing the back cover has also been released. An emotional cut was chosen, showing a relaxed, natural Takemoto standing against a backdrop of fully blooming cherry blossom trees. The back cover beautifully expresses her warm personality and the ephemeral nature of her impending graduation from the group.

Sakurazaka46's Shizuki Yamashita appears on the cover and opening pages of 'B.L.T.' for the first time in about 1 year and 4 months.

'B.L.T. June 2026 Issue' (Published by Tokyo News Service) Photography by Masato Yokoyama

The photo shoot took place in an art theater bathed in rich natural light. Within this mystical space where soft light and tranquil air blend together, the gravure quietly highlights Yamashita's sense of transparency and inner fortitude.

'B.L.T. June 2026 Issue' (Published by Tokyo News Service) Photography by Masato Yokoyama

Sakurazaka46 has just completed their '5th YEAR ANNIVERSARY LIVE' held at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium). Amidst the lingering resonance of this historic performance that drew approximately 140,000 people, Yamashita spoke in a 10,000-word interview about her feelings when the National Stadium live was confirmed: 'Rather than what I did, I felt that the accumulation of everything Sakurazaka46 has done so far led to this unparalleled opportunity, and I am incredibly happy to be able to participate in it.' In addition to this, centering around episodes related to the National Stadium live concert, she speaks in unvarnished words about her thoughts as someone in the position of inheriting the history built by the first and second generation members.

'B.L.T. June 2026 Issue' (Published by Tokyo News Service) Photography by Masato Yokoyama

We invite you to see for yourself the 'current state' of Sakurazaka46 as they continue to evolve with their new single, and Shizuki Yamashita, who shines quietly but surely at the center of it all.

Furthermore, Yui Takemoto, who is preparing to graduate from Sakurazaka46, appears on the back cover & inside gravure! 'If I were to be reborn, I'd want to be an idol as a member of Sakurazaka46 once again.'

'B.L.T. June 2026 Issue' (Published by Tokyo News Service) Photography by Kazunori Fujimoto

From Sakurazaka46, second-generation member Yui Takemoto appears on the back cover and inside gravure. Having joined the predecessor Keyakizaka46 as a second-generation member in '18, she has supported the group with her innate dance performances and variety skills, and will graduate from the group following activities for the 14th single 'The growing up train'. In this issue, a 12-page long gravure & interview is included to commemorate her graduation. In the photo shoot, her roughly 7 and a half years of journey seem to seep into her gentle expressions, gaze, and supple posing. In a retro yakiniku restaurant, there are also scenes of her chatting with staff while cheekily eating meat wrapped in fragrant smoke. She showed her characteristic innocent and unpretentious smile. In the over 10,000-word long interview, while looking back on her 7 and a half years of activities saying, 'If I were to be reborn, I'd want to be an idol as a member of Sakurazaka46 once again,' she talks about her bond with captain Rina Matsuda and her peers, her thoughts for her juniors, her own best act, and her gratitude to 'Buddies'.

'B.L.T. June 2026 Issue' (Published by Tokyo News Service) Photography by Kazunori Fujimoto

Includes a live report of Sakurazaka46's '5th YEAR ANNIVERSARY LIVE', which thrilled an audience of approximately 140,000!!

We report on Sakurazaka46's '5th YEAR ANNIVERSARY LIVE' held at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12 from B.L.T.'s unique perspective! This live concert, the first performance at the new National Stadium by a female group, drew about 140,000 people over two days. We deliver the full picture of these historic two days with immersive photos and text covering the overwhelming performances, evolved staging, and the members' words.

Gentle moments spent with Nogizaka46 6th Generation member, Akari Umibe

'B.L.T. June 2026 Issue' (Published by Tokyo News Service) Photography by No