Five Sakurazaka46 members took the stage at Tokyo's KANDA SQUARE HALL on March 4th for the "Manga We Want to See Animated Ranking 2026" awards ceremony.

Matsuda Rina, Morita Hikaru, Taniguchi Aiki, Nakashima Yuzuki, and Matino Mio represented the popular idol group at the event, which highlights manga series that fans hope will receive anime adaptations.

The ceremony drew attention when Matino Mio presented a particularly unusual manga featuring characters who fight with swords tucked between their buttocks. Her enthusiastic presentation of this unconventional battle concept reportedly left fellow member Morita Hikaru unable to stop laughing.

Sakurazaka46, formerly known as Keyakizaka46, continues to expand their activities beyond music into various entertainment sectors. The group's participation in manga and anime-related events reflects the growing crossover between idol culture and otaku entertainment in Japan.

The annual ranking ceremony serves as a barometer for which manga properties might attract animation studios' attention, making it a significant event for both manga publishers and anime fans. Having popular idol groups like Sakurazaka46 participate helps bridge different fan communities and potentially brings wider attention to featured manga series.