Sakurazaka46 is an idol group produced by Akimoto Yasushi. It was formed as the second group in the Sakamichi Series in August 2015 after screening 22,509 audition applicants. The group debuted as Keyakizaka46 with their first single “Silent Majority” on 6 April 2016. In July 2020, it was announced that they would go on hiatus and be renamed. In October the same year, they restarted their activities. They received recognition for their skills and buzz factor, and performed in the 71st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.