The idol group Hinatazaka46 announced that they will release their 17th single, "Kind of love," on May 20th. The announcement was made as a surprise at the end of their anniversary concert, "7th Hinatan Festival," held at Yokohama Stadium (Naka Ward, Yokohama City) on April 5th, and the song was performed for the first time then.
The center position will be held by Kaho Fujishima, a member of the 4th generation. Fujishima previously served as a double center with fellow member Yoko Shogenji on the 12th single "Zettai-teki Dai Rokkan" (2024), but this will be her first time serving as the solo center for a title track.
The front row will be comprised of Fujishima, Shogenji Yoko, and Manami Ono. In addition, all three members of the 3rd generation— Hinano Kamimura, Takahashi Mikuni, Morimoto Mari, and Haruyo Yamaguchi—have been selected for the group.
On social media, fans commented things like, "Isn't it really unusual to announce the formation during a live performance!?", "Congratulations Kahorin!", "Congratulations on Kahorin being the solo center!", "Congratulations to all the third-generation members for being selected! Tears!", "This is the first time Hinatazaka46 has had a song with this kind of feel as a title track!", and "It's so Latin! It's really upbeat and great!".
◇ "Kind of Love" formation (titles omitted)
Third row, 6 members: Miyaji Sumire, Watanabe Rina, Haruyo Yamaguchi, Morimoto Mari, Shimizu Rio, Takahashi Mikuni
Second row, 5 people: Saki Katayama, Hinano Kamimura, Nao Kosaka, Miku Kanemura, Sakura Matsuo
Front row (3 people): Yoko Shogenji, Kaho Fujishima, Manami Ono
