On August 30th (Sunday), the idol group ≠ME (Not Equal Me, commonly known as Noime), produced by Rino Sashihara, appeared at the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters vs. Chiba Lotte Marines game held at Es Con Field HOKKAIDO. From the first pitch just before the game to the "Kitsune Dance" between innings and a special live performance after the game, they energized the stadium with a variety of performances.
Nanaka Tomita Takes the First Pitch with Jersey Number 7! Where Did the Heartfelt Throw Go?
Nanaka Tomita challenging the first pitch ©︎H.N.F.
Member Nanaka Tomita served as the first pitcher on the mound just before the game. Wearing a Fighters home uniform with the number "7" inspired by her own name, she stepped onto the mound with a nervous expression. Her heartfelt throw, watched by the other members, unfortunately bounced once just before the plate but was successfully caught in the catcher's mitt.
After the throw, Tomita showed a hint of frustration but bowed to the stands with a beaming smile. She then ran back to her fellow members amidst warm applause.
https://x.com/FightersPR/status/2093919468791767052
All Members Appear for the "Kitsune Dance"! Noime's Overwhelming Heroine Presence
Moeko Kanisawa performing the Kitsune Dance ©︎H.N.F.
During the innings, all members appeared for the "Kitsune Dance." Their adorable appearance, wearing fox ears and tails matching the team's official cheer team "Fighters Girl," quickly spread on social media and became a hot topic.
Member Momo Sakurai reflected on her Instagram account, expressing her joy: "I was so happy to do the Kitsune Dance I've always admired."
https://x.com/FightersPR/status/2093947658184585711
Performed on the Victorious Field! A Special Live Show That Wrapped Es Con Field in Even More Heat
Performance during the "AFTER GAME" special live after the match ©︎H.N.F.
The Fighters won the game with a go-ahead hit by Shun Mizutani, marking their third consecutive comeback victory. After the game, the special live performance by ≠ME, held on the field where the excitement of the heated match still lingered, wrapped Es Con Field in even more fervor.
The songs performed during the approximately 30-minute special live were as follows:
- Ai Kudasaimase
- Kassai Parade
- Kyunkawa Jinsei
- Kurukuru Kakigori
- summer haze
- Koko de First Kiss
- Kimi wa Kono Natsu, Koi wo Suru
- Last Chance, Last Dance
It was a packed 30 minutes that fully showcased their charm, from cute smiles to powerful performances. The special live was a huge success, adding flair to the Fighters' hard-fought victory.
Text by Sari Ikeda
