“Yume de Kiss Me!” (夢でKiss me!, literally “Kiss Me in a Dream!”) is a very memorable and cherished solo song by Miyawaki Sakura (currently a member of LE SSERAFIM) during her time as a member of AKB48 and HKT48.
Here’s a breakdown of the song and its significance:
- Release Information:
- Single: It was released as a coupling song (B-side) on AKB48’s 54th single, “No Way Man”.
- Release Date: November 28, 2018.
- Context: “No Way Man” was the last AKB48 single featuring Miyawaki Sakura, Yabuki Nako, and Honda Hitomi before they went on hiatus to promote with IZ*ONE. As Sakura was the center for “No Way Man,” she was given a solo song on the single.
- Performer:
- Miyawaki Sakura (宮脇咲良): At the time, she was a prominent member of HKT48 (Team KIV) and concurrently an AKB48 member. This song truly showcased her “idol” charm.
- Musical Style & Lyrics:
- Genre: J-Pop, Idol Pop.
- Melody: It’s an upbeat, sweet, and incredibly catchy song. It has a cheerful and slightly dreamy vibe that perfectly suits the lyrics and Sakura’s idol image.
- Lyrics: Penned by Akimoto Yasushi, the lyrics tell the story of a girl who has a crush and wishes for a kiss from that person, even if it’s only in her dreams. It’s innocent, romantic, and full of youthful longing, embodying the classic “first love” idol song theme.
- Significance for Miyawaki Sakura and Fans:
- Her Last AKB48/HKT48 Solo: This is arguably the most significant aspect of “Yume de Kiss Me!”. Because it was released just before her temporary departure for IZ*ONE activities, it served as a poignant “farewell” song from her AKB48/HKT48 solo career for her fans. It was her last solo track from the 48 Group before her official graduation in 2021.
- Showcasing Her Idol Charm: The song perfectly encapsulated the “Sakura-chan” idol image that fans adored – cute, dreamy, and a little bit shy but hopeful.
- Fan Favorite: It quickly became a beloved solo track among her fans (Sakura-oshi) and a memorable part of her AKB48/HKT48 discography. It’s often associated with a bittersweet feeling due to its timing.
In essence, “Yume de Kiss Me!” is a charming and iconic solo song for Miyawaki Sakura, cherished by fans not only for its catchy tune and sweet lyrics but also for its significant placement in her career as a temporary send-off before her venture into IZ*ONE.
Performances since LE SSERAFIM’s debut:
- 2023 FEARNADA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSc_K0p-GNM (All members, a performance to celebrate Sakura’s birthday)
- 2024 FEARNADA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzN7oBZn3M8 (Sakura, Kazuha, Eunchae)