Nogizaka46 is a Japanese female idol group produced by Yasushi Akimoto, created as the official rival of the group AKB48. They are the first group from the Sakamichi Series, which also includes sister groups Sakurazaka46, Yoshimotozaka46, and Hinatazaka46.

Yasushi Akimoto is a Japanese record producer, lyricist, and television writer, best known for creating and producing some of Japan's top idol groups, Onyanko Club and the AKB48 franchise. Total sales of the singles he has written exceed 100 million copies, making him the best-selling lyricist in Japan.