The Surprise Idol Performance at Nihon University's Entrance Ceremony

On April 8, 2026, approximately 18,000 new students gathered at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan for Nihon University's annual entrance ceremony, one of Japan's largest private universities with over 70,000 students across 16 colleges. What began as a traditional formal event quickly transformed into an electrifying spectacle when popular idol group Nogizaka46 made a surprise appearance. The performance, featuring hits like 'Influencer' and 'Synchronicity,' as well as their new track 'The Last Time I Ran Up the Stairs?', captivated the freshmen, marking a memorable welcome to university life.

This collaboration stemmed from Nogizaka46 member Hayashi Runa's recent graduation from the university's College of Art. Nihon University has a history of incorporating celebrity performances into its ceremonies to boost student engagement and create lasting memories. Just last year, sister group Hinatazaka46 performed at the graduation ceremony, highlighting the institution's strategy to blend pop culture with academic milestones.

The highlight came during the finale when colorful silver tape—known as 'gin tape' in idol concert culture—was launched into the air. Printed with 'Nihon University' and 'Nogizaka46' logos in silver, pink, and purple varieties, the confetti rained down, symbolizing celebration and unity. Attendees eagerly collected the tapes as souvenirs, unaware that this simple gesture would ignite a national controversy within hours.

Silver Tape Emerges as Hot Commodity on Mercari

Mercari, Japan's leading flea market app with millions of users, saw an immediate surge in listings for the special silver tape. By the evening of the ceremony, sets of three colors (silver, pink, purple) were being offered for around 5,000 yen (approximately $33 USD), with individual pieces fetching 1,000 to 2,000 yen. Many listings sold out rapidly, with sellers noting the tapes' 'limited edition' status and event exclusivity.

This resale frenzy is not isolated. In Japanese idol culture, silver tape has become a prized collectible, often traded or sold among fans for its scarcity and personalization. At standard concerts, plain tapes are common, but event-specific prints like those from university ceremonies command premium prices due to their uniqueness. Mercari searches for 'Nihon University silver tape Nogizaka46' exploded, with over a dozen listings appearing within hours, some marked as 'beautiful condition' despite being floor-scraped confetti.

The rapid commodification raised eyebrows, as university officials had explicitly warned attendees during the event against any sales activities, emphasizing the tapes were for personal keepsakes only. Despite this, the allure of profit proved irresistible for some, turning a symbolic gesture into a marketplace item.

University's Swift Response and the Fake Official Account Saga

As listings proliferated, screenshots circulated on X (formerly Twitter) showing comments from a Mercari account purporting to be 'Nihon University official.' The comments stated: 'This item's transfer or resale to non-university affiliates is prohibited. We have reported it to headquarters and will take appropriate measures.' Listings were subsequently deleted, sparking viral praise for the university's 'crackdown.' Users lauded, 'Nihon University is handling resale perfectly!' and 'Great crisis management!'

However, J-CAST News investigation revealed the account was not affiliated with the university. Nihon University confirmed, 'That Mercari account has no relation to our institution,' adding they had issued on-site warnings but no official Mercari presence. The identity of the vigilant commenter remains unknown—possibly a staff member, alumni, or dedicated fan—but the incident boosted the university's image as anti-resale vigilant.

The university is now reviewing stricter measures, potentially including student identification for tape distribution or post-event monitoring, to prevent future incidents.

Public Reactions: Praise, Debate, and Cultural Reflections

Social media erupted with mixed sentiments. Fans celebrated the performance's joy, with posts like 'Best entrance ceremony ever!' from students. Anti-resale advocates applauded the response, viewing it as a stand against commercialization of sacred academic moments. Critics, however, questioned why universities provide collectible items prone to resale, suggesting plain confetti instead.

• Positive: 'University protecting event integrity—respect!' (thousands of likes).
• Critical: 'Fans ruining it for everyone with greed.'
• Humorous: Memes of 'silver tape millionaires' among new students.

The episode highlights Japan's resale culture, where even confetti fetches value amid idol fandom's fervor. Platforms like Mercari facilitate quick flips, but events with IP (intellectual property) from groups like Nogizaka46 amplify issues.

Tradition of Idol Performances in Japanese University Ceremonies

Nihon University's celebrity tradition dates back years. Recent examples include:

• Hinatazaka46 at 2025 graduation (alumna Kanemura Miku).
• Kindai University (Kinki University) famous for student idol group 'Kindai Girls' at openings.
• Other unis like Fukuoka U, Miyazaki International U host performances to energize rites of passage.

These events foster school spirit, but silver tape introduces risks. In idol concerts, tape collection is ritualistic; at universities, it blurs lines between souvenir and commodity.

Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Resale at Official Events

Japan's anti-resale laws (e.g., ticket scalping bans) don't directly cover confetti, but universities claim proprietary rights over event materials. Nihon U views tapes as non-transferable. Ethically, resale undermines communal joy, prioritizing profit over memory.J-CAST reports detail the legal gray area.

Stakeholders:

• University admins: Balance excitement with control; future events may limit tape or use dissolvable materials.
• Students: Mixed—excitement vs. embarrassment over peers' actions.
• Fans: Collectibles hold sentimental value; resale funds more merch.
• Idol agencies: Promote goodwill but monitor IP misuse.

Implications for Higher Education Event Management

This incident spotlights challenges in Japan's higher ed:

1. Pop culture integration: Boosts morale but invites external behaviors like resale.
2. Digital monitoring: Unis must patrol platforms like Mercari proactively.
3. Student conduct codes: Potential sanctions for violators, affecting records.
4. Budget considerations: Custom tapes cost thousands; resale devalues investment.

Comparable cases: Universities like Kindai U manage crowds with idol acts successfully, but Nihon U's scale amplifies issues.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Cultural Context

From administrators: 'Presents meant for memory, not market' (paraphrased uni statement).

Students: Thrilled by surprise, some apologetic for resale peers.

Fans: Defend collecting as fandom norm; suggest official sales channels.

In Japan, idol-university ties reflect kawaii culture's academia permeation—student idol clubs, campus events. Yet, resale underscores commercialization tensions.

Future Outlook and Actionable Insights

Nihon U may digitize memorabilia (NFTs?) or ban printed tape. Unis could:

• Pre-event resale NDAs.
• Partner with idols for official merch post-event.
• Educate on ethics via orientation.

This controversy, while minor, reminds higher ed of balancing spectacle with sanctity. As Japanese universities vie for talent amid enrollment declines, engaging events remain key—but managed wisely.

For event planners: Step-by-step risk mitigation—1. Assess memorabilia value; 2. Clear policies; 3. Monitor resale sites; 4. Rapid response protocols; 5. Post-event reviews.

Photo by Mishaal Zahed on Unsplash