In 2011, Sakurai auditioned for Nogizaka46 and was chosen as one of the first generation members. Her audition song was
Happiness's "Kiss Me". She was chosen as one of the members performing on their debut single "
Guruguru Curtain", released on February 22, 2012. She took the front position for Nogizaka46's second single "
Oide Shampoo", released on May 2, 2012. In June 2012, she was appointed the captain of Nogizaka46. After graduating from high school, she studied
sociology at college. In April 2013, she regularly appeared on the television drama
Bad Boys J with other Nogizaka46 members. in 2014 From October 25 to November 9, 2014, she played the heroine in the musical
Mr. Kaminari, alongside former Nogizaka46 bandmate
Misa Etō. In 2016, she was cast as the leading role in
Kiraware Matsuko no Isshō, a stage adaptation of the film
Memories of Matsuko. Former Nogizaka46 bandmate Yumi Wakatsuki also played the same role. In February 2017, she shot herself to promote her photo book titled
Jiyu to Iu Koto which was released on March 8, 2017. On July 8, 2019, Sakurai announced that she would be graduating from Nogizaka46 on September 1, 2019, timing her graduation to coincide with the final stop of the group's national summer tour. On March 1, 2021, she has opened an official web site and fan club. == Discography ==