"@onefive" is a four-member group formed in 2019. Members KANO, SOYO, GUMI, and MOMO were classmates in "Sakura Gakuin," a limited-time unit of elementary and junior high school girls belonging to "Amuse" (they graduated in the spring of 2020). They had been working together since before the group was formed and were bound by a strong bond. We spoke to the four members, who are now even more passionate about their activities as they aim to hold their first solo concert at the Nippon Budokan (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) next spring.
◇I feel really comfortable in a relationship where we can complement each other.
Currently, the group is releasing digital singles for three consecutive months under the banner of "Road to Budokan." They have just finished their Tokyo performance of a solo concert, which is part of their preparation for a performance at Budokan next spring.
KANO said, "It's been over 10 years since we started working together, but I still believe we have unlimited potential that we ourselves cannot even imagine. I feel that we are steadily moving forward while clearly defining what we should be doing now and what is expected of us, so I want to pursue that even more and work hard." She revealed her sense of accomplishment but also made sure to stay focused.
Having worked together for a long time, their bond has become a great asset.
MOMO, who describes the relationship between the four as "like real childhood friends," explains, "We've been together for so long that it feels like we're together more than our own families, so we're on the same wavelength, and although we're serious about our activities and working hard towards our goals, we also goof around a lot at times, and I really like the fun atmosphere of the four of us who never forget to have fun."
SOYO said, "We've never had a fight, and I think that's because we can properly communicate what we don't like, including how we say it. We all know each other's strengths and weaknesses, and we have a very comfortable relationship where we can complement each other." GUMI added, "Definitely our looks! When we're together normally, we don't really notice it, but if you look closely, everyone has a cute face (laughs)."
◇Because these four have experienced so many different things
Their journey so far hasn't always been smooth sailing; naturally, there have been twists and turns. Throughout that time, as MOMO puts it, they've challenged themselves with a variety of song types, "from energetic, cute, childlike songs to songs that are entirely focused on dance performance, the kind that the public might call K-POP-esque."
The result was the concept of a "new kind of idol" that doesn't fit into any existing category.
MOMO said, "They have the 'cute' and 'energetic' qualities typical of Japanese idols, but their performance level is also incredibly high, and they can easily handle cool songs. I think @onefive's charm lies in the fact that these four have experienced so many different things, something that you won't find in just any idol group or just any girl group."
This concept is clearly evident in the three consecutive digital singles released over the months. Following "Berishubitt," a song from their Sakura Gakuin days, they incorporated the melody of "Oklahoma Mixer," a well-known folk dance song, into "M1X5R (Mixer)," and "Muteki☆Atashi Mode," which samples BABYMETAL's signature song "Dokidoki☆Morning." The same can be said for their performances.
KANO said, "We've been doing this together since we were little, so the basics of our dancing are similar, and at first glance all four of us look very synchronized, but if you look closely, you can see that our hand movements are slightly different. That's where the individuality of all four of us comes through, but the fact that we look perfectly synchronized when viewed objectively is a huge strength of ours, and I think a performance that shows both our unity and the individuality of each of us is the best."
You can experience this firsthand at their solo live show in Osaka, held at BIG CAT on July 3rd.
GUMI said, "I think this will be a live show that really encapsulates our current state and feelings as we head towards Budokan, and will be the culmination of everything we've done so far. I hope our fans will be able to accept our determination and feelings." SOYO added, "The great thing about @onefive's live shows is that even first-timers can definitely enjoy them. We've also prepared a party part where everyone in the venue can enjoy themselves together, so I want to give my all in my performance so that we can create wonderful memories with everyone."
