[Interview] MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Interviews “Musubizm”—An Idol Group with Catchy Lyrics and a High Fashion Sense
(Starting from left: Mai Imai, Nami Yamada, Misa Kimura, Rurika Miyajima, Eru Shiina)
Nami: Of course! Musubizm aims to deliver Japan’s kawaii culture to the rest of the world. We do lots of this through things like our live concerts and with our outfits!
— What kind of songs do you generally make?
Misa: We have a lot of upbeat and exciting songs, but we also have songs from a number of different genres. Our new 3rd single is rooted in 80s synthpop with a kawaii touch in the music. Our previous single “Mahou no Kagi wo Te ni Iretara” was kindly made by Shouhei Hatakeyama from The Mirraz and has more of a band sound to it. I’m happy if all kinds of people can enjoy our music.
— What’s your favourite thing about your 3rd single “Kimi ni Yume CHU♡XX” which just came out on June 27th?
Eru: I thought that it was really cute when I first listened to it. Later, I thought that it left a really strong stylish impact. A scene forms inside your head from the lyrics, so I felt that all three of the songs were very girly.
— Which song is the easiest to sing?
Eru: For me, the easiest to sing might be “Koakuma na LOOK”. All of our songs up to now have had really upbeat choruses, but I get to sing Koakuma in a more relaxed way.
Rurika: For me it’s the title song, “Kimi ni Yume CHU♡XX”. It has a high tone and the chorus is really easy to sing. And I also like how the lyrics capture the reality of a girl’s everyday life!
Mai: The choreography for “Kimi e 100%” is cute. We make a heart shape with our hands for part of it. People join in with us doing it when we perform live, but I really like it when they look shy when doing it.
Nami: I find the fans doing it really cute when watching from the stage!♡
— I heard that your 3rd single is on repeat at Takeshita Street!
Eru: It sure is. “Kimi ni Yume CHU♡XX” is part of the BGM for Takeshita Street. What’s more is that it’s being played pretty loud, and 4 times an hour.
— Have you heard it yourselves?
Mai: I listened to it while walking through Takeshita Street before I came here, but it makes me a little embarrassed (laughs). There’s even a narration before the song starts that says “We are Musubizm,” so I think even people hearing it for the first time would realize that I’m part of the group.
Rurika: It might just be the perfect tempo for walking when listening to it!
Eru: It’s a catchy song, so I think it will stick in your head.
— The chorus certainly does have that kind of catchy tone that would make it stay in your head even after you leave Takeshita Street.
Eru: It made me think that we could brainwash all of the JK’s [female high school student] with it (laughs).
Misa: It will be playing until July 2nd, so I hope that JK’s walking through Takeshita Street will like it!
— You really have taken over Takeshita Street (laughs). Moving on, I was really surprised to hear that SIIILON were in charge of your outfits this time.
Eru: We’ve had a lot of outfits with a Japanese taste to them until now, but we went all out with hearts this time to fit with the song. And the see-through skirts are cute too! Girls seem to like it, too.
Rurika: They do. Girls often kindly complement us on how cute they are.
Misa: And the balloon sleeves are SIIILON’s speciality.
— I see that all of your tops are the same but your skirts are different colours.
Nami: Normally we all wear the same colours, but this time we got to pick our own for the skirts and chokers!
Eru: And this is the first time the shape of our outfits have all been the same.
Misa: The designs and skirt lengths are different for every outfit we wear, but we went with matching this time. There’s a lot of synchronization in the choreography for the song, so it makes us more uniform. We feel more like a group. I hope everyone can feel our unity like we’re an 80’s idol group as we perform our 80’s-style song.
— With these outfits and your new song in hand, where can people hope to see you next?
Misa: We’re currently holding release events for our single “Kimi ni Yume CHU♡XX”. We are performing live every day between June 26th and July 2nd where you can come and see us for free. We’re also performing both days at “Idol Yokochou Natsu Matsuri!! ~2017~” on July 8th and 9th at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. After that we’re scheduling to perform at lots of summer festivals.
— Do you have a song to recommend for first-time listeners?
Eru: I think a lot of people first heard our second single “Mahou no Kagi wo Te ni Iretara,” so I might recommend that one. There’s some ‘driving’ moves in the choreography which are easy to learn, so I’d definitely like to see people joining in with us for that at concerts.
Misa: The music video is fun and too. People like it so that makes me happy.
— Musubizm are also popular overseas. What other countries have your performed in?
Nami: San Francisco and Los Angeles in America, and London in England.
— When you performed in those places, did you feel that they were any different to performing in Japan?
Mai: They really get on board overseas!
Eru: Even people seeing us for the first time were dancing, so that got us pumped too!
Misa: We have a lot of foreign fans who became hardcore fans after coming to like us. They come and see us perform in Japan and make the effort to spread among fellow Japanese idol fans
— How do you communicate with your foreign fans?
Eru: When we meet with them at tokutenkai or handshake events after a concert, we do have fans that speak to us in Japanese, but there are also fans that only speak English, so we use gestures or try our best to speak in simple English. Feelings are conveyed through the handshakes so I think it’s okay! (laughs) Also, our leader here Misa Kimura can speak English, so we look to our leader and her facial expression when we’re in trouble (laughs).
— She’s a leader you can rely on. Do you have a message for your fans overseas?
Nami: I’m so happy at the comments we receive on Twitter from people telling us things like they have bought our CDs. But we haven’t been able to go abroad recently. I feel very strongly about going to see everyone and communicating with them in person. Please wait a while longer!
Eru: I want to go to around Asia too, like Taiwan.
Misa: The idol business is booming in France, so I want to try going to Paris!
— Finally, please tell us what’s next for Musubizm.
Misa: There are places in Japan where we have little experience with performing there, so I’d like to try and do something like a Tokyo-Nagoya-Osaka tour. We’re going to be performing at various festivals in summer, so I want to deliver the idol genre to not just idol fans, but to other people too. We want to steadily perform at a big venue, so I want to make this year the year to spread the know about Musubizm!
■Information
Musubizm
“Musubizm” are a 5-member idol unit who formed on December 19th, 2017. Their main mission is to tie (‘musubi’) Japan’s ‘kawaii’ culture to the rest of the world. They have departed Harajuku and are currently focusing on touring to tie kawaii everywhere they go. And they will tie it to you too!
■Musubizm / “Kimi ni Yume CHU♡XX”
On Sale: June 27th, 2017
Price: A-Version – ￥1,080 / B-Version – ￥1,080
＜Tracklist＞
【A-Version】
1. Kimi ni Yume CHU♡XX
2. Kimi e 100%キミへ100%
3. Kimi ni Yume CHU♡XX -Instrumental-
4. Kimi e 100% -Instrumental-
【B-Version】
1. Kimi ni Yume CHU♡XX
2. Koakuma na LOOK
3. Kimi ni Yume CHU♡XX -Instrumental-
4. Koakuma na LOOK -Instrumental-
Musubizm Official Website: http://musubizm.asobisystem.com
Related Article：Musubizm release music video for new song “Kimi ni Yume CHU♡XX”—It’s also playing at Takeshita Street in Harajuku!
Related Article：“Musubizm” will release their 3rd single “Kimini MuCHU♡XX” on the 27th of June, 2017!!
RELATED ENTRIES
-
“Musubizm” is an idol group which was formed in 2014 under the concept of “uniting everybody in the world with Japan’s kawaii culture.” They have been working hard both in Japan and abroad and they released their first CD “Maewo Muke!” in April, 2017.
They released their 2nd single “Maho no Kagi wo Teni Iretara” in November,
2016, their 3rd single “Kimini Mu CHU♡XX” in June, 2017 and they will release their 4th single (last single) “Koi no Senshi” on the 21st of November, 2017.
The website of MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON covered articles about them several times.The group will break up on the 10th of December 2017 which is the day that their 3rd anniversary live is going to be held at Shirogane Takawa SELENE b2.
Comments from the members
▼Eru ShiinaI think it was the members of the group, the staff and Musubizu (fans of the group) who helped Musubizm to continue until today.
We will work hard until our last day, the 10th of December.
Please support us until our last day.
▼Rurika MiyashimaI want to thank everyone who has been supporting our group.
It was my pleasure that I could meet everybody.
Thank you for finding us out of many idol groups.
We will try hard to return the favor to our fans.
Please keep supporting us until our last day.
▼Misa Kimura
The days I spent as the member of Musubizm were shining and I am very happy that I could meet the other members of the group. I am so thankful for this opportunity. And I’m sorry to surprise you. We have only a short time until our last day, the 10th of December but we will look forward and deliver our feelings of gratitude! Please support us until our last day.
▼Nami Yamada
I want to note that the ending of our activities is a positive decision and we talked a lot about it.I feel happy that I was able to work as a member of the group and meet our fans!
We don’t have much time left until the 10th of December but I will deliver our feeling of gratitude in my own way! Please support us until our last day.
▼Mai ImaiI’m sorry to surprise you. Very soon we will have our 3rd anniversary and at this timing we all considered what exactly we want to do in the future and this is the decision we arrived at.
I couldn’t have worked as an idol until now without the help of our fans. Thank you for your love. We don’t have much time left but we will work hard. Please support us until our last day.
It was a surprising piece of news, but I hope that every member of the group will take a first step forward.Let’s go to their live and witness their final performance.
◼︎InformationMusubizm LAST LIVE ～Last Musubuzo!～
Venue: Shirogane Takawa SELENE b2
〒108-0073, 2-30, 5th street, Mita, Minatoku, Tokyo
Date: 2017,12,10 (Sun.)
Open: 14:30 / Start 15:30
Pre-sold ticket 3,000 yen (drink fee is not included)
Same-day ticket 3,500 yen (drink fee is not included)
TicketRelease date: 2017,11,4 (Sat.) 10:00～
Rakuten Ticket: https://ticket.rakuten.co.jp/
Tickets will be sold on the product sales on the venues of the events that the group will perform at.
Persons who purchased the ticket via Rakuten Ticket can enter the venue first.
URL：http://musubizm.asobisystem.com/ -
Fashion check with idol group “Musubizm”, who aim to connect the people of the world with Japanese KAWAII culture.
Idol group Musubizm released their third single “Kimi ni MuCHU♡XX” on 27th June. Although clothing brand “SIIILON” has successfully created a new trend with their high style clothing, their casual wear is also worthy of admiration. Today, there are plenty of casual Musubizm’s fashion snaps for you to enjoy! ♡
It’s not just about taste, I want to wear clothes that I love/ Misa KimuraKimura: This is a dress with embroidery on black cloth and denim sleeves.
I love casual clothes, and if I think something has a hint of cute, I’ll buy it. I’m a dress person and I have a big collection!
I’m not too particular when it comes to taste – I just want to wear loads of different things. When it comes to colours and styles, I like vivid tones and something with embroidery.
Kimura: I am not just an idol, but also a magazine model. Usually, I like models and curry, and I spend a lot of time involving myself with these things on my days off. I’m also a fan of Magnolia Factory. I’ve been to many of their events such as handshake events, and I’ve also bought their photographs and goods from the Hello! Project shop.
I have even travelled to different districts just for curry. Recently, I was in Saitama and even Osaka. Nothing gets in my way when it comes to checking out new curry restaurants!
I’ve recently started to think that simple designs are quite cute /Eru Shiina
Shiina: A T-shirt and skirt is the perfect “rough look” combination. I also like baggy tops. I’ve always been a trousers girl but recently a simple T-shirt X skirt combo has started to appeal to me as quite cute. Today I’ve added a trendy gacha belt to complete the look!
I get my clothes from Harajuku and Shibuya. Kimura san makes me go with her!
Shiina: I love cats. I have two at home and they sleep in my room every night. I love them so much that I search for them from the moment I arrive home. I love them and they help me to unwind. When they’re not at home I dress up in a cat-themed outfit — even if I’m not going out!
I also love karaoke. I go every 1-2 weeks. I often sing anisongs (anime songs) by powerful female singers such as LiSA. I admire their power and passion!!Peach, ribbons etc – I’m all for girly style! ♡ / Nami Yamada
Yamada: I received a skirt from the other band members on my birthday! When I put it on, I was so happy. I like a milk tea shade of colour and ribbons – they are very Nami-like! I also find the combination of lace and tops with embroidery quite appealing. I like to finish off my look in a casual down-style with some trainers!
I often go to Laforet in Harajuku for shopping, however when I am with my family, we tend to go for the big shopping malls. I guess I buy most of my clothes from there. ♡
Yamada: Peach is my colour in the band. I love peaches, so I was so happy to be assigned this colour! Whether a peach is ready for eating or not depends on whether it is ripe enough! Despite this, my family sometimes asks me, “how about eating it already?” but no matter what they say, I will not settle for anything but the best! I’m so excited for peach season!
Simple clothes that fulfill their purpose – that’s my style. / Mai Imai
Imai: T-shirts with skirts, comfortable trousers – this is my style. This year, I’ve really come to like the feeling of wearing long skirts. They also have the added bonus of protection against sunburn! Simple clothing is my kind of thing.
I’m sharing a house with 5 girls and all of us have so many clothes. Everyone always asks me to try on things because they think it would suit me! One time, I wrote “These shoes are so cute!” as a status and I received pictures of people wearing my shoes! When it comes to fashion, I love borrowing and lending!
Imai: One of my problems is that I’m always sleepy. I feel refreshed after 12 hours of sleep. When I’m not sleeping, I read books. I love reading printed books and immersing myself in the world of the book. If I finish reading a book in one day, the sense of accomplishment is indescribable.
My rule: To wear cute black clothing ♡/ Rurika Miyajima
Miyajima: Today’s outfit is a black dress and subtle pink sandals. This combination of black and dull pink is exquisite and cute!
I’m quite worried because I do most my clothes shopping online. At night, I like to laze around in my room and browse the web for clothes and cosmetics. As I am falling asleep, I sometimes buy things that I don’t plan on buying and I always get a shock when they arrive! I’ll be careful from now on!
Miyajima: Strawberries are cute and I want to spread this part of Kawaii culture all over the world! I’m also working as Miss Ichigo! When it comes to strawberries, leave it to me!
I used to really like akihime strawberries, which were very soft and fresh – I preferred to walk and eat them rather than find some standard ones in the supermarket. Now, I’ve grown an interest towards skyberry strawberries. Up until recently, they’ve been sour, however, through selective breeding, they’ve become incredibly tasty!
photo：Kayo Sekiguchi
edit & text：Tomoko YabutaSource：HARAJUKU KAWAii!! STLE
■InformationThe five girls of Musubizm aim to connect the people of the world with Japanese “Kawaii” (cute) culture. They were officially made into an entertainment idol unit on 19th December 2014. The girls have currently leaped out of Harajuku (Tokyo), hitting other areas with their live action. Musubizm wants to be the bridge of Japanese Kawaii culture, linking everyone together!!!
・ Musubizm／『Kimi ni Mu CHU♡XX』
Release date：27th June 2016（Tuesday）
Prices：
CD disc A ￥1,080
CD disc B ￥1,080
＜Song list＞
【CD disc A】
1. Kimi ni MuCHU♡XX
2. Kimi he100%
3. Kimi ni MuCHU♡XX -Instrumental-
4. Kimi he100% -Instrumental-
【CD disc B】
1. Kimi ni MuCHU♡XX
2. Koakuma na LOOK
3. Kimi ni MuCHU♡XX -Instrumental-
4.Koakuma na LOOK -Instrumental-
Musubizim official website
http://musubizm.asobisystem.comRelated article：[Interview] MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Interviews “Musubizm”—An Idol Group with Catchy Lyrics and a High Fashion Sense
Related Article：Musubizm release music video for new song “Kimi ni Yume CHU♡XX”—It’s also playing at Takeshita Street in Harajuku!
-
Musubizm release music video for new song “Kimi ni Yume CHU♡XX”—It’s also playing at Takeshita Street in Harajuku!
The music video for Musubizm's third single "Kimi ni Yume CHU♡XX," which will hit shelves on June 27th, has finally been released.
The song takes on an 80's synthpop vibe and the catchy sound of bubblegum bass, a genre from London where they are at the forefront of dance music production. Combined with the 'kawaii-ness' symbolic of Tokyo, "Kimi ni Yume CHU♡XX" serves up a progressive sound.
The music video was directed by naoeikka who has helped shoot live footage of the group in the past. SIIILON were in charge of the outfits, a fashion brand who aim to deliver a "new standard" for fashion.
In the run up to the release of "Kimi ni Yume CHU♡XX," the song will serve as the background music (BGM) to Takeshita Street, the heart of Harajuku's fashion culture. The song was introduced in the area on June 19th and will play for a limited period of time.
In support of the group's new release, Musubizm will tour at numerous locations around Japan as continue to embody and deliver the quintessential element of Japan—'kawaii.' If you're are in Tokyo and plan to visit Harajuku, be sure to listen out for "Kimi ni Yume CHU♡XX" as you walk down the bustling Takeshita Street!■Information
Kimi ni Yume CHU♡XXOn Sale June 27th, 2017
Price: ￥1,000 (tax excluded) - A-version (FPJ-60006) / B-version (FPJ-60007)
＜Takeshita Street BGM＞
Playing: June 19th to July 2nd
Time: 10:00-19:00
The song will play at --:00, --:15, --:30, and --:45 every hour.
Musubizm Official Homepage: http://musubizm.asobisystem.com/Related article：“Musubizm” will release their 3rd single “Kimini MuCHU♡XX” on the 27th of June, 2017!!
Related article：Announcement of 1st single 「Musbizm」formed under ASOBISYSTEM
-
The long waited 3rd single “Kimini MuCHU♡XX” of the idol group “Musubizm” (with a new producer) will be released soon.
The three songs included in the single are produced under the theme of “not being a typical idol song” and are an ever-changing sound which represents Tokyo’s “kawaii” culture mixed with London’s bubble gum bass which represents the latest dance music based on the 80’s synthesizer pop.
The songs which are a mixture of catchy melodies and lyrics produced by the budding song writer SEIJ are causing a stir in the format of modern idol songs.
With regards to the art work, Yuko Abe of ASOBISYSTEM is the art director of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd single based on the concept of “80’s × modern style” which is also the concept of the sound of the works.
You will surely be allured by the new “Musubizm” who are broadcasting Japan’s “kawaii” culture to the world!
Related article：Announcement of 1st single 「Musbizm」formed under ASOBISYSTEM
Related article：Musubizm and the Chocolate Factory!
■Information
Release date: June 27th, 2017
Musubizm
3rd single “Kimini MuCHU♡XX”
Price: 1,000 yen (tax is not included) / A version （FPJ-60006）, B version （FPJ-60007）
■Included titles
【A version】
- Kimini MuCHU♡XX
- Kimie 100%
- Kimini MuCHU♡XX -Instrumental-
- Kimie 100% -Instrumental-
【B version】
- Kimini MuCHU♡XX
- Koakumana LOOK
- Kimini MuCHU♡XX -Instrumental-
- Koakumana LOOK -Instrumental-
■Event information
June 17th, 2017 “YATSUI FESTIVAL! 2017”
June 22nd, 2017 “Kimini MuCHU♡XX” release event at Tower Record’s Shinjuku store
July 8th & 9th, 2017 “Idol Yokocho Natsumatsuri!! 〜2017〜”
July 31st, 2017 One-man live “Musubuzo One-man! 〜Harajuku Kouryaku Seyo!〜” at Harajuku ASTRO HALL
-
【Outdoor Area/Matsuri stage 】What to expect at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2016！Free entry and tons to do!
The MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL isn’t just an indoor event, there’s lots going on outside the venue too. Stage performances, food, photo spots and more, there’s plenty for you to enjoy. In this section we will dissect what exactly you can expect from the outdoor area at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2016!
【MATSURI STAGE】
“Matsuri” is the Japanese word for festival, and as the name suggests there are plenty of matsuri performances you should check out. Let’s take a look at what artists you’ll have the chance to see on the MATSURI STAGE.
・DAY1
A live stage that will not fail to get you excited!
Taking to the stage will be idol and creative unit Niji No Conquistador; Musubizm, a 5-member idol group who tie together Japanese kawaii culture and the world; and new generation famous pop icon Yun*chi, whose career spans from the J-pop and anime song industry to the creative scene.
TOKYO OTAKU FESTIVAL ～Daisenkou Nippon～
Idol DJs performing idol songs will be taking to the MATSURI stage for “TOKYO OTAKU FESTIVAL ～Daisenkou Nippon～”! Not only will there be idols DJ’ing songs, but there will be lots of other idol performances backing up the DJ’s too. After the performances, the idols will take out their “saisenbako” or offertory box and head around the crowd.
・DAY2
Lots to do on Day 2 too! How about the live stage?
On day 2 you can expect to see “Osaka☆Syunkasyuto”, an idol unit made up of beautiful girls. You won’t ever forget their performance as they dazzle you by singing an amalgamation of different genres from rock to funk and ballads while dancing. There will also be a performance from idol group Lovely Doll, who are known for their catchphrase “Always your doll♪” (translated from: いつでもあなたのお人形♪). They will most definitely put on a performance overflowing with entertainment. Yano Anna, who is working as part of livetune+, is also scheduled to perform.
7-member performance unit COJIRASE THE TRIP, who fuse song and dance to create a fantastical world, will also take to the stage, as well as two-member electronica act Kus Kus, who are currently gaining major popularity in Japan. You can also look forward to traditional Japanese arts performances and mascot characters on stage.
■Outdoor area contents
・Outdoor area / FOOD AREA (NIPPON UMAI YOKOCHO)
■Information
MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2016 in TOKYO
Venue：TOKYO TAIIKUKAN (1-17-1 Sendagaya Shibuyaku Tokyo)
Date：November 26th(Sat.) and 27th(Sun.) , 2016
Tickets：http://msmsnippon16-1.peatix.com
※Foreigners who register beforehand can enter the venue free of charge on condition that they show their passport or residence card to the entry staff on the day of the event
-
The group concept is to tie together Japanese kawaii culture and the world, and they will release a long-awaited 1st single “Maewomuke!” on July 5,2016 (Tue) as a group that embody a lot of Japanese kawaii culture.
“Maewomuke!” is a positive cheering song made by miifuu who also provided music to many idols, for instance, BiS “nerve” and a vocal of the・challenge Sawada Challenge wrote the lyrics.
B-side song is going to be “our worldへ” made by “Hashida Kazuma” （箱庭の室内楽） and lyrics by Ai Kobayashi.
Musubizm is going to perform at “FUJIYAMA PROJECT JAPAN 1ST year anniversary event” on April 23 @ MUSE in Osaka and May 3 @ BLAZE in Shinjuku.
<Musubizm Profile>
Musubism was formed on December 19, 2014 by five members (Eru Shiina, Rurika Miyajima, Misa Kimura, Nami Yamada and Mai Imai) chosen from many candidates of “ASOBISYSTEM IDOL PROJECT”.
■Information
Release：Musubizm 1stsingle July 5 2016（Tue）
Maewomuke！Gold disc/FPJ-60001/ 1500yen（including tax）
Tracklist
- Maewomuke！
- our world e
- (coming soon)
- Maewomuke！（instrumental）
＋DVD
Maewomuke！Silver disk /FPJ-60002/ 1000yen（including tax）
Track list
- Maewomuke！
- our world e
- (coming soon)
- Maewomuke！（instrumental）
