Idol project KAWAII LAB. kicked off its new program, KAWAII LAB’s Road to Being Super KAWAII, on TV Asahi’s official YouTube channel ‘Douga, Hajimetemimashita.’

KAWAII LAB. groups FRUITS ZIPPER, CANDY TUNE, SWEET STEADY, and CUTIE STREET will participate in the program, featuring projects that transcend group boundaries. In addition, a special third anniversary performance, KAWAII LAB. 3rd Anniversary Special LIVE ‘Watashitachino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro,’ will take place on February 22, 2025 at K Arena Yokoyama. All KAWAII LAB. groups will perform, including a mixed unit performance exclusively for the event. Tickets are now available for pre-order.

A collaboration cafe will be held at the EX Garden Cafe in the atrium on the first floor of TV Asahi’s headquarters from November 14 until December 26 to celebrate the start of the new program and the KAWAII LAB. special live performance at K Arena Yokohama. Visitors can enjoy food and drinks inspired by each group in the decorated restaurant, and original goods will also be available.

[Member Comments]
FRUITS ZIPPER: Yui Sakurai
“I’m so happy to start a new program with all of KAWAII LAB. We’ll keep updating ourselves to become super KAWAII!
We hope to make this a weekly program that everyone who watches will enjoy.”

CANDY TUNE: Nanako Ogawa
“When I heard about this project for the first time, I was happy & surprised! Every member of KAWAII LAB is so charming, and I hope that we can convey that through this program. I want to do my best so that everyone who watches this program will love it!”

SWEET STEADY: Nagisa Shoji
“I’m very happy and looking forward to the start of this new program! I haven’t been able to talk a lot with members from other groups yet, so I’ll be happy to take part in a lot of girl’s talk on this show. I’ll do my best to make sure everyone enjoys the show!”

CUTIE STREET: Emiru Kawamoto
“I’m nervous about starting this new program, but I want to make it something that will cheer up the people watching! We had a lot of fun and laughed so much during the first recording, so we’ll be sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.”

The new program Okashi Mogumogu will begin airing on October 24 on CBC TV, and the members of CANDY TUNE will appear regularly as MCs.

The music variety show will highlight the lyrics of guest artists’ songs and delve deeply into them through conversation. CANDY TUNE members will also travel to various regions around the country to listen to the favorite lyrics of people they meet. In the first installment, Kotomi Tachibana and Nanako Ogawa will visit Takayama in Gifu.

[Comments from First Episode’s Starring Members]
Mizuki Kirihara (Episode 1 MC)
“We had a guest artist on the program and heard their story behind the creation of their music and their interpretation of their lyrics. It was so fun to get a glimpse into the songwriter’s mind!”

Rino Fukuyama (Episode 1 MC)
“After recording Episodes 1 and 2, I was surprised to see that each guest artist wrote lyrics from a completely different vector! As I began my talk as the MC, it was such a wonderful thing to experience the virtues of the artists and their lyrics.”

Kotomi Tachibana (On Location)
“I’m often called the shyest member, so I was super nervous to just talk to people I’d never met before on the street in a new town. As I listened to the favorite lyrics of the people I met, I discovered that some were ones I knew, while others didn’t seem to fit with the person’s character. So many unique experiences!”

Nanako Ogawa (On Location)
“No music, no life! I listen to a lot of music, so I really enjoyed this opportunity to shoot on location! As I listened to people’s favorite lyrics, I thought to myself “I wonder if they live each day with those lyrics in their heart,” and I got very emotional!”

After making its debut this August, the new idol group CUTIE STREET will release its first single CD, Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?~, on November 13. The music video for the song is already available along with the jacket and artist photo.

The digital single Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?~ was released on September 8 and was ranked #1 on the TikTok Weekly Top 20 (from September 20 – October 6, 2024) and has become a hot topic, also reaching the top spot on Spotify’s ‘Viral Top 50 – Japan’ playlist, which ranks the hottest songs on social media.

The art for the upcoming single CD’s jacket was designed by Keiichiro Oshima and photographed by Takeshi Hanzawa. Following the theme of “our own sparkling jewels,” the jewelry portion of the pictured ring is made up of each sparkling member, all bringing their unique sparkle that fans hope will continue to shine.

The costumes were designed by Kumiko Iijima, who has created costumes for countless artists and follows the theme of “I am different than everyone else, and I can be anything I want to be.” Each member’s costume design is different, including frills, ribbons, lace, tulle, and other ‘kawaii’ elements that appear often in girl’s dreams. The member’s individuality shines through, expressed through the creation of original accessories.

Limited First Edition

CUTIE STREET Edition

Standard Edition

Idol group CUTIE STREET, which debuted this August, held its first solo concert CUTIE STREET Solo Live – 01 STREET – at Tokyo Hulic Hall on October 7, 2024.

CUTIE STREET is composed of eight members: Risa Furusawa, Aika Sano, Kana Itakura, Ayano Masuda, Emiru Kawamoto, Miyu Umeda, Nagisa Manabe, and Haruka Sakuraba. The girls made their debut as part of ASOBISYSTEM’s KAWAII LAB. idol project in Summer 2024, with the group’s concept being “KAWAII MAKER.” The eight members are all different ages and come from different backgrounds, and they aim to transmit KAWAII from Harajuku to the world. 

This solo performance was held about two months after the girls made their stage debut. Tickets were sold out and many fans came to the venue way before the show, eager to see the girls perform on their big day.

As the Overture played, the members appeared on stage one after another, with the audience erupting with shouts of joy. Their first song performed solo was Devoted Cinderella! Despite clearly being nervous, the girls continued to smile, performing earnestly like princesses in a fairy tale.

After the song, the eight members greeted the fans gathered at the venue. Adorably, each girl introduced herself and announced what they had eaten for breakfast that day. “I’m so happy to see so many people here,” Manabe said. “I hope that even more people will come to love CUTIE STREET!” 

The second song performed was Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka? The track is getting rave reviews and recently ranked first in the ‘TikTok Popular Songs Ranking 50.’ The song is scheduled to be released via CD on November 13 and features a catchy pop melody and fun dialogue and phrases from the members. The performance was open to video recording, and the eight too-cute performers can be seen on TikTok and other social networking sites.

Following this, the group covered the song Nantene! by SWEET STEADY, another idol group belonging to the same label. They performed to the best of their ability, utilizing a different kind of charm than their seniors. The girls also showed off their diverse talents filled with unlimited potential, with Unlock My Heart, a cool song with a rock-style melody, and daylight, an emotional song with a fast pace. CUTIE STREET also performed the new song Happy World! for the first time, showing off choreography filled with fist-pumping and energy. The audience couldn’t help but smile, and the entire venue was filled to the brim with happiness.

The final part of the concert began with Hello Hello Mirai as Furusawa called out to the audience. “Are you ready to wave your penlights?” Penlights displaying the girl’s member colors twinkled like a starry sky throughout the venue. The light shone as if it was congratulating the girls on their future lives as idols. Lastly, the group performed their popular song Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka? one more time, with the girls charming the audience with their extreme cuteness.

CUTIE STREET announced a solo performance to commemorate the CD release of their first single, Can’t We Just Be Cute? ~Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka?, would be held at Hulic Hall Tokyo on November 13, with a second solo performance scheduled for December 5. The surprises did not end there, as the group also told fans that on October 16, they would release the music video for the song, getting the audience more excited. A teaser for the music video has already been revealed.

The eight idols have continued to grow at a rapid pace since their debut, and no one knows what the future holds. After seeing such an engaging solo performance, fans are excited to see what’s in store, as CUTIE STREET’s journey has only just begun.

On October 18, CANDY TUNE will release the new track Are You Zombie? Ahead of the song’s release, it is already available to stream on TikTok.

This song is CANDY TUNE’s first Halloween song and features a cute arrangement and catchy chorus that embodies the spirit of mischief. The lyrics, music, and arrangement were all handled by songwriter Satsuki ga Tenkomori.

Additionally, Halloween events will be held on October 27 and October 30 to celebrate the song’s release.

@candy_tune 本日よりTikTok先行配信スタート😈❣️ CANDY TUNE『君もゾンビですか ゾンビですね』 みんなでハロウィンを盛り上げよー🧟❤️‍🩹 是非#君ゾン でたくさん投稿してね🍬 #きゃんちゅー#CANDYTUNE #君ゾン#君もゾンビですかゾンビですね #ハロウィン#Halloween ♬ 君もゾンビですか ゾンビですね – 1サビ ver. – CANDY TUNE

Last October, FRUITS ZIPPER member Yui Sakurai began a one-year project titled ‘Yui Sakurai 10th Anniversary -IDOL OF IDOLS-’ to celebrate the 10th year since her idol debut. On October 2, the idol held ‘Yui Sakurai 10th ANNIVERSARY LIVE 2024’ at Zepp Divercity (Tokyo). 

Sakurai debuted in the entertainment industry in 2013 and currently boasts the mint green member color in the idol group FRUITS ZIPPER. With their adorable looks and unique personalities, the members have become popular with both men and women alike, and are currently seen as representatives of idol culture going into 2025. ‘Yui Sakurai 10th Anniversary -IDOL OF IDOLS-’ included a solo tour held in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, along with the release of her first photo book. 

The recent solo concert represented the culmination of the project, and understandably, many fans came to the venue to congratulate the idol. 

As the lights dimmed and green penlights filled the venue, Sakurai appeared in a dress resembling a bouquet of flowers, accompanied by the lively sounds of the band. The idol first performed her solo song Spotlight from FRUITS ZIPPER’s latest single NEW KAWAII  / Fruits Basket. The track expresses the singer’s desire to grow up after 10 years as an idol, and dares to feature a tune that Sakurai doesn’t excel at. The audience agreed that Sakurai performed Spotlight with a perfect score of 100 points, proving her growth before her fans. Continuing on, the idol won the hearts of the fans yet again with Zurui Kawayui, a pop tune with a distinctive sound. The live performance immediately invited fans into the ever-changing world of Yui Sakurai without holding back. 

After thanking the fans who had gathered at the venue, Sakurai continued with a cover of Seiko Matsuda’s classic Akai Sweet Pea. Her performance mesmerized fans, her voice soft, but she quickly raised the venue’s voltage with a cover of Hatsukoi Cider by Buono! After changing into an angelic costume complete with wings, she went on to perform Tokaikko Junjou (°C-ute) and More Kiss (Fairies). Her confidence amazed the crowd. 

In addition to these covers, Sakurai also performed You, You, You, a new song prepared for the concert. The dance number embodied a more mature Yui Sakurai, blending cuteness and sexiness and showing an entirely new side to the performer. As the atmosphere seemed to switch, Sakurai also performed covers of Tenshi wa doko e (≠ME) and Idol (YOASOBI.) The stage was a stunning sight, and loud cheers rang out from the entire audience.

The second half of the concert began with Caste Summer Session as silver tape fell from the ceiling. Even though fall had already begun, the venue was filled with summer-like enthusiasm. With the electricity in the venue at its highest level of the night, Sakurai sand FRUITS ZIPPER’s signature song Watashi no Ichiban Kawaiitokoro solo. The biggest KAWAII of the day had certainly appeared at Zepp Divercity (Tokyo), and for the last song of the show, the idol performed BABY I LOVED. Her crystal clear voice captivated every fan in the audience.

As soon as the idol left the stage, the fans immediately asked for an encore. These loud voices summoned the artist back, and she performed her new song You, You, You for a second time. An MC portion followed, in which Sakurai read a letter reflecting on the past decade, including the excitement she felt starting out as an idol, the heartbreak of leaving the stage at one point, and how it felt meeting the other members of FRUITS ZIPPER. “I’m only here because of those who support me and protect me. Even in my private life, I’m supported by so many people,” she said. “I continue to love and cherish each and every one of you!” Continuing, Sakurai concluded her letter hoping for future growth. “For my next anniversary, I’d like to truly embody what it is to be an eternal idol for everyone, inspired by the phrase “idol of idol” given to me by (producer) Misa Kimura.” 

The final encore was a second performance of Watashi no Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, and fans were allowed to record video. Yui Sakurai’s growth and cuteness are sure to spread around the world thanks to this footage taken by the audience. 

Sakurai’s 10 years as an idol have not been smooth. Nevertheless, she continued to work as hard as she could and has grown into an idol who can now fill Zepp Divercity (Tokyo), not only as a group but also as a solo artist. “If you don’t give up, your dreams will come true.” This Cinderella story was something the artist realized together with her fans. The story of Yui Sakurai will continue, into her 11th year, 15th year, 20th year, and beyond. “Someday, I’d like to hold a solo concert at the Nippon Budokan,” Sakurai said when the concert concluded. Fans are excited to see what other dreams she’ll make come true in the future.

In addition, the new digital single Zurui Kawayui will be available on all music streaming services on October 20, the 10th anniversary of Sakurai’s debut. The solo song You, You, You and Caste Summer Session will also be available.