Bringing kawaii and the world together (translation: bring together=musubu) has been the theme for entertainment idol unit, Musubizm, ever since their formation in December of 2014.

Waving their sensu (Japanese fan) on stage of “MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2015 in TOKYO” whilst they roared crowds on both day 1 and day 2, it’s safe to say their stage was quite a success. We speak to them in an interview about their performance at MOSHI FES and their recent performances abroad.

―― Great performance! How was your “MOSHI FES in TOKYO” experience? Let’s go around the group.

Imai: Last year, we were the ones in the audience, so I was delighted to be on stage. The stage is huge, and the artists we shared the lineup with were very prominent to the scene so it made me a bit nervous. But the catering was amazing so I got through (laughs).

Miyajima: We were on for two days, and were granted the opportunity to perform on the main stage as well, so I’m sure we picked up a lot of new fans on the way.

Yamada: Not only was the live performance great, they had so much to do – eating, experiencing Japanese culture, checking out the latest Harajuku wardrobe, etc. I went right in to get the most out of it!

Kimura: I was surprised how there were so many foreigners!

Shiina: I saw a couple of people from abroad wearing Musubizm t-shirts so I was touched that we were able to “musubu” (bring together) us to the world! (laughs)

――You’ve also been to the “MOSHI FES” abroad. Tell us some interesting stories.

Imai: We had to speak in English on stage, but it was so difficult to memorize the lines. All the time I had available, I’d be practicing my lines. I’d be saying things like “make some noise!” while eating so I’m pretty sure people thought something was wrong with me.

Yamada: But thanks to that, the people were able to understand, and they got all the more excited. So it was great practicing after all!

Shiin: In London, it wasn’t just about the live performances, but we’d give away onigirazu (a type of onigiri) and omisoshiru (Japanese miso soup). People were able to choose ingredients to put in their miso soup, and the foreigners would surprise me with their choice of ingredients!

Kimura: You’re right! They would choose something like a cheese and tomato combo! (laughs)

Miyajima: But they really seemed to enjoy it, so as a Japanese, that made me very happy.

―― How did the foreign audience react to your performance?

Imai: It was hard to believe this was their first Musubizm show they’d ever seen – they were all dancing and having loads of fun.

Miyajima: The crowd was so much more pumped than I’d expected them to be. They would call out to us and dance to our songs so it felt like we all came together as one to enjoy the performance.

Shiina: The people in London would call out to us and shake their glow sticks to the beat. It was quite similar to performing in Japan in that sense. I feel the girls in the audience especially got very excited.

Yamada: We have one song where we use the sensu (Japanese fan) as part of our dance routine, but this one really made us feel we were delivering Japanese culture to the crowd.

Kimura: A lot of people would stop and watch us perform. There were also people who watched us in San Francisco – they liked it so much that they came out to Los Angeles as well. Some even came all the way out to Japan to watch us.

―― Any particular country/city that left a big impression?

Shiina: London, definitely! The architecture out in town was very cute. I never knew buildings made of bricks still existed! We also went sightseeing in Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, but I was surprised to see a lot of wild squirrels out at a park we passed while we were heading there.

Imai: I second that. The town was absolutely beautiful, I felt as if I were part of a movie. I took a bunch of photos and sent it over to my mom to show off.

Miyajima: London for me as well. There were a lot of girls who were dressed in pop outfits, just like girls in Harajuku. That’s still freshly imprinted in my mind.

Yamada: I liked San Francisco. It was my first time abroad, maybe that’s why. The town was very cute, the people were nice, I just loved the area overall.

Kimura: I like San Francisco too. There were a number of Japanese fans who came to watch us in San Francisco as well. It was nice to see familiar faces in the crowd, pumping up the crowd.

――What would you say is the difference between MOSHI FES in TOKYO and other events held in Japan?

Imai: “MOSHI FES”is interesting because it brings together idols, artists and models. Usually you don’t see these three all in one place.

Shiina: You can instantly find out what Japanese culture is all about just by visiting “MOSHI FES.” There are also a bunch of ways to enjoy the festival, I’d say that’s what’s different.

Yamada: Not only the live performances, you can enjoy the food, experience the culture, find out the latest fashion trends, etc. There’s so much to keep you entertained through all three days.

Kimura: There’s a lot of foreigners at“MOSHI FES,” that’s also something that sets MOSHI FES apart from other events.

Miyajima: Yeah, they were a lot of foreigners who came to the special event. I felt like we were truly able to “musubu” (string together) Japan and the world.

―― Do you feel Japanese culture has permeated across the world?

Kimura: Definitely. The food, the music…there’s a lot of Japan you see out in the world now.

Shiina: It’s interesting how people abroad know what ”kimokawaii” or “gurokawaii” is. They’re aware that all these different types of “kawaii” exists. The initial theme to our group was to deliver “kawaii” to the world, so I’d love to keep this going and get even more people to know what kawaii is all about.

Yamada: I felt that in London, Japanese fashion had been incorporated in their everyday dress. I’d spot people in pastel-colored clothes, or in clothes with sushi on them.

―― How would you describe J-pop culture?

Miyajima: Kawaii! Fun! Delicious! (laughs)

Shiina: I’d say we’re (Japanese idols) also integral to J-pop culture. I’d love to spread J-pop culture even further across the globe by incorporating bits of Japanese culture into our costumes and our songs.

Kimura: I feel it’s a tool that allows me to express myself. We are Japanese after all.

―― Any countries/towns you’d like to visit in the future?

Imai: Taiwan. I hear people there are friendly to the Japanese, and I hear the food is delicious over there.

Shiina: Paris. The idol culture is huge there, so I’d love for them to get to know Musubizm.

Kimura: Paris for the same reason.

Miyajima: France. I’d love to perform there and get people to know about Musubizm.

Yamada: Same, I’d like to go to France. I’ve had a fascination with France for so long now. I’d love to perform there and “musubu” Japan to France. I’d be so insanely happy if that became true.

―― Thanks so much for attending to our questions! Can’t wait for what you guys will come up with next.

All: Thanks! We’ll do our best!

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Photos: Yuta Mukaima Words: Toshinori Tanaka (SHUTTER)