Tsubaki Factory, the Hello! Project indies group, received extra reinforcements on August 13, 2016. Three additional H!P Kenshuusei (trainees) were announced as the second generation of the Factory group that is meant to continue the spirit of Berryz Kobo. The new members, Ono Mizuho (15), Onoda Saori (14), and Akiyama Mao (14), received their introductions at a fan club event held on August 13.
Tsubaki Factory got their start on April 29, 2015 with six Hello! Project Kenshuusei as initial members: leader Yamagishi Riko (17), sub-leader Ogata Risa (17), Niinuma Kisora (16), Tanimoto Ami (16), Kishimoto Yumeno (16), Asakura Kiki (15). After initial mixed reception, Tsubaki Factory’s increasing skill caught attention at their recent performances at Tokyo Idol Festival 2016. Tsubaki Factory recently released a DVD mini-album titled “Tsubaki Factory SOUND+VISION Vol. 1”. The general thought is that new members will provide the final push needed for Tsubaki Factory’s major debut.
Birthday: September 29, 2000
Hometown: Tokyo
Blood Type: O
Height: 163 cm
Specialty: Dance, flute
Introductory video (2015)
Notes: Mizuho joined Hello! Project on April 1, 2015 as a member of the 24th generation of Kenshuusei. In the drama “Budokan”, she was shown as a 13th generation member of the fictional group NEXT YOU in the year 2028.
Birthday: December 17, 2001
Hometown: Shizuoka
Blood Type: O
Height: 152 cm
Specialty: Piano, abacus
Introductory video (2015)
Notes: Prior to joining H!P, Saori was a member of the idol group Princess♪Ribbon. Saori joined Hello! Project on November 29, 2014 as a member of the 22th generation of Kenshuusei. Last year, Saori was announced as the vocalist of the 10th Kopinks! opening song. Saori currently voices one of the two main characters of Kopinks COSMOS (the other is voiced by SUPER☆GiRLS’s Abe Yumeri).
Birthday: July 29, 2002
Hometown: Osaka
Blood Type: B
Height: 153.5 cm
Specialty: Dance
Introductory video (2015)
Notes: Mao joined Hello! Project on April 1, 2015 as a member of the 24th generation of Kenshuusei. Mao participated in the Morning Musume 12th Generation (Golden) Audition.
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Color me optimistic regarding the new blood. Tsubaki Factory’s been making good progress in the skill department so I’m very hopeful.
Congratulations to the new girls!
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I know some people are disappointed that their girls will have to share the spotlight; I think that kind of apprehension is natural. Regardless, I can’t see how anyone would think the new members are anything but a GOOD thing for such a new group. This is especially true when you see the quality they’ve added to the group! H!P cherry picked for Tsubaki Factory!
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At least Kenshuusei are being placed in groups with a chance instead of departing for greener pastures. I know some wanted their favorites in Morning Musume (I’ve read at least two comments expressing hope that Mizuho be added as a member), but I’m just happy they’re debuting period (even if they’re still trainees technically).
I speak as someone who’s crunched numbers with simply those who were awarded at Test Recitals (Akiyama Mao being among them. She bumps up the success rate, even if by a small bit).
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