#J-Idol #Boku-Ao #Boku-ga-Mitakatta-Aozora

This text and podcast are based on essays about the Japanese idol group, Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora (commonly known as Boku-Ao), written by a fan living in Kyushu, Japan, and originally posted on the Japanese platform "note." The author resides in Kyushu and shares their personal journey with the group. AI was used for translation, and voice synthesis software was used for the audio.

Well, last time I ended up writing something rather pedantic and gloomy... but finally, April 2024 arrived! On the 19th and 20th, I attended the Fukuoka performances (both day and night shows) and the handshake event!

In a word: it was spectacular. I thought about posting an article immediately while I was still riding the high, but I realized it would be so "creepy" that it wouldn't be fit for public consumption. So, I’m writing this a week later. (It’s probably still plenty creepy, though.) I’ll record this chronologically as a personal memoir.

First, the tension spiked the day before when the reference numbers were revealed. My number for the day show was in the 20s. This was it—the chance of a lifetime. I wasn't familiar with the layout of Toyota Hall, but a number in the 20s meant at least the second row, and if I played my cards right, the very front.

On the day of the show, I left home with plenty of time to spare. I wanted to buy merch and had no idea how the venue operated. After an early lunch, I joined the merch line around 11:00 AM. There were maybe 20 or 30 people—not too crowded. I successfully bought a Nana Shiogama towel as planned and stepped away for a bit.

When I returned before 1:00 PM, a large crowd had gathered. The staff began announcing reference numbers with surprisingly firm voices. Their words were polite ("Please do X"), but the nuance was pure command. I suppose you need that kind of authority to manage a crowd. It was amusing to watch the relationship between the "sheepdogs" and the "flock."

I panicked for a second because the drink ticket was cash-only (I thought I’d read on Google Maps that they took mobile payments), but since they gave change, I relaxed. I couldn't afford any delays during entry. Finally, the doors opened. I didn't even stop for my drink; I headed straight into the hall. I managed to secure a spot on the far right of the front row! I hesitated for a moment because a speaker was partially blocking the stage, and I considered the center of the second row instead. However, the lack of heads in front of me, the ability to lean on the railing (though you get scolded the moment you do), and the fact that Nana often stands on the right side of the stage made me prioritize the front row. I waited there for an hour, barely moving.

Seriously, the front row is dangerous. As expected, during the initial self-introductions, Yuan and Yuuho were hidden behind the speaker, but for the performances, I could see the members from head to toe. Members on the far opposite side were distant, but while early songs had fixed left/right positions, the newer choreography is much more diverse. Members were constantly rotating right in front of my eyes.

And my god... they are all ridiculously cute. During the first song, "Koi wa Baisoku," I was mesmerized by Mana Mochinaga. During the following "Seishun no Tabibito yo," I was overwhelmed by Kokoka Hagiwara’s beauty. Truly, Kokoka was so beautiful it almost brought tears to my eyes.

It was my first live show since last year's One-man, and while my number then (in the 300s) wasn't bad, seeing them this close is a different reality. I was so starstruck that my "calls" became weak. I lost all vocabulary. All I could manage was "Whoa..." or "Amazing..."

#J-Idol #Boku-Ao #Boku-ga-Mitakatta-Aozora

It’s late January 2025. It feels a bit early to call it "spring," but for the sake of a clean break, I’ll mark this as the beginning of "Boku-Ao: Spring of the Second Year."

This period should have been full of excitement—a new single release, the start of a nationwide tour, and the announcements for a one-man live and Aozora Fes. Yet, somehow, there’s been a lingering mood of stagnation, a sense of frustration. Writing this was actually a bit painful.

However, one epoch-making event did occur: around the start of the tour, the music video for "Koi wa Baisoku" finally surpassed the view count of "Ao-Zora ni tsuite Kangaeru." A song has finally emerged that exceeds the numbers of their symbolic debut track. Of course, one could argue whether we should treat the debut song—which built its views steadily and honestly—on the same level as the third single onwards, where the numbers seem… "managed" in a different way.

Then there was the YouTube series documenting their training camp at the start of the year. In the opening of Part 1, the selection for the fifth single was announced. To everyone’s shock, the lineup was exactly the same as the fourth. The community was buzzing with confusion, but a staff blog post updated immediately after clarified the intent: "We believe there is still so much this specific lineup can achieve."

I think many fans accepted that reasoning. Personally, I was surprised because I fully expected either Riko Iwamoto or Kokoka Hagiwara—or both—to move up to the Aozora-gumi. But then again, if they moved up, who would move to the Kumo-gumi? That’s a difficult question in itself. Still, I’m not thrilled that the group’s structural flexibility seems to have stiffened so early in their second year. That’s why I was so excited by Mocchie’s (Mana Mochinaga) position in the fifth single’s music video—ranked 4th or 5th, even higher than Kokona. Seeing someone finally break into that "core seven" was thrilling.

To borrow a phrase from Puchi Kashima: "Personnel changes are the most interesting part." Who is evaluated how, and where are they placed? It sounds a bit cynical, but ultimately, the whole world runs on personnel management. If two people gather, they fight; if three gather, they form factions. While "faction" isn't quite the right word, there is a distinct bond between Toa Yagi, Suzuki Hayasaki, Karen Yanagihori, Kokona Yoshimoto, and Aoi Anno. These five, who match the core members from the very beginning, aren't just "friends." There is an intimacy there that feels a bit impenetrable to other members.

But honestly, that makes sense. They experienced everything for the first time, starting from zero, together. It’s what you’d call "Sisterhood." There’s a scene from a sparsely attended release event for the first single where Poli (Yuuho Aoki) is giving a tearful speech, and Toa is crying right beside her. Later, Toa commented, "I felt like the venue wasn't full because I was the center." There is a massive difference between the members who confronted that reality at the very front and those who watched it over their shoulders. That solidarity comes from enduring that specific pressure together. I wonder when it was that Kokona said she "cried on Suzuki's shoulder"?

#J-Idol #Boku-Ao #Boku-ga-Mitakatta-Aozora

The star of this winter—from late 2024 to early 2025—was undoubtedly Rikopin. From the Sasuke (Ninja Warrior) idol qualifiers to the main event at the end of the year, and then her appearance in Kunoichi in the New Year, she was everywhere. Looking across the entire group, I think this is the first time since their debut that a member has generated this much buzz outside of the core fandom.

In the qualifiers, she faced a heartbreaking disqualification after falling in the final stage. However, whether at the venue or on the stream, Rikopin was definitely the one who captured the viewers' hearts. You could feel it in the way the videos were edited and in the comments section. If she had played it safe, slowed her pace, and won the whole thing there, I don’t think it would have had the same impact. It might sound strange, but she "lost the battle to win the war." The fact that her blog was flooded with comments from new fan club members during that period says it all. In both the main Sasuke event and Kunoichi, she received the most coverage among the idol participants. The general director even mentioned wanting to "continue nurturing" the two idol representatives, so my expectations for her future are high.

As a side note, the Sasuke YouTube channel often showed their manager. Some fans had been saying for a while that the manager must be a beauty, and they were right. She even had a Riko Iwamoto towel draped firmly over her shoulder. Another beautiful manager appeared in the news footage on Coming-of-Age Day. The camera unexpectedly pivoted from Yuan-chan to Yuzu-chan, and in the background, you could see a manager holding "Maya" and "Ema" (votive tablets) frantically trying to get out of the shot. It was hilarious. There was also a male staff member who, right after Rikopin’s tearful disqualification in the qualifiers, told her: "You were cool. Hold your head high." That was a class act.

This was also the period when Saka-Ao finally started getting funny. At the beginning, there was a mismatch between the overly "edgy" segments and the girls' experience, but now they seem to be meeting in the middle. I wonder if they intend to make Kokona’s "yankee" persona and Yuria’s "mom" persona permanent? Kokona is trying her best to deny it on her blog, though. The hypnosis segment at the end of the year and the talent show in the New Year were particularly great. My only complaint is that they rush through these projects in a single week; they could easily stretch them across two or three. Honestly, the "streaming only" portion at the end of the show is often more substantial than the main broadcast, and I find myself watching that more intently. However, with Fuji TV going through various internal shuffles, I do worry about the future of the music programs Boku-Ao finally managed to get onto, like Music Fair and the FNS Music Festival. Since they have deep ties with Fuji TV, including Saka-Ao, the upcoming developments make me a bit anxious.

Entering December, the goal of reaching 100,000 YouTube subscribers by the end of the year—which Su-chan had set when "Boku-Tube" launched—finally came into view. When the channel started at the end of May, there were about 40,000 subscribers. Growth was slow through summer and autumn, and honestly, the hurdle seemed high. But around the release of the fourth single, the numbers began to climb noticeably. On the 24th at 9 PM, just as they were on the verge of the milestone, Nana started a "Reindeer Count" live stream. Between that and the Christmas stream on the 25th, it felt like receiving a wonderful holiday gift.

#J-Idol #Boku-Ao #Boku-ga-Mitakatta-Aozora

6. Toa Yagi

The undisputed "Center of Boku-Ao." Someone born to express things. I felt that deeply once again during Natsugasumi. I believe the center of a group at its launch isn't chosen just for dancing, singing, or looks. It’s about being the personification of the group’s very identity. Between the second single and Natsugasumi, she changed so much it made me wonder, "What happened?" Her blog at the time gave us a glimpse of that "what." There’s too much I want to say about her, so I’ll leave it at this—but as I’ve said before, I still love that tearful face from the day she found out she was the debut center!

7. Suzuki Hayasaki

The undeniable ace of Boku-Ao. Everyone, including herself, recognizes it. She’s the kind of person who can deliver that perfect, much-needed phrase like "I don't want to let my dreams end as just dreams" in exactly the right situation. She can do anything. But it’s not just that she’s clever or efficient; she has the raw ability and the capacity for hard work to back it up. People like that are rare. And yet, she isn’t arrogant about it at all. I especially like her tone on Saka-Ao when she smelled something weird on the air hockey table and just went, "Wait, it stinks..." Someone who talks like that definitely won't succumb to hypnosis.

8. Kokoka Hagiwara

If someone is going to move up to the Aozora-gumi next, I think it’s her. It feels like she’s finally starting to understand how to present herself.

9. Kokona Yoshimoto

She has incredibly beautiful table manners. You see many girls who hold chopsticks well, but these days, it’s rare to see a young lady who handles small side dishes so gracefully while eating. You should definitely watch the BBQ video after Aozora Fes or the Boku-Meshi series to see for yourself. Her blog posts are so meticulous and thoughtful, which is why I imagine it’s complicated for her to be seen as having a "yankee" persona.

10. Yuuho Aoki

Like Hitomin, she’s someone I’m fascinated by rather than just "liking." She feels like a very sensible, ordinary college student who is funny within a two-meter radius. During the Kumo-gumi performance, there was a scene where she was the only one left out of the Seifuku no Mannequin members, and honestly, I was surprised they showed us that much. Later, she was able to participate in the "Seishun Osame" version of Mannequin. I’m glad for her. I hope she blossoms through soccer, though that’s a competitive field with many experts. That said, she was just appointed as a regular on a program for JEF United Chiba. I’m rooting for her.

11. Miisa Yaegashi

I think she’s one of the members the staff blog meant when they mentioned someone who "might be unfinished now but will bloom in about three years." She has plenty of potential and plenty of time, so I hope she takes it slow without rushing.

12. Ai Kinoshita

Another member who will likely carry the future of the group. However, I sense a certain lightness and flexibility in her—as if she’s saying, "I have so many things I want to do including being an idol, and I happen to be doing this now, but if I find something more fun, I might head that way." She’s the type who would succeed at anything.

13. Mana Mochinaga

A beauty with a strong core. She seems to have a tempo or a sense of timing that’s a bit different from the other members.

14. Ami Kanazawa

Since the beginning, she’s said, "I want to stand further forward" and "I want to be in the middle." True to her words, she has steadily—no, rapidly—moved her position toward the front and center. I take my hat off to her grit. She shows her ambition without it feeling overbearing. When someone delivers on their promises like this, you can't help but pay attention. Many say she looks like a young Nanase Nishino, and I agree. Like Nishino-san, I expect she’ll be standing in the center before long.

1. Nana Shiogama

A person of true passion. She once aspired to be a police officer but didn't make it; she then aimed to be a childcare worker but decided to become an idol, following her motto: "When in doubt, choose the more intense path."

I remember a "hidden camera" prank on YouTube where they asked, "If you got an offer from Hollywood, would you choose Boku-Ao or Hollywood?" I was so nervous thinking that Nana, being the "intense path" type, might actually pick Hollywood! But if a chance like that ever really comes along, I want her to think it over and choose whichever path she truly wants for herself.

Currently, she and Miuna are the "comedy duo" of the group. While Miuna wins with her quick wit and improvisation, Nana wins with her physicality. Her reactions are incredibly fast. There’s nothing artificial about her expressions or words; she’s straightforward. She always seems to be speaking from the heart—whether she's happy, having fun, or feeling frustrated. During the encore speech at Aozora Fes, when she said, "Some people mock us when they see us working hard..." I loved seeing that glimpse of her strong-willed nature.

She was the one the female staff raved about as "cute" during the auditions. Being liked by your own gender is a powerful strength. Personally, I think Nana is much cuter when she’s in casual clothes with her hair down—looking like a typical college student—than when her hair is tied up for her stage costumes.

2. Eren Sugiura

She’s someone who has her own world and the power to express it in her own unique words.

Regarding the lyrics of "Ao-Zora ni tsuite Kangaeru," she said: "Right now, I’m the one running, so it makes me wonder if I’ll envy this once I’m an adult. It makes me want to stay a child for a while longer." That’s a remarkably deep thing to say.

She also has the talent to pull the atmosphere of a room toward her in an instant. It’s no wonder she made all the judges laugh during her audition. At the "One-man 1.0" concert, while many members spoke about the past year, she looked to the future, saying, "Someday, I (and the members here) will take you all there (to a bigger stage)."

Personally, I believe that right now, being the center for the Kumo-gumi (Cloud Team) is much better for her future than being buried on the edges of the Aozora-gumi. She’s someone who belongs at the center of the stage. Her short haircut before the third single really boosted her visibility; it suits her vibe perfectly. That was actually one of the reasons I switched my "Oshi" registration from Nana to Eren—I really wanted to see Eren's V-logs.

I also love the moment when she encouraged Toa-chan, who had just been picked as center for the first single, saying: "You can totally do it. You’re good at singing and dancing. You're the best... and you’re cute." I particularly like that tiny pause between "You're the best" and "and you're cute." I don't think there was any hidden meaning; I just liked the timing.

3. Miuna Sunaga

The person who, during the training camp, made Mocchie think: "If Miuna’s name is written with 'heart' and 'ocean,' then maybe 'Kokoka' isn't actually pronounced 'Kokoka'..."

My earliest impression of her was "the girl who cries a lot." When I heard she was popular at the early handshake events, I thought, "Oh, so this is the type people like," but she has since proven her worth. Everyone has a good eye for talent!

I really started noticing her before the third single, once she was tasked with being the MC. It’s amazing how much a person can improve their speaking skills in just one year! Whether it’s on Saka-Ao or Natsu-Live, I feel a sense of relief whenever Miuna is there.

Autumn 2024 was all about "Boku-Ao Sai" (the group's festival). I couldn't attend, so I don't have much to write about firsthand. I really wanted to go, though.

I think it was around this time that they started live-streaming parts of their concerts on TikTok. That makes me so happy. But for some reason, the app notifications for the start of the lives never seem to reach me? I’m always left feeling frustrated when I realize a stream has already ended.

Once November hit, the fourth single was released. Since the third single had been delayed by a month, the gap between releases was only three months. As a fan, I welcome the frequent updates, but the members look incredibly busy. I wonder if they’re getting enough rest. With handshake events or online "Meet & Greets" almost every weekend—and even on weekday evenings for this release—the pace is intense. Wakatsuki-san, formerly of Nogizaka46, mentioned on Kanaderu Radio how busy her idol days were. I guess that’s just the norm, but I can't help but wonder if the student members are actually making it to their university classes.

Speaking of university, I’ve noticed some patterns. For example, Poli was a core member right next to the center for the first single, but in the second, she was suddenly moved to the second row and had less exposure. I was puzzled, but then she returned to her spot by the center for the third. Now, in this fourth single period, Anno seems to have suddenly become less prominent. Is this to accommodate entrance exams? Or am I just overthinking it?

Even their daily activities seem exhausting, so adding entrance exams on top of that—even if they are through recommendations—must leave them with almost no time. I wonder if the management takes that into account. Also, I wonder what happened with Yuan and Yuuho’s schooling. Yuan mentioned moving to Tokyo after joining Boku-Ao, so she must have just started at a university in Kansai at the time. As for Yuuho, an NHK documentary introduced her as attending a university in Fukuoka. Either way, for all the members, this is an age where they face major life choices one after another. It must be tough.

Anyway, moving on...

The release-day events for this single were limited to the AWA Lounge over four days. During this promotion cycle, the Kumo-gumi (Cloud Team) seemed to be left out in the cold. Occasionally, you hear sighs from the Kumo-gumi members, saying things like, "We’re just doing lessons every single day..." Also, there were no nationwide handshake events in Fukuoka for the fourth single. I saw comments online like, "People in the countryside are being neglected," or "If you don't keep going even when the turnout is low, there’s no future."

There were even posts suggesting that because of the sudden addition of numerous online "Meet & Greets" around the release, the management was "desperately scrambling for cash due to financial trouble." However, I also feel the wind starting to change. Hitomin and Yuan’s radio show, Rikopin on Sasuke, Yuuho and her soccer—each member is finding their own strengths. I hope they can all express those unique talents.

Rikopin, in particular, seemed to be gaining a lot of attention during this period. She has a great position in the music video for "Hajimete Suki ni Natta Hito." Having read almost all the members' blogs over the past year, I’ve noticed that when a member is about to go through a change, the atmosphere of their blog changes first.

If a blog is a place to express what's hidden inside, I wonder: do the surroundings change because the person changed, or does the blog change because the situation changed? Since blogs happen in real-time and we only see the results of situational changes later, it’s probably more that the shifts in their environment manifest in their writing. Sometimes, I can see a member's growing resolve bleeding through their words.

The summer of 2024 arrived along with the "One-man Live." It was my first time seeing Boku-Ao in person. As the staff blog mentioned later, the highlight of this concert was undoubtedly the long MC segment. When Mocchie, the first one to speak, started talking for quite a while, I thought, "Wait, if everyone talks like this, how long is this going to take?" And sure enough, it went on. But honestly, it was better that way. Instead of just a few members sharing their feelings, we got to hear what was in everyone’s hearts.

Once again, I was impressed by Eren, who always manages to pull the atmosphere into her own pace, and Nana, who expresses her determination in her own unique words, even when others might fall into clichés. Because of that, the concert felt quite heavy—filled with deep, raw emotion.

The venue was a live house with all-standing room. A tall guy stood right in front of me—literally just a few inches away—so I ended up getting a cramp in my side before the encore because I spent the whole time standing on my tiptoes. I suppose in a live house format, the reference number is just for the entry order, and where you watch from is up to you?

The performance itself was amazing, of course. They performed the new songs, "Spare no Koi" and "Namida wo Nagasou."

Aside from the concert, something that really stuck with me that day was the incredible surge in views for the "Spare no Koi" music video. It was uploaded after the show, and around midnight, I thought, "It's getting a bit more views than usual." But by the next morning, it was already in the tens of thousands. After that, every time I opened it, the numbers were skyrocketing. I thought, "This is it! Boku-Ao has finally been discovered!" I saw some negative comments about "ads" and such, but I don't really get what that’s about. Who cares? People are watching them, and that's what matters.

After the "One-man Live" came Natsugasumi. I had completely given up on seeing it, but to my surprise, they announced a stream. I went all in and bought the package for all three performances plus the bonus footage. Toa-chan’s expressive power really shone through. Just hearing her line in the YouTube digest—"Please, stop. Now. Let this moment stop"—gave me goosebumps. She truly is a born performer. Then there was Anno. She’s another one who really made the role her own. She’s a member who can completely shift her aura depending on the situation. Also, when I saw Su-chan’s videos filmed around that time, her expression had a certain "Natsugasumi" feel to it. I could tell she was deep into her character.

On the other hand, it felt like a period where certain members were being heavily promoted as a fixed set. No matter what they did, it was always "those seven," and if there was a spot left, they’d figure out who else to fit in. I guess the strategy was, "Let’s push the members most likely to sell first." To be honest, I sometimes thought, "Oh, it's the same faces again." The Kumo-gumi barely appeared in the promotions for the third single. But then, come autumn, the balance and variety started to shift again, making me realize how much they’re constantly adjusting their strategy. Well, I don't actually know for sure. In the end, maybe the best way to enjoy it all is to just let ourselves be played like a fiddle by the management.

I managed to catch one more real Boku-Ao event this summer. The opening event at Yokado Kagoshima. As a Nana-oshie, I was so glad I went—and so glad it was close to home. I realized people in the Kanto area get to join events this easily all the time! Being that close, with no other members to distract me, just being able to watch Nana... it was a "God-tier" event. Nana was incredibly cute. I hope this continues for their 2nd and 3rd anniversaries.

Around this time in the spring of 2024, when the release of the third single was announced, my personal top news was—"Eren got a short haircut!!" Even I’m thinking, "Wait, that’s your headline!?" But yes, that was it for me.

But, you know, I wonder what made her decide to cut her hair. Was it simply because she wanted a shorter style for the summer, or was there some other reason? Did she ever mention anything about it? At the very least, that haircut was enough to make me switch my "Oshi" registration on the fan club site from Nana to Eren. I mean, seriously, that level of cuteness is just unfair! I have to remind myself she’s only a tenth-grader... but her charm completely transcends her age. In a later video of the group having BBQ after "Aozora Fes," Su-chan mentions, "Eren is really mature for her age, isn't she?" But it’s not just about being mature. She’s already established who she is as an individual named "Eren Sugiura."

Now, during this period, I was completely exhausted by my child’s entrance exams and our subsequent move. I found solace in the daily blogs, YouTube videos, and TikToks. I really wanted to attend the nationwide handshake event for the third single—or rather, since I’m a bit shy about handshakes, I at least wanted to see the free live performance. But as luck would have it, the event fell on the very last weekend before my child moved out. As a father, it wouldn't have looked good to be off at an idol event during our final weekend together. I had no choice but to give it up.

To add to that, I had another chance in May, but right before the event, I threw my back out. However, by then, it was already decided that I’d be going to "One-man Live Vol. 1" in June. I figured, "If I’m going to my first real-world event, it might as well be a full concert," so I made peace with it.

Still, I never imagined back then that they wouldn't come to Fukuoka for the nationwide events for the fourth single. When was "One-man Live Vol. 1" first announced? I knew immediately—I am absolutely going! I had decided that once all the family obligations were settled, I was going to do what I love. So, I applied without a second thought.

Stepping back a bit in time, I watched the "pseudo-live" stream of Vol. 0.5 in a hotel room while moving. I had brought my laptop, assuming I could watch it through a browser, only to find out it was app-only. The smartphone I was using at the time had a tiny 2-inch screen, so I ended up watching it on that minuscule display. But it reminded me—content isn't about screen size; it’s about the heart of the performance.

The "Boku-Ao YouTube" variety show started around then, too, and the artist photos for the third single were released. After the somewhat heavy impression of the second single, the bright, cool outfits felt like a breath of fresh air. Between the upcoming concert and their second year starting, it was a very exciting time, and I found myself wondering what the future held.

Then, out of nowhere, came the announcement that the third single’s release would be postponed. "Wait, is this a bad sign?" I worried. "Is there some kind of trouble?"

But then, I saw someone post on X: "When Yasushi Akimoto postpones a release, it’s a sign that he’s actually getting serious about it." Oh, is that how it works? I realized there’s still so much about this world that I don't know. I remember feeling strangely reassured by that post.

The end of 2023 was so much fun! I couldn't make it to the "One-man Live Volume 0," but the reviews seemed really good. Then on Christmas, there was a YouTube live stream. Having the entire group together for a live stream is something I'm truly grateful for. On the other hand, that stream also made it very clear who was already capable of speaking confidently and who still had a long way to go. For the Kumo-gumi (Cloud Team), whom many worried would get less exposure, a documentary series started on YouTube. Yes, this is exactly the point of separating the Aozora-gumi and Kumo-gumi. The Aozora-gumi serves as the entry point to attract fans, and then the Kumo-gumi pulls them deeper into the "swamp." Every one of the Kumo-gumi girls has that kind of charm.

And then, with the new year, came the pseudo-live stream of "One-man Live Volume 0"! I was so happy about this. It was right during my child's entrance exam season, and we were having a rather heavy-hearted New Year's holiday, so this was a wonderful "Otoshidama" (New Year's gift). Above all, seeing "Seifuku no Parachute" was the absolute best. Especially the opening spoken line, "I was surprised by you, who came dancing down, blown by the wind," and the moment where Toa-chan is lifted by Porisu and appears floating. I absolutely love this choreography!

At the end of January, the second single was finally released. To be honest, the title track felt a bit underwhelming. The coupling tracks overall felt dark or heavy, too. I was kind of like, "Oh, this isn't quite what I expected..." But, listening to them now, they are all actually very good songs.

Of course, the release commemorative live stream was a blast. Yuzu-chan during the "Loud Headphones Game" had me laughing so hard I was clutching my stomach. That was a rare kind of funny. Yuzu-chan herself was hilarious, of course, but the bewilderment of the members around her was the best part. It was probably the first time the other members had seen that side of Yuzu-chan, too.

The segment with the older members later in the evening was also great. There was this subtle atmosphere from girls who have likely experienced quite a bit in their actual lives. I was particularly impressed by how happy and skillful Su-chan was in her performance. I started wondering what kind of interaction she had with the manager at the convenience store in the middle of the night, and I could feel their usual sense of distance with the staff.

Speaking of Su-chan, there’s her "Kanaderu Radio." I only listened to the first few episodes, but when I listened again after a while, I was shocked by how much her talking had improved. This girl is definitely something special. And then there was Nana’s sheep counting after midnight! I fell fast asleep while listening to that. It was bliss. But I had no idea she kept counting all night long!

By the way, I feel like around this time, everyone’s way of expressing themselves started to change. More and more girls began searching for their own unique voice in their blogs. I feel like Kokona is trying to convey her feelings through subtle word choices in her writing. Ai-chan and Miisa's writing has a kind of bouncy, hopping feel to it. And Yuzu-chan's standard opening, "I did such-and-such, I'm Yuzu Ito"—wasn't that around this time, too?

I think the autumn of 2023—their first year—might have been the time when fans felt the most anxious. Especially for a fan like me who doesn’t go to real-world events and mostly follows them through social media and blogs. I couldn't help but wonder: "Is Boku-Ao just going to fade away like this?"

They debuted at the end of August. Immediately after, there were announcements like "They appeared on FM radio" or "They were on a local info program." But once that initial rush settled down, the updates just… stopped. Completely. Their YouTube channel wasn't updated for nearly three months. Even on TikTok, they were still trickling out videos of the members in yukatas from their debut day well into October.

Well, actually, there was one YouTube update. It was a video called "Boku-Ao Relay Art," posted shortly after their debut. The members were split into teams and had to walk or run through the city using GPS to draw the letters B, O, K, U, and A on a map. It’s been deleted now, but that video perfectly captured the "loose" and laid-back vibe of their early days. They weren't exactly walking, not exactly running, and when they talked, everyone just spoke over each other, doing whatever they pleased. They were given self-introduction cards to hand out, but there were no strict rules saying they couldn't finish until they’d given them all away. I actually liked that raw, early-days atmosphere. I wonder why they deleted it.

Their first TV show started around then, too, but it was a bit too "edgy" or experimental, to be honest. I watched it because I’m a fan, of course. Two radio shows started as well. On Hekireki, there was this segment where the "third member participates as a director, adding sound effects." I mean, what even is that? They could barely manage a steady conversation as it was, and then the flow would be interrupted by these random sound effects… it made a 30-minute show feel so much longer. I get it—you can’t just do the same thing as existing idols or rival groups. But I wondered, "Is this really how you attract new fans?"

Darker posts started appearing more often on social media, too. "They're already over." "They’re just going to fade out." "The release events were empty." "The members were crying."

Was it true? I wanted to go to the release events in September so badly, but living in Kyushu, going to Tokyo or Osaka just wasn't an option. Were they really empty? I thought about the debut day live stream with only a few hundred viewers. The YouTube subscriber count wasn't growing at all. It didn't seem possible that the real-world events could be a huge success if the online numbers were so low. I truly started to fear—could they really just quietly disband like this?

Then came the end of November. Finally, the announcement: the second single was coming. Along with it, a literal flood of news. They were introducing a "Senbatsu" system, splitting the group into the "Aozora" (Blue Sky) team and the "Kumo" (Cloud) team. The Cloud team would have their own solo live. A one-man concert was set for December. Suddenly, there was news every single day, and their social media was constantly active. I sat there thinking, "What on earth were those last few months for?" Oh, and they did a cover of Seifuku no Mannequin, too.

I suppose even for the management, the level of popularity, the turnout, and the sales around the debut were unexpected. They probably spent those quiet months completely rethinking their strategy.

By the way, there’s a lot of debate about the "Senbatsu" system, both then and now. Personally, I’m for it. In the world of entertainment, it’s ultimately a high-stakes game of musical chairs. Besides, being chosen for the main lineup doesn't guarantee your future, and not being chosen doesn't mean you have no chance.