Biography
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Years Active
2015 – present (9 years)
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Members
- 八木栞 (2021 – present)
- 土居楓奏 (2024 – present)
- 小片リサ (2015 – 2020)
- 小野瑞歩 (2016 – present)
- 小野田紗栞 (2016 – present)
Tsubaki Factory (つばきファクトリー) is a Japanese pop girl group, managed by Up-Front Promotion and part of Hello! Project.
Tsubaki Factory was unveiled on April 28, 2015 through various news articles, and later a special page on the official Hello! Project website. It was revealed that former Berryz Kobo (Berryz工房) member Shimizu Saki helped in the choosing of both the members and the name of the group while acting in her new role as Hello! Project Advisor. The lineup was announced consisting of only Hello! Pro Kenshuusei trainees Ogata Risa, Yamagishi Riko, Niinuma Kisora, Tanimoto Ami, Kishimoto Yumeno, and Asakura Kiki.
The name Tsubaki Factory holds several meanings, most of which surround a type of Camellia tree blossom. "Tsubaki" originates from three kanji used in the past; Tsu (強; strong), Ba (葉; leaves), Ki (木; tree), while in floriography the blossom also holds the meanings of pride, gentleness, and charm. Historically it was believed that the Tsubaki was a holy plant, as it seemed the leaves continued to grow greener during the winter while most other plants withered away for the season. "Factory", similar to fellow Hello! Project group Kobushi Factory (こぶしファクトリー), represents the carrying on of the spirit of senior group Berryz Kobo. Following these various meanings the hope is for them to grow into a group that embodies nobility and elegance, and stays fresh and strong like evergreen plants.
The leader and sub-leader of the group, Yamagishi Riko and Ogata Risa respectively, were announced on August 8, 2015 at the "Hello! Project 2015 SUMMER ~CHALLENGER~" concert. Their first indie single was revealed at the same time, to be sold at the "Hello! Pro Kenshuusei Happyoukai 2015 ~September no Nama Tamago Show!~" concert on September 6th. During a fan club event on August 13, 2016 a surprise announcement revealed the addition of three new members taken from the Hello Pro Kenshuusei, Ono Mizuho, Onoda Saori, and Akiyama Mao. The group's major debut was announced the next month on September 4, 2016 at the "Kenshuusei Happyokai 2016 ~SINGING!~" recital, to take place sometime in January 2017.
At another fan club event on October 21, 2016 it was announced that the group's major debut single would be a triple a-side released on February 22, 2017, referred to as "Tsubaki no Tsu Tsu Tsu Day" using a play on the number 2 and their name. The group revealed the first song from the single at their next fan club event. The name of the leading a-side song was confirmed on January 2nd to be "Hatsukoi Sunrise", the full single being a triple a-side.
On July of 2021 four new members were announced and there were three winners from Hello! Project "Juice=Juice" "Tsubaki Factory" Goudou Shin Member Audition: Kasai Yuumi, Yagi Shiori, Fukuda Marine, and the Hello Pro Kenshuusei trainee Yofu Runo.
Current members:
Niinuma Kisora (新沼希空) - leader
Tanimoto Ami (谷本安美)
Ono Mizuho (小野瑞歩)
Onoda Saori (小野田紗栞)
Akiyama Mao (秋山眞緒)
Kasai Yuumi (河西結心)
Yagi Shiori (八木栞)
Fukuda Marine (福田真琳)
Yofu Runo (豫風瑠乃)
Former members:
Ogata Risa (小片リサ)
Asakura Kiki (浅倉樹々)
Yamagishi Riko (山岸理子)
Kishimoto Yumeno (岸本ゆめの)
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