On January 19, 2025, the newly formed girl group HANA made their television debut during the Japanese show "Shuichi," captivating audiences with their energetic performance of the pre-debut single "Drop." The group, created through the audition program "No No Girls" and produced by rapper CHANMINA, has generated significant buzz as they prepare for their official debut set for January 31, 2025.
HANA consists of seven talented members: MOMOKA, YURI, CHIKA, NAOKO, JISOO, KOHARU, and MAHINA, who were selected during the culmination event of the audition series, known as "No No Girls THE FINAL." This event gained immense popularity, attracting over 560,000 simultaneous viewers and trending on social media with the hashtag #ノノガファイナル.
The final member lineup was revealed after intense performances, with fans expressing overwhelming support for the girls. "This is not HANA↓, it’s HANA↑!" exclaimed MOMOKA during her introduction, showcasing the group's playful spirit. Meanwhile, player Takushi Izawa, who attended the event, shared his excitement, describing how nervous he felt as he had watched their performances live.
During their debut performance on "Shuichi," HANA presented the song "Drop," which stands out for its bold rap and captivating choreography. Each member expressed their nerves and thrill about performing live for the first time. "I was even more nervous than during our performance at K Arena," said MOMOKA, reflecting on the emotional weight of the moment.
JISOO, who is transitioning to live and perform within Japan, joined the group remotely from Korea as she prepares for her entertainment activities here. Speaking from the heart, she said, "Since I started music, I’ve dreamed of debuting. While I’m ecstatic, I also feel the heavy responsibility of making music not just because I love it, but because I must commit to it seriously now."
CHANMINA elaborated on her vision for the group, explaining her deep connection with the members. "Until the very last moment, I honestly hadn’t decided on the members. It was about the stage, the way they interacted with me, and how they felt during rehearsals. I wanted the members to be truly happy, which led me to choose these seven, as they resonate with my essence," she stated.
HANA’s upcoming release of "Drop" has already begun to create waves within the music industry, and they are expected to be signed under the Sony Music Labels for their major debut this spring. Their official social media accounts boast over 670,000 followers as of January 19, indicating the fervent support from fans.
The viewership and engagement during their performances have been impressive. The final audition episode, which aired on January 17, has amassed 1.74 million views on YouTube, placing it at the top of the platform's trending list. These figures highlight the anticipation and eagerness surrounding HANA’s activities.
Showing appreciation for their fans, KOHARU stated, "It was heartwarming to see everyone supporting and cheering for us. We were filled with gratitude." Meanwhile, MAHINA added, "Performing was so enjoyable, and all your warm gazes made this experience unforgettable for us."
Looking forward, HANA is set to perform at notable events, including concerts scheduled for March 23 at Grand Cube Osaka and March 31 at Omiya Sonic City.
With the momentum of their debut, HANA is poised to make significant strides within the music industry, with expectations for their style and sound to contribute refreshingly to the current pop scene. The excitement surrounding their debut as well as the sound and vibe of "Drop" suggests they are on the cusp of becoming significant players in Japan's entertainment scene.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the official release of their debut song "Drop" set for January 31, 2025, marking the start of what many hope will be a long and successful career for HANA.