https://www.instagram.com/p/DacmBQBmheZ/

https://www.tiktok.com/@15_kano828/video/7655272535801564436

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ1_HouGieR/ (there's a reel of Soyo playing piano too)

https://x.com/15_soyo614/status/2068575147054010731

https://x.com/15_soyo614/status/2068297925428670683

https://www.tiktok.com/@15_soyo614/video/7651576890754338066

https://www.tiktok.com/@sanashiratori/video/7650843960734158088

https://www.tiktok.com/@15_kano828/video/7649690903036169493

Link to the interview (with pictures).

(Translated with DeepL; corrections by me)

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'@onefive carries on the spirit of Sakura Gakuin—where the four members first met and spent their time together—and is taking it to the next level. With three consecutive releases starting in April—"♡Kakumei Shoujo S♡", "M1X5R", and "Muteki☆Atashi Mode"—along with solo concerts in Tokyo and Osaka, festival appearances, and media appearances, they are steadily gaining more fans through their all-out, all-around performances. While aiming for a 2027 Budokan concert, their momentum is growing so rapidly that it seems to foreshadow even what lies beyond that goal. We'll introduce not only the aspirations of KANO, SOYO, GUMI, and MOMO, but also their unique charms!

Please give us an overview of the ongoing project "SAKURAIZATION."

MOMO: It's a project where we—who are aiming for a 2027 concert at the Nippon Budokan—carry the legacy of Sakura Gakuin, the group we previously belonged to and which serves as our origin, and elevate it into a new form of musical expression. At the same time, it's a series that samples songs from Sakura Gakuin. Although Sakura Gakuin no longer exists, the songs, concepts, and atmosphere that remain are still just as wonderful as ever. Since there are so many people who know Sakura Gakuin, we feel it would be a waste to leave them unexpressed. Since the four of us from the original Sakura Gakuin are still here, we started this project to return to our roots—adding our current '@onefive identity as we move toward the Budokan. We also hope to win back the support of those who used to follow Sakura Gakuin. I think there are people who know Sakura Gakuin but don't know '@onefive, and conversely, people who know '@onefive but don't know Sakura Gakuin. We want to reach those people with this project as well.

Following the April release of "♡Kakumei Shoujo S♡", the second installment, "M1X5R", was released on May 20. Could you tell us what you think are the key points to watch for in "M1X5R"?

GUMI: "M1X5R" is a song we can all get hyped up to together. It has that Heisei-era sound that everyone already knows how to groove to. There's a rap part in the middle that really amps up the cool factor, and it also features elements of the "Oklahoma Mixer"—where we dance in pairs, just like we did back in our Sakura Gakuin days. It's a track packed with both the essence of '@onefive and the spirit of Sakura Gakuin, and I think it's a song that lets you feel the joy of getting into the groove together.

MOMO: I think this song is truly unique to '@onefive. Not only is there a contrast between the first and second halves, but overall, it's a party song, so everyone should be able to get hyped up together. Also, the numbers "1" and "5" are hidden in the song title, connected by an "x." The way we mix and blend various genres to create the '@onefive sound perfectly expresses what we do. Following "♡Kakumei Shoujo S♡", where we declared our intention to "start a revolution in the world", this song showcases the power of that vision through "M1X5R", continuing the story of "SAKURAIZATION."

KANO: Just as the name "M1X5R" suggests, the choreography mixes a variety of moves. While the overall style is mostly cute, during the rap parts, MOMO-chan the rapper comes out, and we all perform cool moves together. SOYO and KANO even show off some seriously killer turns!? (laughs). Since we've never done choreography like that before, it felt fresh and was a lot of fun.

SOYO: I want you to pay attention to the lyrics. They're based on the idea that even unexpected combinations—like "prosciutto and melon" or "watermelon with salt"—can be delicious when mixed together. Musically, it mixes "party songs", "rap", and "Oklahoma Mixer", making "M1X5R" a fun and addictive track. I think it also blends the legacy of Sakura Gakuin, the current '@onefive, and our journey toward the Budokan in the future, effectively conveying the new charm of '@onefive.

Speaking of "prosciutto and melon", do any of you have a favorite unexpected food combination?

SOYO: Hot maccha latte and Calbee barbecue-flavored potato chips! It's super delicious if you dip them in the maccha latte first ♡

KANO·MOMO·GUMI: Eeeeeeeh?!

SOYO: The salty and sweet flavors combine to make it super delicious♪

That's quite a discovery (laughs). Does anyone else have any?

GUMI: Foie gras and French toast.

That definitely sounds delicious (laughs).

KANO·MOMO·SOYO: That would be too heavy on the stomach.

MOMO: Tomatoes with sugar.

So it's sugar instead of salt.

MOMO: I tried copying how my grandma used to eat them. I think it makes sense if you think of tomatoes as fruit rather than vegetables.

That's definitely one way to look at it.

KANO: Natto with ponzu!

MOMO: Ponzu goes well with everything (laughs)

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Next, could you share your thoughts on the third installment, "Muteki☆Atashi Mode", which is set for release on June 24?

GUMI: This song expresses our thoughts on the past and future, and serves as a declaration that we've become invincible after "♡Kakumei Shoujo S♡" and "M1X5R." In other words, it's our final form. It's a song where we sing as if we were heroes saving everyone. While it's bright and cute, it's also a track that really brings out the "girl power" that's been the theme since "♡Kakumei Shoujo S♡."

The last line of the lyrics is "Sekai wo Sukue Morning" (Saving the World Morning), isn't it?

MOMO: It conveys two feelings: "Waking up in the morning is tough, but I'll do my best to get up!" and "I'm going to save the world!" The lyrics combine something grand with something small, giving the song's worldview a cute vibe. It works as an everyday motivational song, but you can also feel the big dream of "We're going to bring '@onefive to people all over the world!" I really want everyone to set this as their morning alarm song! ♡

KANO: Just like in "Pretty Cure" or "Aikatsu!", the part where we suddenly transform from our ordinary school uniforms into something cute is exactly what "Muteki☆Atashi Mode" is all about. We transform into battle-ready outfits, and the choreography in the chorus incorporates poses inspired by transformation sequences. I want you to pay attention to how both the costumes and the choreography express that feeling of "We're going to save the world!"

Will the school uniforms change again for the next "Muteki☆Atashi Mode"?

MOMO: It will change, but it'll feel more like an evolution. The uniform concept stays the same—we'll still wear blazers—but the inner layer will be a pink, sparkly outfit. I'm looking forward to wearing costumes like those in a Super Sentai series.

SOYO: For this song, we sampled "Doki Doki☆Morning" by BABYMETAL, who were also our senpai at "Sakura Gakuin." It's a song that takes all the cute elements and makes them explode, so I really want fans of BABYMETAL to give it a listen. Also, I have two solo parts: "Hare nochi Namida Chuui Yohou" (Sunny, Then Tears Forecast) and "Ame nochi KYABIA Zeitaku Yohou" (Rain, Then Caviar Luxury Forecast). Those parts make me feel like a "quirky weather forecaster"—it's both cute and a personal highlight for me♡

I'm really looking forward to SOYO's "quirky weather forecaster" solo parts (laughs)

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Following the Tokyo show on Saturday, June 6, "'@onefive LIVE2026 ‘SAKURAIZATION'" will also be held in Osaka on Friday, July 3.

GUMI: Until now, we've never shown our faces on the LED screens behind the stage. This time, we'll be showing our faces properly, so please keep an eye out for that.

MOMO: Sound-wise, we're incorporating Auto-Tune for the first time in "M1X5R" and "Muteki☆Atashi Mode." We decided to try it out at the live show too, so we're planning to use Auto-Tune on every song—and tailor it to suit each one. We want you to feel '@onefive's evolution in that regard as well.

KANO: The other day, we made our own in-ear monitors for the first time. This will be the first time we use them at a solo concert. In-ear monitors customized to the shape of my ears make everything sound completely different—even background sounds come through more clearly, and it's easier to sing. I think we'll be able to put on a great performance at the solo concert, so I hope you'll all be able to feel the difference too.

SOYO: We're really focusing on the visuals for this live show—like, I have a specific vision for what the opening video should look like. Also, between songs, I'm planning some performances that will make everyone in '@fifth's hearts flutter♡.

Regarding the "'@onefive SOYO Birthday Celebration 2026" taking place on Saturday, June 20, could SOYO-san tell us about the event's details and your enthusiasm for it?

SOYO: My top priority is helping everyone get to know SOYO better. There might be a performance, and I'm planning some really cute outfits. I want this birthday celebration to make everyone love SOYO even more. I plan to tell all the @fifth members "Love You♡" over and over! (laughs)

So, the elite SOYO fans are gathering in Yoyogi, huh? (laughs) I'll be celebrating from the sidelines on kukka Instagram Stories too!

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I remember during our interview at the end of last year, everyone vowed, "We're going to do this in 2026!" So this time, let's check in on your progress (laughs).

First up, MOMO-san. You mentioned you wanted to "go swimming" for the first time since fifth grade. During last year's overseas tour, there was that incident where you were the only one who didn't bring a swimsuit and couldn't swim in the pool. So, how's that "swimming" plan coming along?

MOMO: Believe it or not, I actually managed to do it in Okinawa during a festival in April!

KANO: The four of us went swimming.

MOMO: But I couldn't swim♡

SOYO·GUMI·KANO: You were drowning (laughs)

MOMO: I hadn't swum since fifth grade, so I could only float on my back. If I tried to kick my legs, I'd sink (laughs).

Who's the best swimmer among you?

MOMO: It's SOYO. So I was floundering around while SOYO held my hand and pulled me along (laughs).

It would be great if you could learn to swim by the end of this year.

MOMO: I'll practice~.

Next up is GUMI-san. She said she wanted to go on a trip—anywhere was fine, as long as she could go with friends. Please give us an update.

GUMI: I went to Kusatsu with all my friends. I also went on a snowboarding trip!

Wow, you really put your money where your mouth is.

GUMI: Yes, I had a friend drive us there (laughs)

Now, onto the problematic KANO-san (laughs). She said she'd never paid for a Shinkansen or plane ticket out of her own pocket, so she planned to buy a ticket with her own money in 2026. Did you follow through?

KANO: (in a forceful tone) No!!

Manager: For the next tour, it's on KANO...

KANO: No, I don't have any money, so it's fine! I'll keep going on the company's dime!!

MOMO·GUMI·SOYO: (laughs)

GUMI: What about trips?

KANO: I'll take a car! Oh, but I'm talking with a friend about going to "Legoland" or "Universal Studios" soon, so I might pay for that out of my own pocket.

Yeah, I guess you should definitely pay for that one yourself (laughs). Next, SOYO-san, how's your plan to make idol friends coming along?

SOYO: Saishu Mirai Shoujo's Ten-chan and Full Course's Kokoro Nakagawa-chan — I've known them for a while, but we're getting even closer now♡

So you're steadily making more friends. That leaves only KANO-san as the one who hasn't achieved it yet (laughs)

KANO: Well, yeah. I'm on the "I won't pay" principle (laughs)

MOMO·GUMI·SOYO: (laughs)

One more thing: in the spirit of "♡Kakumei Shoujo S♡", please tell us about a "personal" revolution you'd like to start.

GUMI: I want to start a "Savings Revolution." My savings are currently at "0 yen." On days I go to work, I'm going to save 1,000 yen. Or at least, that's what I'm thinking (laughs). I'm starting today (laughs). You guys should save money, too.

SOYO: I already do.

GUMI: ...

Let me verify that during our next interview (laughs)

SOYO: I want a mattress!

MOMO·GUMI·KANO: (laughs)

SOYO: I've been living in Tokyo for four years now, and I've been sleeping without a mattress. I sleep on a flimsy futon, feeling the bed's mesh frame.

What?! (laughs)

SOYO: That's why I want to buy a mattress and start a "Sleep Revolution" ♡

Next up, MOMO-san, please.

MOMO: Not to hurt my legs!

Do you get injured easily?

MOMO: Yeah, I do. Before I know it, I have a bruise. Whether I'm dancing or just going about my daily life, I'm always bumping into something, so I want to try to be more careful (laughs).

Finally, KANO-san, please wrap things up.

KANO: I have a lot of phobias. So, I want to start a "Phobia Overcoming Revolution."

What kind of phobias do you have?

KANO: Heights, the ocean, bugs, ghosts—I'm a total scaredy-cat. Basically, everything. I want to get rid of at least one of them!

We'll check in on everyone's "♡Personal Life Revolution♡" in our next interview.

Thank you very much.

Link to the interview (it has pictures)

(Translated with DeepL; corrections by me)

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'@onefive, who have declared their goal of performing at the Nippon Budokan in 2027, launched "SAKURAIZATION" in April 2026—a project in which they embrace their origins and elevate them into a new form of expression.

"Sakura Gakuin", the group where they first began.

We interviewed them about their bold experiment of sampling songs, their mindset, and their current thoughts on their journey to the Budokan.

What are their thoughts on "SAKURAIZATION", and how have Sakura Gakuin alumni reacted?

—Could you tell us about your intentions and mindset behind starting "SAKURAIZATION"?

GUMI: We set the goal of "Road to Budokan", aiming to perform at the Nippon Budokan, but our roots are, after all, Sakura Gakuin. We hadn't really touched on that much until now, but recently people have finally started to recognize us as '@onefive. It's precisely because of this moment that we wanted to return to our roots while also expressing who we are now—that's how "SAKURAIZATION" began.

——I see. So it feels like you've taken a step forward. How did you feel about not having mentioned Sakura Gakuin until now?

MOMO: Since we're moving forward as '@onefive, we didn't want to be seen as "the girls from Sakura Gakuin." After appearing in the drama "Oshi ga Budoukan Ittekuretara Shinu" and our song "Alps Vibes" went viral, people stopped calling us "the girls from Sakura Gakuin"…

SOYO: Now, it makes me really happy when people discover us and say, "Oh, so the '@onefive girls used to be in Sakura Gakuin."

—How have fans reacted since you announced "SAKURAIZATION"?

MOMO: For people who've been supporting '@onefive since the Sakura Gakuin days, it felt like a dream come true—like, "Finally, they've officially put their name out there!" As for people who liked Sakura Gakuin but weren't following us, I get the impression this has made them surprised, thinking, "Wait, those girls are doing this now?" There were some reactions like, "Just leave Sakura Gakuin as it is", but I was also happy to hear people say, "It's such a waste that no one else is doing this with such great songs, so I'm glad you are." Also, many fans ask, "Do I need to know about Sakura Gakuin to enjoy this?" but rest assured, the songs are full-on '@onefive style.

-- How has the reaction been at live shows?

Members: It's been really great. (Looking at each other) Yeah. It's great.

-- What about fans of Sakura Gakuin who used to support other members?

GUMI: When someone told me, "I used to send you letters", I was like, "Oh!" (laughs)

KANO: Seeing them on social media and realizing, "Those people from back then are still here!" makes me feel nostalgic and happy (laughs)

-- How have the reactions been from Sakura Gakuin alumni, meaning the members from back then?

MOMO: Kokona Nonaka used the song in her Instagram Stories!

Everyone: Ooh~, thank you~ (applause)

SOYO: Miki Yagi sent me a message saying, "‘♡Kakumei Shoujo S♡' is great, isn't it?"

Everyone: Ooh~ (applause)

KANO: When I went out to eat with MOMOMETAL from BABYMETAL—who was at the same time as me at Sakura Gakuin—she asked me, "You're performing Sakura Gakuin songs, right? What kind of song are you going to do next?" I was so happy to hear that. I also got to meet MOAMETAL, who's a senpai of mine, and we talked about '@onefive's recent activities. She told me she's rooting for us, which made me really happy.

GUMI: I heard Sakia Kimura is coming to see our live show, too.

New Approaches in Songwriting

—In "♡Kakumei Shoujo S♡", you sampled "Heart no Hoshi", but "M1X5R" also samples "Verishuvi" and "Muteki☆Atashi Mode" samples "Doki Doki☆Morning", right?

MOMO: "Verishuvi" really feels like a cute idol song, but while retaining that charm, we've also incorporated folk dance choreography. In the rap part of the second verse, we've incorporated the "rage" genre, which completely changes the song's atmosphere—it's a song that only '@onefive can pull off because we can handle it all.

—Sakura Gakuin fans are probably feeling a mix of nostalgia and surprise.

GUMI: Back in the Sakura Gakuin days, there were a lot of seated areas, but '@onefive's shows are standing-room-only, so I think fans will be able to get even more hyped up and enjoy themselves.

—What are your thoughts on sampling "Doki Doki☆Morning"?

KANO: When the producer asked KOBAMETAL-san about it…

GUMI: He said, "Sure, go for it."

Everyone: (Laughs)

—How do you think BABYMETAL fans will react?

KANO: It's the kind of song that makes you go "Wow!" right from the very first note, so I'm sure they'll love it.

MOMO: I think it captures the cuteness and pop sensibility of BABYMETAL from the "Doki Doki☆Morning" era, and it also has a bit of a Perfume vibe to it.

KANO: I know what you mean!

SOYO: It also has a Vocaloid-like vibe, so it's a song that feels like "BABYMETAL × Perfume = '@onefive." We did a "M1X5R" (mixer)!

— (Laughs) You're definitely carrying on the Amuse legacy.

MOMO: We're taking the approach of using whatever resources are available to us.

SOYO: But our real goal is for us to host our own Amuse Fest.

GUMI: We were struggling because our agency didn't have a festival, so we want to create one ourselves.

10 Years Since We Met: A Shift in Mindset

—Has your motivation changed now that you've clearly set your sights on Budokan?

GUMI: Before we decided, we were kind of at a loss—we just had to keep pushing forward blindly. The whole '@onefive team's atmosphere was pretty gloomy, but once we decided, "For the next year, we're seriously aiming for the Budokan", our mindset changed, and our determination to work hard together as a whole team grew stronger.

—Have your actions become more concrete as well?

SOYO: After we made that decision, I started updating my personal Instagram, which allowed me to express what I wanted to do and share my thoughts. We also had a "Timeline" feature added to the fan club site, creating more opportunities to interact with our fans.

MOMO: We do monthly live streams for the fan club and travel to various regions for festivals. When it comes to social media collaborations, I've become more proactive—I'll just go up to someone I've performed with and say, "Excuse me, do you have a moment?"

SOYO: I hope that leads to joint concerts, and that we can grow together through those experiences.

—Have you also become better at actively exchanging opinions within the team?

MOMO: Before, I used to feel like I had to force myself to say, "I'm going to speak my mind!" But lately, I've been able to say things naturally, like, "I think this is a good idea." We're coming up with great ideas one after another just while we're having lunch, and there's a really comfortable atmosphere where it's easy to speak up.

—So the overall atmosphere has really improved, hasn't it?

GUMI: That's because we get along so well.

KANO: We all sit in a circle and eat together as a team.

— (Laughs) How many years has it been since you all met?

KAYO: We met when we were 10, so… 10 years. We'll be entering our 11th year soon.

— Has the dynamic between the four of you changed?

GUMI: It has. I used to be scared of MOMO.

Everyone: We know! (Laughs)

GUMI: MOMO's mental age has gone down, and ours has gone up—it's kind of a perfect balance.

KANO: Since we became '@onefive, we've been more ourselves, and we smile more. MOMO wasn't really the type to fool around, was she? She started becoming funny around the 2nd Year of middle school, and that's when we became close. (Laughs)

—It was a sensitive time, elementary and middle school… so, did everyone just seem like kids to you?

MOMO: They still do (Laughs)

Everyone: (Laughs)

MOMO: Back then and now, we all think of each other as more childish than ourselves (Laughs)

—Is there anything recently that made you think, "They're acting like adults"?

GUMI: We've become really efficient…?

—(Laughs)

KANO: But, when we're at a restaurant having a drink and talking about '@onefive, I can really feel it.

—Drinking… that's so grown-up. Have your eating habits changed too?

MOMO: Well, when we go to an izakaya, we don't just chat over snacks—we actually sit down and have a proper meal.

What We Need to Do Leading Up to the Budokan

—I think this year is going to be a special one. Are there any specific projects you're looking forward to?

MOMO: We've already started something—a new YouTube show. We're doing a show with the comedy duo Kaname Stone where we challenge ourselves in various ways to figure out what we're missing as we prepare for Budokan. It's the most candid we've ever been, pointing out our negative aspects too, and it's already causing quite a stir (laughs). I'm happy that our fans care about us, and I think generating buzz will help us get more attention, so I hope everyone enjoys it.

—So, could each of you share an idea for the Budokan show?

KANO: I've been saying this for a long time, but I really want us to appear on major music shows as '@onefive. To make that happen, I want to perform in all kinds of places and leave a lasting impression on as many people as possible.

GUMI: I don't have a single friend in the entertainment industry… but I want to make friends by building connections with the people we perform with at festivals and other events, so we can collaborate and do live shows together.

MOMO: We've had a members-only retreat before, and I'd love to do that again. Just the four of us working out, rehearsing, and having passionate discussions over hot pot—I'd love to do that again. Also, to strengthen our team bond, I'd like to play "Werewolf Game".

SOYO: To stand on the Budokan stage… Lately, we've been getting a lot of invitations for split shows, so I hope we can increase our joint concerts and free concerts so that more and more new people can discover us!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYmcrM_FMN8/