Hello! Project Wiki/News


 * April 4, 2015 - Confirmed : Tsunku's vocal cords removed
 * Appearing at Kinki University's opening ceremonies, Tsunku announced that after his laryngeal cancer returned last year, his vocal cords were removed and he can no longer sing or even speak. There were reports to this effect in previous months, but they went unconfirmed.


 * Tsunku's music career began with him primarily a singer, progressing to songwriting, then further to producing other musical acts including most of Hello! Project throughout its history.


 * Sources: Oricon, Arama! Japan


 * February 25, 2015 - "2015 Hello Pro Kenshuusei Unit" named with help of new Hello! Project Advisor
 * The actual name for the new Kenshuusei unit announced at the beginning of January has been revealed: Kobushi Factory (こぶしファクトリー). The word kobushi has multiple meanings. In this case it is supposed to represent both the coming of spring and grace of the Kobushi Magnolia (辛夷), as well as the strength of a fist (拳). Factory seems to cement it as a successor to the outgoing Berryz Koubou--koubou (工房) means workshop.


 * The name was apparently chosen with the assistance of Shimizu Saki, who after the cessation of Berryz Koubou activities on March 3 will take on the role of "Hello! Project Advisor", self-described as a sort of "bridge" between the staff and members. Tokunaga Chinami will also become an Advisor.


 * Kobushi Factory's first DVD single will be Nen ni wa Nen / Survivor, and first be sold at showings of Week End Survivor.


 * Sources: Sponichi Annex, Shimizu Saki's blog, Tokunaga Chinami's blog