Tsubaki Factory (つばきファクトリー; Camellia Factory) is a Japanese pop group under Hello! Project, originally formed with six members from Hello Pro Kenshuusei in late April 2015. As of August 2016, they are currently nine members. Their sister group is Kobushi Factory.
Tsubaki Factory's highest selling single is "Ishiki Takai Otome no Dilemma / Dakishimerarete Mitai" with 81,280 copies sold while their lowest selling major label single is "Shuukatsu Sensation / Waratte / Hana Moyou" with 38,522 copies sold.
Members
- Main article: Tsubaki Factory Members
History
2015: Formation
On April 29, the group was announced through Japanese media, and confirmed through Hello! Project Station. The group made their first performance at the Hello Pro Kenshuusei Happyoukai 2015 ~Haru no Koukai Jitsuryoku Shindan Test~ on May 4.
On May 26, the group participated as an opening act at ANGERME STARTING LIVE TOUR SPECIAL @ Nippon Budokan "Taiki Bansei".
On August 8, during the Hello! Project 2015 SUMMER concert, Yamagishi Riko was announced leader of Tsubaki Factory, while Ogata Risa was announced sub-leader of the group.[3]
On September 6, Tsubaki Factory released their first indies single "Seishun Manmannaka!" at the Hello Pro Kenshuusei Happyoukai 2015 ~9gatsu no Nama Tamago Show!~ concert venue.
From October 8 to October 18, Tsubaki Factory starred in the Engeki Joshibu musical remake of Thank You Very Berry, which also featured and was directed by Sudo Maasa, who starred in the original stageplay.
On December 31, Tsubaki Factory released their second indies single "Kedakaku Sakihokore!" at the Hello! Project COUNTDOWN PARTY 2015 ~GOOD BYE & HELLO!~ concert venue.
2016
On March 19, Tsubaki Factory released their first mini album titled Tsubaki Factory SOUND + VISION Vol.1 at the Asobu. Kurasu. Sodateru. SATOYAMA & SATOUMI e Ikou 2016 venue as a limited pre-sale. The mini album was released for general sale on May 18.
On August 6, Tsubaki Factory released their third indies single "Hitorijime / Watashi ga Obasan ni Natte mo" at the Hello! Project 2016 SUMMER venue.
On August 13, it was announced at Tsubaki Factory's fanclub event that Hello Pro Kenshuusei members Ono Mizuho, Onoda Saori, and Akiyama Mao had joined the group as new members.[4]
The new line-up debuted on September 4 at Hello! Project Kenshuusei Happyoukai 2016 9gatsu ~SINGING!~, where it was announced by Hello! Project advisor Shimizu Saki that Tsubaki Factory would finally make their major debut in January 2017.[5][6]
On October 22, they announced during the Tsubaki Factory Ouen Kikaku ~Camellia Fai! vol.2~ event that their major debut single would be released on February 22, 2017.[7]
2017: Major Debut
On February 22, Tsubaki Factory released their major debut single, "Hatsukoi Sunrise / Just Try! / Uruwashi no Camellia".
On February 28, the members were removed from the Hello Pro Kenshuusei profile page on the official Hello! Project site, indicating they had officially left Hello Pro Kenshuusei.
On May 24, Tsubaki Factory performed at GIRLS ROCKS.[8]
On June 17, Tsubaki Factory performed at the GIRLS IDOL FESTA 2017.[9]
On July 15, Ogata Risa, Niinuma Kisora, Tanimoto Ami, Kishimoto Yumeno, and Ono Mizuho appeared on TBS's Ongaku no Hi 2017 in a pre-recorded performance.[10][11] They were part of a special Hello! Project unit with Morning Musume '17 and a selection of members from ANGERME and Kobushi Factory.[12]
On July 26, Tsubaki Factory released their second major single, "Shuukatsu Sensation / Waratte / Hana Moyou".
On November 9, it was announced that Tsubaki Factory had won a Newcomer Award from the 50th Japan Cable Awards, and they were presented their award at the ceremony on December 4.[13][14]
On November 16, Tsubaki Factory were also announced to have won a Newcomer Award from the 59th Japan Record Awards.[15] At the ceremony on December 30, they were presented their award and were later announced as the winners of the Best Newcomer Award out of three other artists.[16]
2018
On January 5, Tsubaki Factory began their first radio show on Tokai Radio, titled Tsubaki Factory no Camellia Night.[17]
On February 21, Tsubaki Factory released their third single, "Teion Yakedo / Shunrenka / I Need You ~Yozora no Kanransha~".
On March 14, they performed in the second part of the SKY PerfecTV! Ongakusai 2018 alongside Morning Musume '18.[18]
On July 17, Kobushi Factory and Tsubaki Factory digitally released the cover single "Hyokkori Hyoutanjima", which was used as the official compulsory song for the Aidorusai 2018 ~Idol Matsuri~ contest.[19][20]
On July 18, Tsubaki Factory released their fourth single, "Date no Hi wa Nido Kurai Shower Shite Dekaketai / Junjou cm / Kon'ya Dake Ukaretakatta".
Tsubaki Factory performed on all three days of TOKYO IDOL FESTIVAL 2018, from August 3 through August 5.[21]
On September 21, it was announced that Tsubaki Factory would sing Japanese covers of the opening and ending themes for the DreamWorks animated TV series Trolls: Sing, Dance, Hug! which begins airing on TV Tokyo on October 3.[22] The opening theme is titled "Hair up Sora e!" (originally "Hair in the Air"), and ending theme is titled "Mou Saikou!" (originally "Best Day Ever").[23][24]
On November 14, the group released their first studio album, titled first bloom.[25]
2019
On February 22, the second anniversary of their major debut, Tsubaki Factory published the Tsubaki Factory 1st Official Book.[26] Also as part of the celebration, the group opened a pop-up café in collaboration with AREA-Q ANNEX in Harajuku named "Kissa Camellia" from the same day and ending on March 31.[27][28]
On February 27, the group released their fifth single, "Sankaime no Date Shinwa / Fuwari, Koi Dokei".[29]
On April 19, it was announced that Tsubaki Factory and BEYOOOOONDS were appointed as official supporters for the Aidorusai 2019 ~Idol Matsuri~ contest, joining ANGERME, Juice=Juice, Up Up Girls (Kakko Kari), The World Standard, and Chuning Candy who were all appointed in March.[30]
On August 2, Tsubaki Factory performed at TOKYO IDOL FESTIVAL 2019.[31]
On August 24, Tsubaki Factory released the digital song "Nineteen no Shinkirou ('19 Summer Ver.)". Asakura Kiki, who has been on a break from activities since May in order to treat a lumbar disc herniation, is absent from the recording.[32]
On October 9, it was announced that Asakura Kiki would gradually resume activities as she recovers from her injury, but would not dance or participate in their fall tour.[33] It was also announced that their next single would be released on January 15, 2020. During the single's promotion period, Asakura would not participate in lives or release events with the rest of the group, and would instead hold separate talk events.[34]
2020
On January 15, Tsubaki Factory released their sixth single, "Ishiki Takai Otome no Dilemma / Dakishimerarete Mitai".
On January 16, at "Ishiki Takai Otome no Dilemma / Dakishimerarete Mitai" mini live & handshake event in Ikebukuro Sunshine City, it was announced by Shimizu Saki that the group would be holding their first hall concert tour in May.[35][36]
On April 14, it was announced that their first hall concert tour would be cancelled due to the government's declaration of emergency following the spread of the coronavirus getting worse.[37]
On June 30, a selection of songs performed at the Hello! Project Hina Fes 2020 <Tsubaki Factory Premium> concert were livestreamed on the official Tsubaki Factory YouTube channel, being available until July 5. During the livestream, Tsubaki Factory provided commentary and gave gifts via lottery for those who watched the live premiere of the stream.[38] They also announced that their seventh single, "Dansha-ISM / Ima Nanji?" would be releasing on September 30.[39]
On October 8, it was announced on the official Hello! Project site that Ogata Risa has been suspended from all activities for an indeterminate amount of time due to rule violations. After rumors surfaced of Ogata using a secret social media account to post complaints about being an idol, Ogata herself admitted to the rumors being true, and offered to have her activities suspended for the time being.[40] Her individual online release event through WithLIVE for "Dansha-ISM / Ima Nanji?" has been cancelled as a result, and tickets will be refunded.[41]
Group Name Origin
The name Tsubaki Factory (つばきファクトリー) literally means "Camellia Factory". Hello! Project advisor Shimizu Saki (formerly of Berryz Koubou) assisted in picking the group name.[42]
The camellia (tsubaki) was "decided with praising the noble and cold beauty and wanting the group to be fresh and strong like the evergreen."[42] The word "factory", also used in the name of their sister group Kobushi Factory, is named to reference Berryz Koubou ("koubou" meaning "workshop"), so that the group may carry on Berryz Koubou's spirit.[42]
Discography
- See also: Tsubaki Factory Discography
- Studio Albums
- [2018.11.14] first bloom
- Mini Albums
- [2016.03.19] Tsubaki Factory SOUND + VISION Vol.1
- Soundtracks
- Indies Singles
- [2015.09.06] Seishun Manmannaka!
- [2015.12.31] Kedakaku Sakihokore!
- [2016.08.06] Hitorijime / Watashi ga Obasan ni Natte mo (DVD single)
- Major Singles
- [2017.02.22] Hatsukoi Sunrise / Just Try! / Uruwashi no Camellia
- [2017.07.26] Shuukatsu Sensation / Waratte / Hana Moyou
- [2018.02.21] Teion Yakedo / Shunrenka / I Need You ~Yozora no Kanransha~
- [2018.07.18] Date no Hi wa Nido Kurai Shower Shite Dekaketai / Junjou cm / Kon'ya Dake Ukaretakatta
- [2019.02.27] Sankaime no Date Shinwa / Fuwari, Koi Dokei
- [2020.01.15] Ishiki Takai Otome no Dilemma / Dakishimerarete Mitai
- [2020.09.30] Dansha-ISM / Ima Nanji?
- Soundtrack Singles
- Collaboration Singles
- [2018.07.17] Hyokkori Hyoutanjima (Kobushi Factory & Tsubaki Factory) (digital single)
- [2018.09.26] YEAH YEAH YEAH / Akogare no Stress-free / Hana, Takenawa no Toki (Hello Pro All Stars)
- Concert DVDs
- [2015.09.26] Hello! Project New Fes! 2015 (with Kobushi Factory, Country Girls)
- [2018.06.13] Tsubaki Factory One-Man LIVE ~First Blossom~
- [2018.09.05] Kobushi Factory & Tsubaki Factory Premium Live 2018 Haru "KOBO" (with Kobushi Factory)
- [2019.06.05] Tsubaki Factory Live Tour 2019 Haru・Ranman Major Debut 2 Shuunen Special
- Musical DVDs
- [2016.02.03] Thank You Very Berry
- [2019.09.14] Kizetsu Suru Hodo Aishiteru! (with Country Girls)
- [2019.09.25] Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 6 Gaiden ~Tasogare no Kamen~
- Fanclub DVDs
- [2016.03.28] Tsubaki Factory FC Event 2015 ~Mini Mini☆Christmas Kai~
- [2016.12.24] Tsubaki Factory FC Event 2016
- [2017.01.26] Tsubaki Factory Ouen Kikaku ~Camellia Fai! vol.1~
- [2017.02.11] Tsubaki Factory Ouen Kikaku ~Camellia Fai! vol.2~
- [2017.03.25] Tsubaki Factory Ouen Kikaku ~Camellia Fai! vol.3~
- [2017.04.26] Tsubaki Factory Ouen Kikaku ~Camellia Fai! vol.4 Mini Mini☆Christmas Kai 2~
- [2017.06.xx] Tsubaki Factory Ouen Kikaku ~Camellia Fai! vol.5~
- [2018.05.26] Tsubaki Factory FC Event ~Camellia Fai! vol.6 Mini Mini☆Christmas Kai 3~
- [2018.08.25] Tsubaki Factory FC Event ~Camellia Fai! vol.7 Camellia Party e Youkoso!~
- [2018.12.27] Tsubaki Factory FC Event ~Camellia Fai! vol.8 Summer Festival!~
- [2019.05.29] Tsubaki Factory FC Event ~Camellia Fai! vol.9 Camellia Xmas Party e Youkoso!~
- [2019.12.xx] Tsubaki Factory Fanclub tour "Camellian Journey" in Nagano
Publications
- See also: Tsubaki Factory Publications
Works
- [2015] Thank You Very Berry
- [2016] Kizetsu Suru Hodo Aishiteru!
- [2016] Nega Poji Poji
- [2019] Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 6 Gaiden ~Tasogare no Kamen~
Trivia
- Shimizu Saki assisted in picking the group name and members.[42]
- Ogata Risa and Tanimoto Ami were in Hello Pro Kenshuusei for only 5 months before joining the unit.
- Asakura Kiki was in Hello Pro Kenshuusei for only 6 months and 5 days before joining the unit.
- Yamagishi Riko has been in Hello Pro Kenshuusei the longest out of all the members, having joined the program in June 2012.
- Ono Mizuho, Onoda Saori, and Akiyama Mao were only members for 3 weeks and 1 day before the unit's major debut was announced.
- Tsubaki Factory has the most members coming from the same Kenshuusei generation, with a total of 4 members (Ogata Risa, Tanimoto Ami, Asakura Kiki and Onoda Saori) from the 22nd generation of Hello Pro Kenshuusei.
- Kishimoto Yumeno stated there is a rule within the group to forbid adding highlights in their hair (or changing their hair color) to keep the image of members "clean like a Camellia Flower".[43]
- Despite this rule, Niinuma Kisora has dyed her hair.
Awards
- [2017.12.04] 50th Japan Cable Awards - Newcomer Award[13]
- [2017.12.30] 59th Japan Record Awards - Newcomer Award[15]
- [2017.12.30] 59th Japan Record Awards - Best Newcomer Award[16]
See Also
- Tsubaki Factory Members
- Tsubaki Factory Discography
- Tsubaki Factory Concerts & Events
- Tsubaki Factory Publications
- Gallery:Tsubaki Factory
- Gallery:Tsubaki Factory Music Videos
- Tsubaki Factory Sales & Views
Total Sales Count
Year | Group Sales | Collaboration Sales | Total Sales |
2017 | 79,355 | 0 | 79,355 |
2018 | 155,677 | 0 | 235,032 |
2019 | 65,984 | 0+ | 301,016 |
2020 | 0+ | 0+ | TBA |
References
External Links
- Tsubaki Factory Official Profile
- Tsubaki Factory YouTube Channel
- Tsubaki Factory Official Blog
- Social Media Pages: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, TikTok
- Wikipedia: Japanese
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