“from here to anywhere with me“
Ae! group’s PRIDE
In the bustling landscape of Japanese entertainment, where talent and charisma are prized commodities, there emerges a group whose journey is as remarkable as their talents are diverse.
Enter Ae! group, a Kansai ensemble that defies conventions and captures hearts with their breathtaking performances and dedication to their craft like no other. A band of five fueled by raw talent, unwavering determination, and a whole lot of heart and pride. Ae! group has carved their own path and struggled through the digital times of the pandemic when doing shows for a live public wasn’t available. Despite the rough start, they persevered, relentlessly took on project after project, and are now captivating bigger audiences with their performances, hilarious skits, and a music style that defies definition.
Ae! group may initially seem like just another group amidst a sea of performers. However, a closer look reveals a story of perseverance, camaraderie, and unyielding passion that sets them apart from the rest.
It’s time for the group of five to take the next step in their career: debut.
During the show in Kyocera Dome Osaka today, March 16th, the group first announced to all their gathered fans in the dome and to everyone watching through the livestream that they will have their 2024 arena tour, which cause the crowd to cheer with excitement. About time!
But that was not all!
The boys had one more surprise in mind for everyone watching.
DEBUT.
The anticipation leading up to this moment has been palpable as fans eagerly awaited the announcement of Ae! group’s debut. The group’s journey to this point has been one of dedication, talent, and unwavering passion for their craft. With their distinct style and remarkable musical abilities, they have captivated the hearts of many even before their official debut.
The announcement of the debut single not only marks a milestone for the group but also ignites a new chapter in the global music scene. As the industry anticipates the arrival of Ae! group with great enthusiasm, the stage is set for an exhilarating and impactful debut that is bound to leave a lasting impression.
With a combination of talent, perseverance, and the support of Universal Music, Ae! group‘s journey is poised to make a significant impact, captivating audiences and inspiring music enthusiasts worldwide. The countdown to May 15th has begun, and the world eagerly awaits the momentous release of “《A》BEGINNING,” setting the stage for Ae! group to shine as a new beacon of musical artistry.
Fans roared their cheers, echoing in the dome as they witnessed the boys announce the news with determination, pride, and a hint of relief in their eyes. On the internet, the news quickly spread among everyone, and suddenly, that was everything the world cared about for a moment.
The time has finally come. Ae! group is finally debuting.
“君がいてくれたら俺らの夢叶っちゃう!!”
Ae! group’s 僕らAぇ!groupって言いますねん！
“With you, our dreams will come true!!”
Let’s delve into the captivating narrative of Ae! group, tracing their humble beginnings, exploring the individual journeys of its members, and unveiling the collective triumphs that have propelled them into the spotlight. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast of Japanese entertainment or a newcomer eager to discover the next big thing, join us on a journey to uncover the hidden gems of Ae! group and witness the magic of their new ascent in the world of entertainment as a debuted group.
Ae! group is more than just a collective of performers; it’s a tapestry woven from the unique talents and personalities of its members. They wear their individual personalities and skills with pride, as each of their colors is equally important in the mix that is Ae! group.
The fanmeeting started off strong with their signature song, “Aa!!!!!!,” hyping up the audience as they shone brightly and brilliantly on the center stage with renewed light and life in their eyes. In the true sense of bringing themselves as close to their beloved fans as possible, the group traveled through the venue on trucks, eagerly waving at fans and giving them as much fanservice as they could do while moving.
Seiya Suezawa’s performance in “Firebird” was truly remarkable, evoking an intense emotional response from the audience. As he flawlessly belted out the long note, one couldn’t help but feel the goosebumps rise on their skin, as if touched by the raw power and beauty of his voice. The high note reverberated through the venue, capturing everyone’s attention and creating an electrifying atmosphere that lingered long after the last note faded away. Moments like these remind us of Seiya’s true power, as he commands the stage like no one else.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement and nostalgia as members from Naniwa Danshi, WEST., and SUPER EIGHT took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the journey they had all embarked on together, the obstacles they had overcome, and the dreams they had pursued. Ae! group was initially formed under the guidance of You Yokoyama and has been actively cared for by Tadayoshi Ohkura, members of the legacy STARTO group SUPER EIGHT, and have been working closely together during their Junior days with members of Naniwa Danshi and WEST. It was a testament to the strong bond and camaraderie shared among these groups, transcending the confines of mere professional acquaintances and evolving into a profound sense of family.
As the heartfelt messages of support and encouragement poured in, it became evident just how deeply connected the Kansai family truly is. The genuine joy and pride that emanated from the seniors, juniors, and friends underscored the significance of this milestone for Ae! group. It was a beautiful moment of celebration, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the group as they set out on their debut journey, carrying with them the unwavering support of their cherished Kansai family.
Fan participation in selecting the setlist added an extra layer of excitement to the fanmeeting, as it allowed the group’s dedicated supporters to contribute directly to the concert experience. Through the questionnaire, fans were able to express their preferences and nostalgia for specific songs, creating a sense of collaboration between the group and their fanbase.
As the group delved into the performance, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and exhilaration, knowing that each song was chosen by the fans. This not only personalized the experience for the fans but also showcased the strong bond between the group and their supporters. The energy in the venue was like no other, as each song performed was not only a musical performance but a testament to the enduring connection between the group and their fans.
Among those songs, Sexy Zone’s “Meiwakiyaku” (名脇役) was selected. It was a beautiful new rendition of the song, greatly improved from the time they sang it during their DREAM ISLAND concert in 2020. The performance captured a sense of growth and refinement, showcasing the evolution of the group’s artistic expression. The vocals were rich but raw, emphasizing the storm of emotions within them and highlighting the depth of the melody.
There’s no Ae! group without a performance that literally makes you whip your head, and when they performed SixTONES‘ “WHIP THAT” and WEST. “YSSB,” that’s exactly what you’ll do. It doesn’t matter if you were standing in the venue, shaking your penlight aggressively, or sitting at home screaming your lungs out, the adrenaline was rushing through your every vein.
The performance gradually reaches its conclusion, the dimming of the venue allowing the spotlight to illuminate the boys as they stand tall at the center of the stage. Each member is given the opportunity to express themselves, sharing heartfelt greetings and expressions of gratitude.
Their messages resonate deeply, evoking strong emotions not only within the members themselves but also among the fans who eagerly listen to every word. The palpable sincerity and authenticity in their words create a powerful and moving connection, uniting performers and audience in a shared experience of mutual appreciation and respect.
“It’s my PRIDE, just that is enough for me”
Ae! group’s PRIDE
There’s a lot piling up to all the emotions surrounding this moment. All of a sudden, it’s supposed to become words. Words that should explain everything and every feeling that is going on. It’s not just another goal they’ve reached.
It’s a dream. Debuting is a dream come true. Standing in Kyocera Dome is a dream come true. It’s not all. It’s the accumulation of their determination, pride, and resilience.
They have spent countless hours honing their craft, overcoming obstacles, and pushing themselves to the limits. The moment of stepping onto the stage, feeling the energy of the crowd, and seeing their hard work pay off is an indescribable feeling. It’s a culmination of not just their talent, but also their unwavering dedication and commitment to their art.
The journey to this point has been filled with ups and downs, moments of doubt and moments of triumph. They have faced adversity with grace and determination, and their resilience has been an inspiration to many. To debut in Kyocera Dome is a testament to their unwavering spirit and the belief that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.
The pride they feel in this moment is immeasurable, knowing that they have defied the odds and achieved something that once seemed like a distant dream. It’s a reminder that with passion and resilience, dreams can indeed become reality. This moment is not just a milestone in their career, but a testament to the power of perseverance and the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition.
“We finally made it.”
The members stand in the midst of the ocean of colored penlights, another proof of the unconditional love their fans has for them, as the ocean changes color to match respective member as they speak their gratitude and feelings. Even without words, they convey everything they wanted to convey.
The special bond between the Kansai groups and Junior is truly remarkable and heartwarming. During the performance, the Ae! group extended a touching invitation to the Kansai Juniors to join them on stage for the encore song “Kansai Island“. This heartfelt gesture brought tears to the eyes of everyone present, as the Juniors rushed to the stage with unwavering determination, their hearts brimming with pride and affection for their beloved Ae! group. It was a poignant moment that vividly reflected the deep connection and love shared between the groups, leaving an indelible impression on all those fortunate enough to witness this beautiful display of camaraderie and mutual admiration.
Before the fanmeeting came to an end, the boys traveled through the venue on a truck one last time to wave and celebrate with the fans, giving back as much as they could in fanservice.
Statements from the members
Yoshinori Masakado: “We are incredibly grateful to finally be able to share this good news with the world. It is thanks to the love and support of all our fans, even beyond these long five years, that this day has finally come. We will continue to devote ourselves to the task at hand, so please lend your support to this “new Ae! group!””
Seiya Suezawa: “We want to thank each and every person who has helped bring us to this point, including everyone who came to our announcement event at the Kyocera Dome Osaka and watched it worldwide on the Family Club Online. It’s still hard to express all the emotions we feel, so I’ll leave it at this: the five of us will work harder than ever before for the happiness of our fans! This “BEGINNING” is thanks to you!”
Richard Keita Kusama: “Having finally reached it ourselves, I now understand what so many of our seniors meant when they talked about how a debut is not an end-goal, as it may seem from our view as Juniors, but rather a starting line for a new and exciting marathon, which we will run with your help!”
Ken Kojima: “A debut is just the beginning of a new adventure, but it’s still one goal that we are grateful to finally make manifest. We will apply ourselves wholeheartedly to become a bigger and better version of ourselves and take our fans along for an incredible ride to new heights. We will make Ae! group one that steals all your hearts!”
Masaya Sano: “This is the real start for us as Ae! group; the A(e!)ctualization of our A(e!)chievements by the A(e!)rdour of all our fans. The five of us will strive to be an Ae! group that makes you proud.”
SUPER EIGHT’s You Yokoyama also made a statement:
“It’s been five years, but I can still remember like it was yesterday when these guys came together as Ae! group. I am so proud of what they have accomplished, and relieved that every effort they put in has paid off.
Sometimes they can still seem a bit rough around the edges, but I know they have such high potential. I hope everyone might look upon them warmly and support their continued endeavors.
They might be “Ae” (good) now, but I know they’re going to be a SUPER group one day.
SUPER like SUPER EIGHT! (Nah, they’ll be even better)”
“世界がボクを裏切ったとしても
Ae! group’s ボクブルース
キミは信じてくれるんだろう?
ここにいるAぇ! groupの心を”
“Even if the world betrays me.
Will you believe me?
We’re here, Ae! group’s (our) heart (voice)”
Ae! group sets off for a new journey ahead, and the announcement at Kyocera Dome Osaka only ignited more sparks and fire in the group and their fans. It is with expectations they fulfilled, dreams that came true, and mountains they’ve overcome that they walk forward with their heads high and with smiles that infectiously affect everyone in the dome and worldwide.
There’s no doubt that this moment on stage will forever be engraved as an important moment for them. For fans all over the world to be able to experience it along with the group and celebrate together is also a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
As they walk, they will leave their footprints behind, their colors ready to spread across the universe, and the journey is too long for running through it all, but too short for just walking through it. Their journey is never-ending and every step from now on is just another chapter.
Together, as Ae! group and with their fans, they can go anywhere.
Go, with PRIDE.
Stay seated for more Ae! group to be served!
Make sure to follow the official X account to keep up with various information about Ae! group, as more fun things will be announced in the future.
aegroupofficial @ X | Official Website
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