The music video “《A》BEGINNING” marks another significant moment for Ae! group, showcasing their signature sound characterized by pride and determination. As the MV is unveiled, fans are filled with anticipation and excitement as the debut date draws near.
After a glitching collage of solo shots and typography, the music video opens with Ae! group inside the Fukui Sun Dome in a formation resembling their trademark ‘A.’ With the smoke and single spotlight from above highlighting them, they immediately captivate the audience’s attention and set the tone for what’s to come.
Directed by Takuro Okubo and choreographed by s**t kingz’ Shoji, “《A》BEGINNING” is nothing less than spectacular and is a visual journey that represents Ae! group‘s coming journey but also proof of their relentless hard work.
Member Masaya Sano also revealed during a morning program that part of the prize money he has been winning from various competition programs went into renting the Fukui Sun Dome for this MV. It has always been his intention for the money to go into making an MV, so this was the perfect opportunity- even if part of the money went to pay for the air con inside the dome, too.
The visual presentation of “《A》BEGINNING” is absolutely stunning. From the very first moment the video begins, viewers are entranced by a mesmerizing display of black leather outfits, grunge-inspired backgrounds and scenery, and a sleek and modern aesthetic when they switch to a more polished visual.
Each member is given their own unique location for their individual shots, with the focus solely on them as they exude confidence and charisma. The group shots, on the other hand, are captured in contrast against a vast and open space, conveying the message that while each member is strong individually, together they are an unstoppable force, ready to take on the world.
The first half of the video showcases the classic idol side of Ae! group—something that fans have come to expect from a STARTO group—with a heavy emphasis on showcasing their choreography and unity as a group. This builds up anticipation for the second verse, which brings a burst of energy and showcases their impressive skills as performers who are accustomed to delivering top-tier performances. The visuals’ simplicity only enhances the song’s impact and allows their talents to shine even brighter.
As the second verse begins, the camera seamlessly shifts to focus on each member individually, capturing their unique presence and talent. The monochromatic color scheme intensifies the visual experience, immersing viewers in a world of shadows and light. As the chorus approaches, the scene explodes into vibrant colors once again, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
The members are highlighted with their distinct features against the stark backdrop of black and white. Every shot is carefully crafted and captured in high-definition, adding to the mesmerizing effect of the song’s powerful chorus.
Each movement is executed with precision and strength, showcasing the group’s harmonious unity and impressive synchronization that has garnered them respect and admiration.
Standing tall and confident outside the magnificent Fukui Sun Dome, Ken Kojima radiates a regal charisma that solidifies his role as the group’s leader. As the camera zooms in on him in this music video, his extraordinary visuals take center stage.
His sharp features are highlighted by the soft glow of sunlight while his intense gaze pierces through the screen, demanding respect from all who watch. It comes as no surprise that he is a regular model for FINEBOYS magazine, with his striking looks and commanding presence.
Richard Kusama Keita captivates viewers with his overwhelming charisma and unique vibe set against the backdrop of Tojinbo. His rap segment is particularly striking as the expansive landscape contrasts with the rapid succession of lyrics.
Richard’s resonating singing vocals resonate with strength and vibrancy, while his rap verses exude an additional spark of attitude and groove, uniquely his own.
Yoshinori Masakado serves as the bridge between Richard and the upcoming segment featuring Seiya Suezawa, his raspy voice beckons us closer, luring us in with a surprising rap interlude. The industrial backdrop serves as a striking contrast to Yoshinori’s charm and allure, highlighting his effortless coolness that has earned him the title of “the Most Ria koi” (リア恋)1 for consecutive years.
As he belts out powerful vocals against the gritty rock grunge sound, it becomes clear why he is such a fan favorite. His distinct and powerful voice adds just the right amount of roughness to the song, elevating it to new heights. Every note he sings is charged with emotion, his rich tone filling the room and captivating all who listen. It’s as if each word carries its own weight, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Seiya is truly remarkable, and his stage presence is nothing short of captivating. His larger-than-life persona and powerful vocals demand attention, drawing the audience in from the moment he takes the stage.
In the music video, his commanding presence is on full display, leaving a lasting impression on all who watch. With his mesmerizing visuals, accompanied by his high-toned, strong vocals and undeniable charisma, Seiya effortlessly captivates the audience, solidifying his status as their powerhouse vocal.
Seiya’s crisp vocal tone harmonizes perfectly with Masaya Sano’s clear and polished ones, which is highlighted during the bridge. Masaya’s stable vocals embrace you with comfort only applicable to the youngest. It’s a delightful experience to witness the interplay of their voices, like a beautifully choreographed dance where every step is perfectly timed.
As Masaya steps forward from his usual position behind the drumset, his presence exudes refreshing confidence, captivating the audience with his magnetic performance. The bridge becomes a pinnacle of his talent, showcasing the depth of his honed skills.
When it comes to Ae! group, the group is not complete without their band arrangements and performances, and they deliver a strong impression as they surprise us with an intense session.
The instrumental break is fully dedicated to their craft as a band and really highlights exactly why Ae! group is as popular as they are. Yoshinori plays the guitar expertly, showing off his long years of nurtured skills, setting his mark as the leading guitarist, and his love for the instrument is evident. With every breath he takes, he pours his heart and soul into the performance, bringing an intensity that can only be described as powerful.
Not far after, Ken’s fingers dance over the keys on his keyboard, and Masaya pours his all into the beat of the drums. Richard’s bass keeps up with the rest, and it’s absolutely inspiring to see how far he’s come in such a short time.
Then, there is Seiya—Ae! group’s own PRIDE. One significant asset the group possesses, beyond their collective determination and willpower to succeed, lies in Seiya’s vocals. As mentioned earlier, his high-toned vocals set him apart from his peers and distinguish him in the current music scene.
While technical skills can be refined over time, Seiya’s innate talent remains unmatched. The heights that his vocals can take him and Ae! group seem limitless, a point underscored by “《A》BEGINNING.” Seiya hits an impressive high F#/G note during the instrumental break and continues to dazzle with his vocal prowess throughout the rest of the song. As you listen to him sing, you will undoubtedly feel “thank you for staying, thank you for not quitting,” because when Seiya performs, it’s simply magical. Now, the rest of the world can finally experience the wonder that is Seiya Suezawa.
The music swells one last time for the final chorus, uniting them in harmony to deliver a powerful finale that leaves a lasting impression. Each member pours their heart into their part—Yoshinori with his electrifying guitar riffs, Ken’s melodious keyboard notes blending perfectly with Richard’s rhythmic bass, Masaya drumming powerfully yet effortlessly, and Seiya’s breathtaking vocals tying it all together.
Every member contributes to the song, not only in their respective solo lines but also by adding layers of harmonies throughout the song. Seiya’s higher harmonies are the most evident, but behind the flawlessly mixed and produced music piece lie the layers of the other members. Richard and Ken’s unique grooves add depth to the verses, and Masaya’s resounding higher harmony echoes along with Yoshinori’s grittier vocal tone. With Seiya soaring the melody of the second pre-chorus, Yoshinori‘s harmonies reverberate perfectly in tune with Seiya, emphasizing the strong image they have as a performing duo.
It’s faint but it’s there, and the way Ae! group layers their vocals together in the song only brings forward the raw and unfiltered charm that they will be able to mirror live on stage when they perform the song.
The song ends on a perfect crescendo, encapsulating the tenacity, talent, and spirit of Ae! group.
“《A》BEGINNING” is more than just an Aemazing debut song. It’s a statement of their unyielding determination and urge to constantly move forward, no matter how hard and tough it might seem.
“《A》BEGINNING” holds a profound and deeply significant place in the heart of the group, serving as a resplendent embodiment of their essence. From its spellbinding visual presentation to the meticulously crafted line distribution, every facet of the song radiates the quintessence of Ae! group. With its multifaceted appeal, this song encapsulates everything that fans passionately cherish about the group. As their defining opus, “《A》BEGINNING” fervently captures the very soul of Ae! group and will undoubtedly stand as an enduring emblem of their artistic brilliance.
Ae! group has proven once again that they’ll neither be defeated by rain nor defeated by wind, no matter what obstacles may come their way, they’ll show you that they can face them earnestly.
Their story isn’t over yet;
this is just 《A》BEGINNING.
A physical disc version of the single will be available wherever Japanese CDs are sold. It will feature additional bonus tracks and behind-the-scenes video extras!
🛒For more details, click here
Buy A BEGINNING [Bundled Set of All 3 Editions], Regular Edition, Limited Edition / Type A, or Limited Edition / Type B from CDJapan.
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- It’s a term often used in fan culture, referring to the state where someone not only supports their favorite idol or celebrity but also harbors romantic feelings, expressing a desire to date or even marry them. Similar terms include “リア恋” (ria koi) and “ガチ恋” (gachi koi), which convey the same meaning as “real-life crush.” ↩︎
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