Beyond being valuable gemstones, diamonds have historically been symbols of strength, elegance, and timeless beauty. Their captivating design holds a mystical charm, but beneath that allure lies a rigorous journey of immense pressure that brings forth their brilliance. This very symbolism is reflected in the artistry of rising J-pop girl group IS:SUE, which emanates a prism-like energy shaped by resilience.
“Shine however I want / Live the way I want,” they declare in their recent release, ‘Shining’, a tribute to self-confidence. “I’m about to shine like a light / I can’t hide my shine / Don’t miss it, yeah.”
This outlook, however, was not developed overnight. It evolved when Nano, Rino, Yuuki, and Rin seized the opportunity presented by ‘Produce 101 Japan The Girls’, a survival show that tested their artistic abilities and offered them guidance needed to define their identities on stage and beyond. A few months after the show's conclusion, the quartet was officially announced as IS:SUE, a name that, according to Yuuki, celebrates individuality and the notion that genuine happiness stems from being true to oneself.
“We believe that true happiness comes from being your own person, and that’s the concept we weave into all our songs,” she shares during a video call from Tokyo. “We hope to inspire those who don’t know us yet with our messages about individuality and staying true to yourself.”
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One year ago today, the group made their J-pop debut with ‘CONNECT’, a song that laid the foundation for their empowering narrative. Now, with the launch of their third EP, ‘EXTREME DIAMOND’ (set for release on May 21), they are further embracing that vision, showcasing their remarkable potential to the world. Just as a diamond’s brilliance is derived from its many facets, IS:SUE continues to shine brighter with every step they take.
In celebration of their first anniversary, Rino, Nano, and Yuuki (with Rin currently on a health-related break) reflect on their journey, marked by creativity, sisterhood, and self-discovery.
Let’s begin with a straightforward question before delving into deeper topics. What motivated you to pursue a career as an idol?
Nano: I’ve been dancing since middle school and I always admired artists performing on stage. My love for dancing eventually evolved into an interest in singing. I believed that becoming an idol would be a great way to unite my two passions and follow my dream.
In middle school, my inspiration came from a group called E-Girls. They were such an influence on me, motivating me to become a dancer.
Rino: I initially started with singing, which later led me to dancing. During my training, there were tough moments, but music consistently pushed me forward and kept my spirits up. I want to be a source of encouragement for others, just as music has been for me.
Yuuki: I began dancing in first grade, inspired by artists like Bruno Mars and Beyoncé who combined singing and dancing. I found it really cool. Unfortunately, when I entered high school, COVID hit, preventing me from continuing my dance lessons. I spent a lot of time at home watching audition shows, which deepened my interest in K-pop and other Asian artists. Those experiences motivated me to become an idol who could sing and dance.
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Let’s go back to the beginning with ‘Produce 101 Japan The Girls’. Although each of you joined for different reasons, the common goal was to realize your dreams of being idols and performing on stage. How did this competition affect your lives?
Yuuki: I learned how much your world can change based on your support team. The audition show was exhausting and overwhelming at times, but working with trainers and fellow trainees who shared their experiences really helped me. It highlighted the importance of having a strong support system as an artist.
Rino: I gained a deeper appreciation for thinking critically. During the audition, we had our phones taken away, so I lost instant access to information. While I felt nervous about it at first, it encouraged me to reflect more deeply on songs' lyrics, enabling me to convey more emotion in my performances.
Nano: For me, it made me reconsider my role within a team. Before the audition, singing and dancing were purely fun for me. However, being in a team setting made me analyze my individual strengths and weaknesses, which helped me understand my contributions better. This was a significant takeaway for me.
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Having been in the spotlight through ‘Produce 101’, you’re familiar with public attention, but debuting must feel entirely different. Was there a moment when you truly realized you were now artists?
Yuuki: During our first release, we had a photo session for the CD cover. That was the moment it hit me – we were really there, taking photos for a CD with songs we had recorded. It felt incredible to really become an idol.
Rino: I felt like a true idol when
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In addition to being valuable gemstones, diamonds have historically been admired as symbols of resilience, elegance, and everlasting beauty. There exists an almost enchanting quality to them.