ILLIT is teaming up with key players leading the global short-form trend to release a new song in Japan.
On the 21st, HYBE Music Group label Belift Lab Inc. said ILLIT (Yoon-ah, Min-ju, Moka, Won-hee, Iroha)'s third Japanese digital single, Bubee, will be released on Apr. 6.
Bubee is a dance-pop song based on J-pop with Shibuya-kei subculture sensibilities. The song title is derived from "Buddy," meaning colleague or friend, and conveys the message that anything is possible when you are with the one you love.
The bubbly lyrics of Bubee were written by Japanese singer-songwriter noa. He is the original creator of "全方向美少女 (Any Angle)," which became popular on short-form platforms such as TikTok. Last year he participated in work on ILLIT's first Japanese single track Topping, so the new song is expected to produce even deeper synergy.
Famous Japanese choreographer Makida Sako (田紗子) contributed to the choreography. She has led dance challenge hits through choreography for popular local idol groups such as M!LK and CUTIE STREET. She plans to present a challenge that two people—friends, lovers or family—can enjoy together, in line with Bubee's theme.
Bubee will be used as the opening theme for the Japanese TV anime "Magical sisters Rurutoriri," which airs next month. Even the partial audio in the previously released anime teaser video sparked attention for ILLIT's distinctive bright, refreshing vocals and raised expectations for the official release.
ILLIT has solidified its leading status in Japan, receiving love calls across various fields such as film and animation. The theme song Almond Chocolate for the film released in Feb. last year, "I do not like you by your face alone," made an unusual reverse-climbing surge on music charts and won the Outstanding Work Award at the 67th Japan Record Awards. The opening song Sunday Morning for season 2 of the TV anime "Princess, it's time for "torture"" released in Jan. is attracting major interest on short-form platforms as a dance challenge.
Meanwhile, following the Japanese digital single, ILLIT will release mini album 4 MAMIHLAPINATAPAI on Apr. 30 and begin full-scale comeback activities. Global fans are focusing on the new release from a group that has led trends with creative and fresh approaches.
[Photo] Belift Lab Inc. (HYBE)
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