In 2018 I came across a new idol group named Hoshi☆Gumi, a subunit of Culumi, created by the Osaka-based company Sakura entertainment. They had entered the Idol Matsuri competition in which several idol groups from all over Japan performed a short version of a popular anime song. The group debuted on August 26, 2018 and consisted of three girls, Minami Aono (blue costume), Manaka Emina (pink) and Shimizu Rion (orange). On Christmas Day Hoshi☆Gumi’s first music video, “Spica Capella Rigel Mimosa”, was shared on YouTube. (Unfortunately, it has now been removed or made private. A short live version without Aono is the only official video.) The members of the group also appeared in films made by their company. In August 2019 Hoshi☆Gumi again competed in that year’s Idol Matsuri, this time winning the event for their region of Japan.
Here is a live video for the song “Spiral”.
In late 2019 Aono suspended her activities for a while to recover from physical exhaustion. A second single, “Koi no TeaTime”, was released in February 2020 without Aono participating in the recording. Eventually she returned to the group. In December 2020 the group disbanded due to both Aono and Rion wanting to stop their idol activities. Emina continued to perform with the group Culumi, as well as the group Iroha Sakura from April 2021 to March 2023.
Here is the video for “FACE OFF” by Iroha Sakura featuring Emina.
Culumi has had several member changes since their debut in November 2013. There has been a total of 29 members of the group throughout their history. Emina is the leader of the current lineup of Culumi.
Here is a live fan video for their single “Majide Saikyōururun Bīmu” (“Seriously the Strongest Ururun Beam”), complete with English translations of their names when each member sings.
I hope you enjoyed all the music from these idols. Thanks again for reading my blog and have a good day!
