A brand new girl group called Rain Tree, comprised of 17 women, will be making their official debut in January, according to an official announcement from famed hit group maker Yasushi Akimoto during an event in Tokyo earlier this week.
Rain Tree was formed following an extensive audition process known as the IDOL3.0 PROJECT that began back in April 2023 and included around 10,000 applicants. The final selections for the group were Ichi, Ichigo, Kawachan, Kinako, Kotori, Sana, Tama, Chai, Nii, Pero, Macaron, Maki, Mario, Milan, Lee, Rinrin, and Roze
“I never expected such a surprise! I’m determined to work hard from now on!” Kotori said during the announcement (h/t Tokyo Hive).
“I tried not to get my hopes up, especially after previous disappointments. But today, as we celebrate our debut, I’m so glad we all made it together this past year” Tama added.
Rain Tree will implement a selection process for main members for each single, allowing for continuous evolution and growth within the group and the members that are chosen to perform the title track of their debut single will come from a process of evaluating their singing, dancing, and self-expression that will be begin in October.
Akimoto is known for working with famous idol groups like AKB48, Nogizaka46, Hinatazaka46, and Sakurazaka46
