Having surpassed 2 billion plays, the wild success of their single ‘Suki! ~Cho ver~’ has helped Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu find fans all around the world, uniting the globe with “suki” (love). Now, to make the most of all that “suki” power, the group have released a brand-new mini-album, ‘Heart Gyutto!’, along with a music video for lead track ‘Gyutto!’.
The Japanese word “gyutto” means “squeeze tightly”, and the new track ‘Gyutto!’ is all about firmly hugging your favorite someone. Check out the music video for a super-cute “Gyutto! Dance” on the beach, a sprinkling of heart-squeezing lyrics, and the adorable sight of the members competing for the attention of… a polar bear?! It’s the perfect excuse to learn the “Gyutto! Dance” moves and dance together with Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu.
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[vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsTrY9mLLfs” title=”Cho Tokimeki Sendenbu “Gyutto” Music Video”][vc_column_text]
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry? [Kanami Tsujino]
We were originally formed as a limited time project for a TV show!
Now we are delivering “tokimeki( heart race/crush/heart beating fast)♡” to everyone in the world with the theme
Describe your sound in 3 words? [Julia Ann]
“Love”, “Youth” and “tokimeki”!
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music? [Hitoka Sakai]
I would say Momoiro Clover Z, from the same management! They are very cool and I learn a lot from them every time I see them.
We want to be able to perform as cool live as Momoiro Clover Z!
Singing was not my strength at the beginning, but when I thought about what I could do to make people smile, my answer was to become an idol and deliver songs! So I practiced hard!
Do you play any instrument? [Haruka Koizumi]
I’ve been playing an Acoustic guitar for six years now. I play it on YouTube sometimes as well!
Do you ever get nervous? [Aki Suda]
I do get nervous a bit before performing on the stage but seeing fans with big smiles I find myself relaxing and smiling too !
Tell us about your new mini album “Heart Gyutto!” [Hiyori Yoshikawa]
The fact that the last release “Suki ! ~Cho Ver” went viral on TikTok. It was a great opportunity for many people in Japan and overseas to get to know us.
We hope we have captured everyone’s hearts and We made this album with the strong wish to not to let those hearts go!
It has 6 beautiful songs about Love and Youth. We are sure we can “Gyutto” capture your heart! (**Gyutto is the sounding words we use in Japanese to describe the hugging)
What’s the story behind the song? [Kanami Tsujino]
We usually have a short practice period for recording after we receive the demos. But for the lead song “Gyutto! had time between receiving the demo and recording, so we practiced a lot more than usual!
And about the huge success of “Suki ~ Cho Ver~?” [Julia Ann]
It went viral as the hook and the dance moves of the song are very catchy so it spread easily. Many influencers, artists, and actresses danced to the song-If you listen to the song with your favorite things in mind, you will definitely be moved by the many lyrics that you can relate to.
What is the most rewarding part of your work? [Hitoka Sakai]
It’s when we are performing live! I do this because I want to make everyone smile, so when I see people enjoying themselves at our live shows, I feel most rewarded.
Any message for your fans and our readers in the US? [Haruka Koizumi]
Thank you for the unconditional support! We will do our best to make our live performances in state come true so it’d be great if you could come see us!
What advice would you give to your younger self and why? [Aki Suda]
Never give up. Everything will be ok ! Don’t worry!!
How would your best friend describe you? [Hiyori Yoshikawa]
My best friend and I have been friends since the seventh grade and we are like twins! I
She will describe me as “super bright” and “weird”. I would describe my bf the same as well. We both have our own passions and we support each other’s dreams!
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why? [Kanami Tsujino]
“Truth of Tokimeki”
I chose this title because I thought it would be nice to have a book that would give people an idea of who we are, even if they don’t know us, with a thorough description of what each of us is like and what makes our group unique, all in one book!
What’s next for Cho Tokimeki in 2022? [Julia Ann]
We are going to have a live performance at the Makuhari Messe (Japan’s one of the largest conventional center) and it’s the largest scale in our history! We will do our best to share the greatest time with our fans!
What is your favorite healthy food? [Hitoka Sakai]
These days I’m super into Pickled Cucumber. It’s super nice for hot summer and it’s also low calorie and delicious!
And your favorite cheat food? [Haruka Koizumi]
Ramen! I can’t help eating the delicious ramen. I loooove Spicy ones!
How would you explain your fashion style? [Aki Suda]
The Stage clothing is leaning towards the “Cute” style with ribbon, hearts, mini-skirts, glitters and more.
We wear those cute outfits that every girl dreams of wearing at least once!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why? [Hiyori Yoshikawa]
I really want to meet this fortune teller person in Hawaii!
I heard that she reads a lot of celebrities. If I can see her across Japan, I would love to meet her and get her to read psychically!
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with? [Kanami Tsujino]
I’d love to travel abroad with my best friend, take a nice long hot spring bath in Japan, and eat all kinds of delicious food!
Best advice ever given? [Julia Ann]
“There’s a performance that only Julia can pull, so go ahead and try it.” was the best advice. It made me think that I have to be myself as much as I can !
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now? [Hitoka Sakai]
We would be so happy if we could do a world tour!
I hope to be seen on TV and at events every day and be the one to make lots of people smile!
Where can we follow you?
Website: toki-sen.com