The music production company WACK will hold its fifth overseas concert “WACK in the UK vol.5” at The Underworld live house in London, UK on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 (UK local time). This time, three groups, ASP, GANG PARADE, and KiSS KiSS, will perform. The following is an interview with each of the three groups.

This interview features KiSS KiSS, a five-member classic idol group that operating under the concept of “ Bringing KiSS to you Chu!♡”, featuring KiLA MAY, CA NON, CHANGBABY, NARUHAWORLD, and AiNASTAR, all of whom are also active as members of GANG PARADE. Their fans are collectively known as “KiSSERS”.

While primarily focusing on live performances, the girls are also active on social media platforms such as TikTok. They stand out as the most idol-like group within WACK, with cute costumes that have never been seen in WACK before.

With their unique take on the “classic idol” style, KiSS KiSS shares their thoughts on their journey, performances, and upcoming London show.

-First, please introduce yourselves.

AiNASTAR: I’m AiNASTAR from KiSS KiSS and “I’m in charge of ‘Not a Menhera(meaning I’m not the emotionally unstable type)'”. My MBTI type is ENFP, and my blood type is A. My favorite food is pasta, especially Goemon pasta. My member color is purple, which I call “eggplant color” (laughs). I have loved idols since I was little, so I am really happy to be able to do cute things in KiSS KiSS like this now!

CHANGBABY: I am CHANGBABY, “the baby rep for everyone”! My member color is yellow, my blood type is O, and my MBTI type is INFP. My favorite food is eggs, I’ve been into spicy food. I also love wearing cute clothes and put a lot of focus on social media.

MAY: My name is KiLA MAY! I am from Gifu Prefecture, my MBTI type is INFJ, and my blood type is B (I think?)(laughs). My favorite thing is manga, and I don’t even keep track of how much I spend on it every month anymore. Recently, I’ve gotten into knitting, and I think it would be wonderful if I could add my own hand-knitted accessories to the cute costumes of KiSS KiSS, and I’ll do my best to make one for all the members someday!

NON: This is CA NON. My member color is blue. My blood type is AB and my MBTI type is INTJ. My favorite food is Iekei ramen and my favorite drink is Coke. Recently, I’ve been doing my best to learn how to play poker. I also love writing, and I have my own article series and host radio programs.

NARUHA: My name is NARUHAWORLD! My member color is light green, my blood type is A, and my MBTI is ISFJ. My favorite food is sweets, and my main staple is chocolate (laughs). However, as expected, I do care about nutritional balance and do my best to eat a proper meals as well. My hobby is watching dramas, and I check out most of them.

-Please tell us what kind of group KiSS KiSS is.

MAY: KiSS KiSS is a group that has been working under the concept of “ Bringing KiSS to you ♡♡”. In Japan, this kind of “classic cute idol” is now attracting attention, so we are working together to research what it means to be “cute” so that we can be a group that can compete in such a market. In the future, we are working hard to become a group that can bring “kisses” to the world!

-What do you think a “ classic idol” should be like?

CHANGBABY: I imagine “Kawaii” being expressed through very cute member-colored costumes. I feel that very cute costumes are like a symbol of classic idols.

AiNASTAR: I think idol groups that are considered “classic” include AKB48 and Morning Musume。, for example; AKB’s checkered costumes are iconic, and Morning Musume。has a cooler image. But when I think about why very cute idols are considered “classic,” I wonder if the influence of anime culture is strong. Japanese anime has well-defined member colors and characters with distinct personalities. For example,Pretty Cure characters, with their sparkling and adorable costumes, have been inspiring children from a young age. I think this has led to the image of “classic”. Recently, there has been an increasing trend of girl fans supporting girl idols. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why the classic idol style, filled with such anime-like “dreams,” catches on with so many people.

-Do the songs and choreography reflect the classic idol style?

NON: I think many idol songs these days are SNS conscious. TikTok has become the source of trends nowadays, so it is important to know how your song will be popular there. I have the impression that many of the classic idol groups are also gaining recognition through buzz on TikTok. More and more songs are designed to catch people’s attention instantly, making them stop and watch. In that sense, I feel that the image of idols in the days of SNS is reflected in our songs and choreography.

-You are also members of GANG PARADE, but this is the first time WACK has had a ‘classic idol’ group like KiSS KiSS, isn’t it?

CHANGBABY: We shot a “kissing face” for our first music video shoot, but we were not used to being “cute” yet, and we were just messing around (laughs). We are a unique group within WACK, but we are actively researching and exploring different ways to find our own “cuteness.

MAY: WACK’s first “classic idol” surprised the WACK audience at first. But when we performed live, I realized that unexpectedly, there were many people who also like cute things. “Cute” is something that can be easily understood by anyone. That is why I would like to create not only “cute” as other idols do, but also “cute” in our own unique way.

-What do you think is “ KiSS KiSS’s unique cuteness”?

NON: I feel that WACK’s ism is firmly reflected in the music and choreography. For example, KiSS KiSS looks different when they perform at WACK’s general events and tours, but we don’t look “the same as other groups” when we perform at outside events. I think that is where our experience with WACK comes into play. I feel that the classic idol style and WACK-ism are well blended to create a different kind of “cute” compared to other groups.

-What song would you like people who are new to KiSS KiSS to listen to first?

MAY: I recommend “Kawaii nante iwanaide” the most! This song includes a point of self-introduction for each member, so you can kind of understand our characters by listening to it. The melody and lyrics of the chorus are very cute, and I think the song expresses the theme of “cute” that KiSS KiSS is aiming for. I hope you will enjoy listening to it!

AiNASTAR: When I first heard “KiSS KiSS SUNSET” from our first album, I was so impressed that “this is our song! The song was written by AiNA THE END, and it has a unique charm that no other idol group has. After listening to “Kawaii nante iwanaide” and understanding what kind of group KiSS KiSS is, I hope that “KiSS KiSS SUNSET” will help people get to know the appeal of the group even better.

CHANGBABY: I would recommend “Cake! It’s cute but also a little stylish—not too stylish—just the right balance of pop. I think it’s the perfect song for those who are new to KiSS KiSS!

NON: I love “Cake!” too. It is wonderful to hear it live, but I think the song is also highly sophisticated even when listened to on its own. I feel that it’s a song that’s easy to enjoy anytime and has the power to attract listeners, I’d be really happy if this song became the first step for people to fall in love with KiSS KiSS!

NARUHA: I also recommend “iNAi iNAi BA”! It’s super catchy and impossible to get out of your head. It’s a song that gets everyone excited during live performances, so I think it can be enjoyed both on its own and in a live setting.

-What kind of vibe should we expect at a KiSS KiSS concert?

MAY: Many of our recent KiSS KiSS songs include call-and-response sections. For example, in “Kawaii nante iwanaide,” the part where the members call out their names is included in the songs. For other songs as well, you can tell just by listening to the songs that this is where the calls are put in. So I think it’s easy for newcomers to pick up!

-It will be even more enjoyable if we listen to the songs and practice before we go.

MAY : Yes! You can know the timing of the call just by listening to the song, so I hope you will practice it and enjoy it with us at the live. Also, many people enjoy KiSS KiSS’s live performances with glow sticks. Since the beginning of the group, we have been trying to create a “live performance that is just like an idol live” and we also use glow sticks in our performances.

-Are official KiSS KiSS glow sticks available for purchase?

CHANGBABY: Yes, we sell them! Especially for the song “Twilight,” it is definitely better to have glow sticks. Many idols in WACK make their own choreography, but for KiSS KiSS’s recent new song, we asked a choreographer to make it very detailed and playful. We are allowed to take pictures and videos, so we hope you enjoy the details of the choreography.

-Can one glow stick change to match all the members’ colors?

MAY: Yes! This glow stick is compatible with all WACK groups, so it shines in more than 12 colors. You can use it at any live you go to, so you can be sure to have one with you!

NARUHA: Everyone who comes to our shows enjoys them in their own way. Some take lots of pictures, some dance with us, and many others. We want people to enjoy themselves freely, so we are happy if they can enjoy themselves in the way they think is “fun!

AiNASTAR: “It’s fun if you do this!” There is no particular rule that says, “You can take pictures, you can take videos, you can dance with us, and you can shout,” and We always tell the audience in our MC segments. I think it is a characteristic of KiSS KiSS live shows that people enjoy each of them in their own way. At WACK live shows, some people take photos seriously with their SLR cameras, while others take videos to put on TikTok. Also, there are people doing big jumps in the back, and it’s really free. But at the same time, I think it’s great that everyone naturally finds their own space and enjoys the show in their own way. I sometimes feel that the personalities of the fans are a bit similar to the personalities of the members.

-Please also tell us about the benefit event.

AiNASTAR: At the benefit event, you will first purchase a “ticket for the member you want to meet”. Using that ticket, you can talk with the member and take a picture with us. As for how long you can talk, I’d say about 30 seconds to a minute? It depends on the situation of the day, but I think you will enjoy even a short time!

MAY: Since many of you will be meeting for the first time, we hope you will feel free to come to the meeting. You can talk with them individually a one-on-one conversation, or if you are still undecided about your “OSHIMEN,” we recommend that you participate in the “All Members Shot” where you can take a picture with all the members!

-What exactly is the process?

AiNASTAR: First, you use your ticket to talk with the members, and then you can take chekis (instant film camera) or photos with us. Photos can be taken with either a cheki or a cell phone camera. For the benefit event, we recommend the “kissing pose” that is unique to KiSS KiSS. For those who join the event for the first time, many members will do the kissing pose with you!

MAY: This is a great opportunity to enjoy a little conversation while taking memorial photos and getting to know the members better. The benefit event is a place where you can have a special experience of “talking directly with idols,” and first-timers are also welcome, so please feel free to enjoy the event! Even if you don’t have a favorite member yet, by talking to different members, you might find yourself thinking, ‘I like this member!

-You performed in London for the first time last year as -KiSS KiSS, what was the impression you got from actually performing overseas?

CHANGBABY: It was a year ago, but I was really impressed that when I spoke to the audience during the MC, they responded so positively—without any hesitation or shyness. I was happy to see that they were not embarrassed compared to Japan and responded in high tension.

NARUHA: Since this was KiSS KiSS’s first overseas performance, I was worried that many people might not know us, but they clapped and shouted along with us at the live performance, and I really felt that they were enjoying our music even if they didn’t know us. I felt that many people genuinely enjoy music.

AiNASTAR: I also went to London just about a year after the group was formed, so I was worried that people might not know about it. But I was really moved when I saw a support video uploaded on YouTube and someone remembered the timing of the calls in Japanese. Before the live show, I had a chance to talk with fans, and some of them told me they came because they liked KiSS KiSS—it made me so happy to know that people from such a faraway place were watching us. Also, there were people who were jumping during the live performance, which made me feel a different atmosphere from that in Japan. Especially during the song “KiSS KiSS KiSS,” there was a sense of unity from the beginning, and I felt a great response. I think it is a difference in character depending on the country, but we had a lot to learn from the attitude of the overseas fans.

NON: The song “KiSS KiSS KiSS” is EDM-style club music, it felt like the entire venue had turned into a club, and everyone was in a groove from the introduction. Even when we were not singing, they were moving their bodies to the music, which made me realize how much they were enjoying KiSS KiSS music. We also feel that our music is good, so we were really happy to feel like we were able to share that with them. I thought that some of the lyrics might not be understood because they were in Japanese, but I still felt that there were moments when we could communicate with each other through music. We were truly happy to have the opportunity to perform live in London.

MAY: I think “cute Japanese idols” is a very Japanese culture. That’s why I decided not to lose focus on that aspect when performing overseas. I wasn’t sure if we could truly express “kawaii”, but we decided to take on the challenge with the weapons we had. I think “Japanese cute” is something alien to people overseas, but I was very happy to feel that they were accepting and enjoying the music purely as music, even though it may seem strange to them.

-What kind of live show do you want to make for your second London show in March?

AiNASTAR: Compared to the last time we performed in London, we have grown up and I feel that we have established our KiSS KiSS style. The first year was a period of exploration, but in our second year, we’ve done many events and gained experience by competing in the outside world. So, for those who saw us last time, I want them to think, “We’ve improved so much! I want those who saw us for the first time to be amazed at what we can do. I think that feeling is the same in Japan as it is overseas, so I want to make sure that we deliver a live performance that is uniquely KiSS KiSS.

NON: Last time, I went to London feeling very anxious. I was worried about whether they would really accept me in a place I knew nothing about, or what if they would react negatively to me. But those worries were unfounded. I really enjoyed the London performance and it became a wonderful memory. I am even more excited this time because I can confidently deliver the KiSS KiSS live performance!

MAY : Last time, I was really happy to realize that “there are so many people waiting for me!” I was really happy to realize that. I was also very encouraged by the feedback I received when the show was announced: “I’m so happy to see them again!!” We have been working on our “cuteness” for a year, and I hope we can bring the cuteness of Japan to the people of London and communicate with them through “cuteness” beyond words. I want to make everyone melt with our cuteness!

NARUHA: It is a really precious opportunity for us to perform overseas, and we are very happy to be able to do so. We would like to express our thanks to all the people who are waiting for us. We will do our best so that you can feel all of us, including “cute” in one live performance.

CHANGBABY: Since the last London concert, KiSS KiSS has released many more cute songs. For this performance, we want to enjoy ourselves without being nervous and deliver our typical cute Japanese idol look. I think our current costumes are also very close to the “cute idol image,” so we want to show that to the best of our ability.

-Finally, do you have a message for our readers?

MAY: KiSS KiSS has been incorporating slightly stylish cute and cool elements while ultimately trying to achieve something that says, “This is how cute KiSS KiSS is. Recently, we have begun to see the shapes and we would be happy if you could enjoy it directly at our live performances!

NON: We would like to deliver the cuteness of KiSS KiSS not only through live performances but also through music and other tools. We will do our best so that you can feel the charm of KiSS KiSS from various angles, so thank you for your support!

AiNASTAR: We are a fusion of Japanese idol looks, voices, and the cuteness of each of us, creating our individuality as KiSS KiSS. We have five members, so I think you can easily remember us, and I hope you will pay attention to each one of them, as we also communicate on TikTok and other SNS, and I look forward to seeing you at a live concert someday!

NARUHA: It may be a hard thing to suddenly come to a live concert, but we would be happy if you would first listen to our songs and watch our music videos. If you feel that you want to know more about us and meet us, please come to our live performances! We will do our best to meet you, too, so please listen to many KiSS KiSS songs.

CHANGBABY: Most recently, we will be performing in London in March, but from now on, we will do our best to be more of a cute Japanese idol to the world and meet you all in person. We may not have the chance to see you often yet, but we will try our best to bring you cuteness through SNS and this article. I hope you are looking forward to seeing you soon!

INTERVIEW：Hiroo Nishizawa
PHOTO：Yuki Ohashi

■Live Information

WACK in the UK Vol. 5
DATE: Wed. 26th Mar. 2025
OPEN: 7PM
VENUE: The Underworld (London)
APPEARANCE : KiSS KiSS,ASP and GANG PARADE

General Tickets: £30 (Entry from 7pm)
VIP Upgrade Ticket: £120 – strictly limited. It includes:
· Light lunch with the members
· Cheki photo with group of choice
· Cheki photo with member of choice (plus autograph)
· Exclusive T-shirt (Japanese XL size)
· Early entry to the show.
· VIP ticket holders do not need to purchase a general entry ticket.
To upgrade via DICE please purchase a general ticket, then log into your DICE account and choose the upgrade option.
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Timetable:
12:30 – VIP light lunch and cheki event
14:00 – Cheki ticket sale begins for general ticket holders.
14:30 – General cheki event
18:30 – VIP early entry
19:00 – General entry
19:30 – KiSS KiSS
20:20 – ASP
21:10 – GANG PARADE
22:00 – End
About Cheki event:
Cheki are a type of polaroid style photo that is popular in Japan. The VIP ticket already includes 2 cheki opportunities. Further opportunities, as well as opportunities for general ticket holders, will be available by purchasing cheki tickets from the mech stand. Each cheki ticket purchased will allow for one cheki to be taken with a member of the ticket holder’s choice.

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