Attention music enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a new pop girl group to sink your teeth into, look no further – f5ve is the band for you. Made up of J-pop veterans Sayaka, Kaede, Miyuu, Ruri and Rui, the fierce fivesome first debuted in 2023 with their single ‘Firetruck.’ Earlier this year, the “inter-dimensional dream agents from Tokyo” underwent a transformation, switching their stage name from the Sailor Moon-inspired SG5 (Sailor Guardians 5) to f5ve (pronounced fi-vee). Since kicking off their new era, the talented group has honed their craft and released singles that rebuke self-doubt, explore the complexities of love, and embrace the power of womanhood. (They’ve since been co-signed by major artists such as Bloodpop, Rosalía, A.G. Cook and more.)
On 10 September, f5ve showcased another side of their artistry with the release of their Underground REMIXS EP. On the five-track genre-bending project, the ladies teamed up with TeddyLoid, DJ CHARI, STARKIDS, Doss, and art collective YAGI EXHIBITION, who brought to life dynamic reimaginings of the titular single. Amid their steady rise within the pop music sphere, GAY TIMES spoke to f5ve about their musical beginnings, their dedicated LGBTQIA+ fans within the hi-5 fandom, their goals as a new girl group on the scene, and more. Read the full interview below!
All of your songs so far have been a huge hit with fans. ‘Lettuce’ has over three million views on YouTube, which is major! What is like for you all to see this massive response right out of the gate?
KAEDE: I still can’t believe this happened and very happy to see the response in so many different languages. Every time I look into socials I was like, ‘Wow! There’s hi-5 in this country!?’
SAYAKA: I was a little worried because we had been silent for more than a year since our last work, but I was happy to see that so many people were waiting for us.
MIYUU: I didn’t expect this at all. The team is working very hard, but seeing so many people listening to f5ve’s music and reacting for us every time [we] release something is something we’ve never experienced before, even though we’ve been around for a long time, so we’re simply happy! Thank you always, my besties.
RURI: It’s still unbelievable! I really can’t believe that most of the comments are from overseas. It still feels like a dream.
RUI: I’m very happy and I believe that the music that BloodPop creates for f5ve is music that should reach many fans!
For those who are unfamiliar with you, can you tell us a little bit about how f5ve came to fruition?
SAYAKA: KAEDE, MIYUU, RURI and I are former E-girls members, and RUI, who is now in iScream, are joining forces with the Grammy-winning producer, BloodPop.
KAEDE: I think we are creating a new genre that is unique in the way f5ve can only express.
MIYUU: We are a group of five women based in Tokyo. Many call us “five”, but the correct pronunciation is “fi-vee”! Each of us is a multi-dimensional dream agent utilizing our arsenal of optimism, confidence, brilliance, and female empowerment. And I represent fantasy.
RURI: We debuted with ‘Firetruck’ under the name of SG5, and we were reborn as f5ve, followed by releases of ‘Lettuce’ and ‘Underground’. We will not be talking about the rebrand because… no.
RUI: f5ve is the woman of every girl’s dreams. f5ve brings you confidence.
How would each of you describe the sound of f5ve?
KAEDE: f5ve’s goal is transforming negative energy into positive energy through infecting your mind with music.
SAYAKA: Every genre, every woman, every girl, every sound. Everything!
MIYUU: We use various worldviews as f5ve’s colour, and transform to fit that concept – that’s how we express ourselves! We don’t ever want to be described as one thing.
RURI: Each song is a different dream. Each time I record, I enjoy exploring new sides of myself. Hopefully, you will find a new you too.
RUI: We transform freely depending on the song and embody the music.
What about your performance style? What kind of energy do you aim to bring to the stage and your music videos?
KAEDE: I want to make our fans feel confident. Many idols in Japan focus on being cute – that’s boring. We want to be real and feel free. We are artists.
SAYAKA: We want to be as Japanese as possible. [From the] Para-Para dance from ‘Underground’ and lettuce-eating dance from ‘Lettuce’, I think the choreography reflects our music and makes us unique.
MIYUU: We embody each song 100%, so sometimes vegetable queens, sometimes beautiful office worker, sometimes gym shorts and socks. We want to do the unexpected.
RURI: I change my mind depending on the moment.
RUI: I want to embody joy and optimism. I want to make you escape the harsh, cold, real world and feel hope again, even for just a second.
The music industry is currently lacking in mainstream girl groups that are topping the charts on a similar level to Destiny’s Child, TLC, Spice Girls, Pussycat Dolls, and Little Mix. Do you hope to change that?
KAEDE: I don’t think there has ever been a Japanese girl group at the top of the international music industry, so I hope we can be the first group to do so. It’s a long road to get there, and it has been very challenging so far, but we work every day to be our best and represent Japan.
SAYAKA: I want to be a Japanese person on the world stage.
MIYUU: We are influenced by many popular and smaller artists from all over the world. I think many people are tired of the same thing being presented over and over with girl groups. Hopefully, we can bring something new, authentic and real.
RURI: The world is finally ready for us.
RUI: We don’t want to be limited by charts, categories or streaming. We want to create amazing art that stands the test of time. That is more important than anything else.
What girl groups have inspired you all individually, and which girl groups had the most impact on f5ve when it comes to image and sound?
KAEDE: I am really influenced by the Japanese girl group called Morning Musume. Watching them on TV when I was young inspired me to be an artist. We are also inspired by our Japanese culture rather than singular artists.
SAYAKA: Seeing an Asian group like BLACKPINK become so popular worldwide has been extremely inspiring. They have an iconic sound. We hope to be iconic.
MIYUU: Personally, I like BLACKPINK. They have inspired us a lot. The image of Asians being accepted so much around the world, and of people all over the world loving them is what we aspire to. Also artists like Perfume, MAX, and Pussycat Dolls.
RURI: I watch a lot of girl groups and listen to songs, but I think f5ve is really unique, like no other.
RUI: Personally, I love Charli xcx. I love her worldview and her music.
Historically, girl groups have always attracted a lot of fans within the LGBTQIA+ community. Have you noticed that support?
KAEDE: Of course, yes. There were a lot of comments [and phrases] that I didn’t understand at first, so I asked the team about it and they told me, ‘It’s used a lot by the LGBTQIA+ community.’ They’ve always supported us with a high level of enthusiasm, and I really appreciate that.
SAYAKA: I’m happy that so many people have commented, spread the word, and are constantly cheering us. I think gay people like us because we love being ourselves.
MIYUU: Every time we release, the LGBTQIA+ community acts and spreads the word. Not just about our music, but the existence of f5ve to more people. So, I think more and more people are getting to know f5ve. It’s all about you, besties. Thank you for your support.
RURI: Of course, I always feel the support and love of our fans! I’m encouraged by a lot of comments on socials. I learned words like “mother,” “diva,” and “ate.”
RUI: [The LGBTQIA+ community’s] support and love are truly encouraging. I’m also checking all the reactions on social media! Thank you so much.
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And what do your LGBTQIA+ fans mean to you?
KAEDE: They are incredibly supportive, and it seems like they are most of our fans. Everyone is so welcoming and beautiful and unique. We will protect you.
SAYAKA: They are an important and encouraging presence for us. The community has so much energy, so we are very happy to receive their support and want to show our support in return.
RURI: We will not be here today [without the support of the LGBTQIA+ community], and I can’t imagine not having their support. You are an existence that must be with us; our dreams won’t come true without you. We will always be together.
RUI: Thank you for finding f5ve. Thank you for lots of love and rainbows! Love you all so much. “Mother!”
We’re so excited to hear new music, what can you tell us? Is there a debut album on the way?
KAEDE: Too many songs to count. We can’t talk about it yet, but we think fans will be very well-fed.
SAYAKA: We will do every genre…
MIYUU: The album isn’t too far away. If I were to give you a hint about the album, I think the word “fantasy” is perfect. We worked with many amazing people, including our amazing executive producer Bloodpop. Also, A.G. Cook, Count Baldor, Hudson Mohawke and more. You will be waiting for us, right?
RURI: You will be surprised. I hope you enjoy the world of f5ve.
Watch the music video for ‘Underground’ here or below.
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