Aya EightPrince (Former BiS) - First Solo Interview

*This Interview was originally published by Billboard Japan on 2019.8.16

Aya EightPrince Acting Debut Interview "So Close, Yet So Far Away"

"I had nothing, but I wanted to give people hope"

Aya Eight Prince has been focusing on her new direction ever since the 2nd Generation of BiS disbanded on May 11th. This Summer, she made her acting debut in the Twitter Drama "So Close, Yet So Far Away", and taken a step in a direction no one expected. I spoke with Aya about her story and vision for the future. Days after the disbandment, Aya couldn't walk on her own, and suspended activities due to her poor condition. She was touched by the support she received, and had her first experience as an actress. In her first solo interview, she talks about her feelings on music and singing.

"I think the next thing I do will have a huge impact on my life"

--How did you spend your days over the 3 months after BiS disbanded?

In the first month, I took voice training lessons at Gamushara, and I was able to work with the same Teacher at almost all of the lessons...I just didn't want to have any free time. When I made my debut, I was always busy, so if I suddenly had time to myself, I didn't know what to do. I get scared during the time when there's nothing to do.

(*I believe Aya's referring to her debut in BiS, not her acting debut. Her fear of having nothing to do must have continued after she left WACK)

--How did you feel right after disbanding?

At first, I didn't really feel like we had disbanded. A new BiS was beginning, former members joined new groups, and my new activities were gradually starting. But now I've made my debut as an actress in the Twitter Drama "So Close, Yet So Far Away", and I'm moving in a new direction, so I think I can move forward.

--However, there was an interval until the release of this Twitter Drama. It would have been nice to get another job offer...

Thankfully, I received allot of job offers, but I thought the next thing I do would have a huge impact on my life, so I considered each one carefully. I wanted to be able to meet with fans quickly, but I didn't want to jump into something that wasn't a good fit...and the issue was that my health was in poor condition.

"I couldn't walk, so I had to use a wheelchair and was just miserable"

--Can you talk more about that?

I was in the worst physical condition of my life, and it really effected me. I started suffering from a disease called Ulcerative Colitis early in the Summer. I was also suffering from Gastroenteritus (Stomach Flu), and there were various theories about the cause. One is that it was caused by something I ate. Another is that it was caused by fatigue that had accumulated. I showed signs of hair loss, which is one of the symptoms of alopecia areata, but these symptoms appeared later on, so they might not have been connected. I think that's why I felt so sore. Pour-chan (Pour Lui) told me, "are you possessed by something?" (laughs).

--How bad were the symptoms?

I slept so much, that it felt like my brain was melting. Recently, I've been doing calculation drills to help improve my memory.

--If it really melted, you wouldn't be talking now, so those calculation drills are amazing.

Also, when I was only suffering from colitis, my fever wouldn't go down, and my stomach made it too painful to walk. I didn't even talk a bath for about 5 days, so I was really shabby...Even when I went to the Hospital for intravenous fluids, I couldn't walk and needed a wheelchair. That's why my Mother came with me...it was just no good, and I cried. Normally, it's the reverse. If my parents got sick, I'd have to take care of them. I'm an adult...I was in such a miserable state, but my Mother was kind.

In my despair, I thought "what am I going to do?" and cried allot. When I was active in the group, it was troubling, and I worried allot. I quarreled without listening to what was said, and had to leave the house and live on my own. However, after getting sick, for the first time I thought "I'm glad I chose to be the way I am now". Because I couldn't go to the Hospital without my Mother.

(*This paragraph was a bit tough to translate, so I don't know if I made it clear enough. It sounds like Aya had been living at home with her Parents when she was part of WACK. The stress she was under must have caused problems between them, so she moved out. Her illness must have brought her and her Mother back together)

"Pour-chan's connection to the Drama 'So Close, Yet So Far Away'"

--With the help of your family, you were able to make your debut with the Drama "So Close, Yet So Far Away", but how did you decide to appear in this project?

Pour-chan connected me. An acquaintance of hers was working on the Twitter Drama, and the new Director of the Drama contacted Pour-chan and said "I'd like Aya to play a role". So that's how I ended up appearing in it, even though I'd never acted up to that point. My memories bad (laughs). When the Director asked me "can you act" and I responded "I don't know". However, I applied for some monthly fortune telling from Getters Iida-san and he wrote "taking on many challenges this year is better". I've always had a fondness for watching musicals and plays, so when I received this opportunity, I decided to accept the challenge.

(*Getters Iida started out in a Comedy Duo in 1999. They broke up in 2005, and he focused on various entertainment activities appearing regularly on television as a Fortune Teller. He started holding Fortune Telling parties and Fortune Telling Masquerades which became popular among Married couples. He's in charge of several Fortune Telling columns and even has an official mobile site)

--What about performing in a Play?

The leads, Tano Yuuka and Fujita Tom, have been acting for a long time, but I'm an amatuer, so I felt like I was coming from a place of "what is acting?". The Director and Crew have been very patient with me. They'd told me things like "You don't have to put so much effort into it/you don't have to try so hard. It's okay if it feels rough". As a first time performer, I'm grateful they created such a relaxed environment. It was fun doing my own research. I should be signing up for more Workshops in the future, and I want like to study acting more and more.

"I love the image of Airi Suzuki ~ For me, singing is my life"

--I'm looking forward to see your future as an Actress, but what do you want to do as a Singer and an Artist from this point on?

I want to sing. I'm definitely doing it! Of course I'd like to do my best with Acting and Modeling, but deep down, at my core, I'm a Singer. An easy image to use as an example is my favorite, Airi Suzuki-san. I'm taking on many challenges, but isn't singing the main one? Also, since the 2nd BiS disbanded, I began wondering what singing really means to me. At first, I heard the voices of fans saying "I want to hear you sing", and I have no reason to retire as a singer, so that's why I thought it was natural to continue singing. Since then, I've been doing allot of other things, and I started thinking "is singing what I really want to do?". I came to the realization that, for me, continuing to sing is "my reason for living".

--Being life itself.

If there were no songs in this world, I might be dead. I can't think of life without music, and I can't imagine not singing, so of course I want to sing. I'm just a normal person. I can't do much more than ordinary people. But if I sing, maybe I can make someone happy and they might believe "the world can change ". I want to be someone who can give people hope by singing more and more in the future.  I had nothing, but by singing this way, I've become the person I am. You can do it too. I want to show that to people.

http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/79010/2

BiS Natalie Interview - Part 3

"You never know what will happen in WACK"

--DiPromise is meant to be Pour Lui's Graduation Song. In contrast to Whole Lotta Love, I think it was difficult to express your emotions during the recording.

Peri: Actually the opposite was true. The tension has completely changed.

Gojira: In a sense, "Whole Lotta Love" and "DiPromise" are similar in that we shed our sweat and tears, however because the music is different, the way we approached them was different.

--Was Pour Lui present during the recording?

Kikka: Yes, Pour sings first during recording. It's BiS's recording method for Pour to sing first and then Matsukuma inflates the image. I didn't notice until afterwards, but Pour Lui was crying after the recording. I wonder if she sang with all her heart.

(*Kikka really does use "inflate")

--Matsukuma and Watanabe are in charge of the lyrics for this song. For Watanabe, it's like sending one last song to a Wife who's always been with you. It's a feeling that only these two people can know.

Kikka: It's a great love song, isn't it?

--I wonder how the new songs will be showcased on 3/4 at Ryogoku Kokugikan?

Aya: I think it will be an unforgettable day for me as well as for BiS, since it's also the day that Rental Trade will end and I will become a member of BiS again. It will restart from here.

--Pan-san, what do you want BiS to become in the future?

Pan: When I debuted at the Liquid Room, I said I wanted to be the Ace of BiS, however recently, I've said I want to go beyond Pour. But at the time, I didn't foresee Pour Graduating, so I thought I would do my best until I could surpass Pour. But even if Pour has Graduated, my goal is still to surpass her. For myself, I need to become the Ace, but I still don't know. When I'm working as hard as I can during Voice Training, Dance Lessons, and Lives, I wonder if I can reach the ideal that I want to be?

--In that sense, I think Aya's presence is good for Pan.

Pan: We haven't performed together yet, but I'll do my best so we can be good rivals from now on.

--Momoland, what do you want the new BiS to become?

Momoland: I don't think it's useless. I feel like I want to change. During the MCs and interviews, I was able to talk because Pour-chan and Saki-chan would bring me into the conversation, but once the two are gone I have to speak up on my own or I wouldn't speak at all, so I feel that I need to try hard. I need to change my character as well.

Gojira: What? Change?

Kikka: It would be great if you created a Character!

--What kind of character do you want to become like?

Momoland: Up till now, everyone has helped and pushed me, so I'd like to think and act on my own from now on. That's the character I want to become, so I have to study about Communication in books.

--Compared to previous Interviews, I'm actively talking about this, so it feels extreme listening to it. I'm looking forward to Pan and Momoland's future growth in BiS.

Kikka: Since Shaved Head (Kamiya Saki) left, the framework is emptier, isn't it?

Aya: Maybe White Paint with a Shaved Head could be good.

(*Aya uses the word "Bouzu" which is a Buddhist Monk. I went with Shaved Head since Kikka specifically says that)

Kikka: Separately, it's good...Only I am tasty!

Peri: I want to do something different. Go even further with the White Face and Shaved Head. I want to add some tattoos! Full body tattoos!

Aya: There are also Underground Idols that are surprisingly tattooed.

--I can't write this (laughs).

Peri: It doesn't belong to a WACK group!

Kikka: But if you get Tattooed, you can't go to a public bath, right?

(*For anyone unaware, allot of Bath Houses ban people with Tattoos. They're still taboo in Japan because tattoos are associated with the criminal element. Some have relaxed it to only ban full body tattoos, to keep Yakuza from intimidating customers, and Foreigners are usually exempt from the Bath House rule because Tourism brings in money)

Pan: Not only that, you'd really stand out. (laughs)

--Momoland, you don't want to do a thing like this, do you?

Momoland: (Nods Silently)

Gojira: Everyone's happy just talking, right Momoland?

Aya: If a new member joins from the next Training Camp, they might get initiated with White paint or a shaved head.

--Yes, there's an Audition Training Camp. It's possible a new member might join.

Aya: As far as a Trade, I don't think it will happen a 2nd time.

Gojira: WACK is a "Scrap and Scrap". We don't know what will happen.

Peri: Kikka will join EMPiRE.

Pan: Kikka will be the only one to leave.

Aya: Everyone's saying they want to see Kikka leave (laughs).

Kikka: Wait a second! What is all this!? We were supposed to have a nice discussion about what BiS is going to do from this point on!

--There's been various things, but everyone's been positive and it was nice.

Kikka: Everyone's lightened up, haven't they?

Pan: We really have. I think it's like this even when rehearsing. The atmosphere has changed. After all, the curse has lifted, right? (laughs)

https://natalie.mu/music/pp/bis07/page/3

BiS Natalie Interview - Part 2

*This was originally posted on OneHallyu on April 5th, 2018.

"Thoughts about Pour Lui's "Stop messing around"

--This will be the first time that Pan and Momoland will stand on a stage with Aya.

Pan: When we joined, Aya wasn't in BiS anymore, so I saw her like any other member of Gang Parade. It feels strange, but for me and Momo, since we started with Saki-chan, this feels more like a trade.

Momoland: That's what kind of feeling it is.

--All 6 of you are taking dance lessons, but how do the 3 Initial members feel about Aya's growth?

Peri: It was a long time ago that Aya was here, so I forgot (laughs). This time, I'm in charge of the choreography, but Aya gives advice on the details we don't notice. While in Gang Parade, she had various experiences and I feel like she's grown up.

Gojira: She's started saying very precise things. Pour-san was going to make Aya the Dance Instructor when the 5 of us started, but she would say "it's good!" no matter what we asked (laughs).

Peri: Yes, yes, yes! That's all she really said! She's really grown.

Aya: Once I became in charge of checking everyone's dances, our expressions became more rich. Since I was so happy about that, I meant to say 'I'm glad!

Kikka: But your supposed to give advice and impressions, so it felt like "That's it!".

Gojira: It's so nostalgic. I thought you grew allot when thinking about it. Now you make precise comments about timing and hand movements.

Aya: But I was happy that everyone Powered Up.

--Aya-san, what do you think about being in BiS again?

Aya: First of all, I heard from the Researchers, not the Members or Watanabe-san, that Pour said she was retiring. I guess the other members knew about a month ahead of time, but I found out then. In a previous Interview, Pour-san said the group was falling apart, but I was a Gang Parade member at the time, so I thought "I should do my best not to lose". At that time, Pour was unintentionally seen as rivaling BiS, so when I heard that Pour-san, who was the core of BiS, would retire, I was like "What?".

(*I'm not sure what Aya means that Pour was rivaling BiS. Was this coming from fans?)

--Although I don't know the situation in BiS, as Aya said, she didn't understand why Pour-san would retire at that time.

Aya: Yeah. As soon as I became a part of BiS, I had a dream of being in the top two position with Pour-chan. Even after I went to Gang Parade, somewhere in my heart I felt that I still wanted to make that dream come true. So my straightforward feelings towards Pour Lui is 'Stop messing around'. What was that about when you said you would crush us? So a while back in some interview, I said 'I want to continue being in Gang Parade', but it's because after hearing about her graduation there was something on my mind, or I guess I can say there was a change in how I felt.

(*Aya uses the phrase "Two Top" which is a type of formation in Soccer where two Forwards are placed at the front. There's also a "Three Top" formation. She could be referring to a W Center)

--Since you couldn't decide where you belonged, you felt conflicted about what you wanted to do.

Aya: Actually, before the WACK Fest, Watanabe asked me "which do you prefer?".

Peri: Is that so?

Aya: Yup. At the time, my head was messed up with various things like Pour-chan, so I said "I'm sorry! I don't know!". Then Watanabe-san said, "Give it a little more thought" and I answered "I understand. I think", but then at the event 3 days later, it was announced the Rental Trade would end (laughs).

Peri: (laughs) He didn't wait at all!

Aya: I found out later, but Saki said Watanabe asked her the same thing. Since I wasn't able to make a decision, I wasn't able to make a good comment at the time of the announcement, so it ended up being "I'll do my best no matter where I am". In conclusion, I joined BiS after passing the Audition. Then suddenly, I was traded to Gang Parade last April. It was announced that I would return to BiS this March. I understood the goodness of both groups and thought that I love both groups. When asked "which do you prefer?", I couldn't make a decision. I'm looking forward to the new BiS activities and I'm glad I could be here.

"Released from the curse of BiS"

--I think that Pour Lui's graduation is an important moment for the group, but I wonder if the grown up Aya returning is not a negative. If I listen to everyone's story, I don't feel too much loss.

Gojira: It is a bit lonely. But I'll decide on my own.

Peri: It feels more like "Thank you for all your hard work", so it's not negative at all. It's more like "Please entrust BiS to us".

Kikka: Yup. You can say it at last. I didn't have that kind of story at all, and I felt like it might become weaker, so I was worrying. When we made the retirement announcement, it was said with a refreshing emotion, and kind eyes. I thought I was glad when I saw it.

--You had been trapped by the image of the old BiS, so you could say you were released from "the curse of BiS".

Kikka: That's right. Indeed, the curse disappeared and we've become pure.

--Up 'till now, you were speaking a bit darkly (laughs).

Kikka: No, no, no (laughs). At the time, I could see Pour was set free, so this decision was really good for BiS and Pour.

--None the less, I think the atmosphere became "What about BiS?" within the Idol Industry. Kamiya will return to Gang Parade and it will be said that nobody has the old soul of BiS. Meanwhile, the Double A-side Single "Whole Lotta Love/DiPromise" is the Major re-debut release, but only the 6 members of the new system sing Whole Lotta Love.

(*I think she might have meant "What about BiS's place" within the Idol Industry, but the above translation seemed more literal)

Peri: They're 2 contrasting songs.

--As a matter of fact, "Whole Lotta Love" is the first BiS song without Pour Lui's voice. Becasue I couldn't imagine such a thing happening, personally I was nervous listening to it. But as I listened to it, it was BiS after all. Does BiS say they think it's BiS again?

Peri: That's a nice way to say it!

--For everyone, because it hasn't fundamentally changed, it's not a new group feeling either.

Peri: I prefer to say this is the upgraded version of BiS.

--I see. Have the 6 of you talked about something in recording?

Kikka: We never got together and talked.

Peri: There were discussions about small details, like how to sing the rap and how to hold a microphone.

Kikka: That's right. We discussed how to present the choreography on the stage.

--How would you like to present the new BiS?

Peri: Up to now, I haven't had much time to think about how to sing, so for the first time, I've decided to stick with that.

--As for the direction of the song, it has a similar intensity to recent songs like "Socialism" and "I Can't Say Nooo!!!" so the Rock sound remains unchanged and fits with BiS's current style, but you're also trying something new like Rap. I feel like it comes from a place that only 6 people living and working together could create.

Gojira: As opposed to "DiPromise", "Whole Lotta Love" is sung by the 6 of us, so I think they wanted to add new things when we started as 6. While recording, Mastukuma-san (Kenta/scrambles) requested that "we sing like Thee Michelle Gun Elephant", so we sang with a higher tension than usual. I didn't think rap would fit with the new song, but I want to do fun things. The lyrics also use phrases from the time of the old BiS a little bit.

--I think the symbolic one is the phrase "I have to go" that was also used in "BiSBiS". Changing the phrase becomes a turning point of the group as it becomes comical as "I have to go, I'm singing too much Melody, Wasshoi!".

(*Wasshoi is difficult to translate and has several meanings, so I didn't attempt it. However, this entry will shed some light on it's origin:

"Wasshoi" is considered to have developed in Edo, originating from the phrase "Wajo Dokei", meaning 'to unify the people's hearts together and be full of enjoyment'. This "Wajo Dokei" was shortened to "Wajo", then changed to "Wakasho" (meaning to carry harmony), and finally changed to "Wasshoi", meaning 'to stay with harmony')

Gojia: "I have to go!" isn't a feeling full of determination, but "I have to go, Wasshoi!" is something that's more cheerful (Laughs).

Peri: It's the new "I have to go!" isn't it.

Aya: Because these 6 people have to go.

Pan: Before, after we got tons of blisters on our feet it was 'We have to go!' but I thought 'So for these six members that's the kind of "I have to go" (laughs).

https://natalie.mu/music/pp/bis07/page/2

BiS Natalie Interview - Part 1

*This was originally posted on OneHallyu on March 29th, 2018.

"6 People released from the curse of BiS"

On 3/7 BiS makes their Second Major Label Debut by releasing the Double A Side Single "Whole Lotta Love/DiPromise" through Nippon Crown's Crown Stone Label. A few days ago, at "BiS 2nd BEGiNNiNG TOUR FiNAL WHO KiLLED IDOL??" at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, founder and leader Pour Lui graduated. This also marked the end of the Rental Trade, and Kamiya Saki returned to Gang Parade while Aya EightPrince retured to BiS.

Music Natalie Interviewed BiS on how they will carry out their new system. BiS faced various dramas before crawling back into the Major Scene after 1 yr. and 8 months since restarting. Aafter several months of turbulance, what do they think about Aya and Kamiya's Trade and Pour Lui's Graduation?

"The Joys and Pressures of a Major Debut"

--Music Natalie will be the first Interview under the new system. First of all, congratulations on the second Major Debut.

Peri: I'm very happy. I'm happy about the time it was decided upon.

Gojira: On the other hand, I had strong feelings about the Major Debut. When BiS restarted, allot of people were saying "BiS is group with a proven track record, so if they do it seriously, it's not a dream that they could have a major debut in 6 months". However, it actually didn't work at all at the beginning of the restart and I didn't have very satisfying Lives.

--Looking back at Interviews from those days, everyone was having a hard time.

Gojira: Even thought we continued activities for half a year, we were unable to deliver results so I was depressed. But then Pan and Momo joined and Saki-chan came for a limited time and gradually able to have good lives. So when the time of the Major Debut was decided, I was very happy.

Kikka: I felt the same as Peri, but I was thinking about the group and lives, and bout singing the same songs as the previous BiS when they were Major.

--For your Major Debut, What kind of Image do you have of the Nippon Crown Label?

Pan: Kitajima Saburo-san.

Peri: The image of many Enka Singers that belong to it was strong.

Gojira: Yoshizawa Kayako-san. I like Yoshizawa-san so much that I sang her song "Minor's Assertion" (Miseinen no Shucho) in a very loud voice when I auditioned for BiS. Since this is my beginning, it's amazing that I can be on the same Label.

Kikka: Yes, yes. Frankly, I wonder if we can be considered the same as these people (laughs).

--It's certainly interesting that BiS is on the same Label as Kitajima-san.

Kikka: It's very strange that BiS who does Gori Gori Rock is in the same company.

(*Gori Gori is slang for "Hard, Sharp, Biting")

--I see. Idol groups Passpo and Predia also belong to the Nippon Crown Label.

Peri: As expected, it's strange (laughs).

--Pan and Momoland, what are your thoughts on the Major Debut?

Pan: I was privelaged to debut at the Liquidroom in May 2017, so it was great environment to start in. It was difficult to understand everything the Initial Members struggled with since restarting, but it's a pleasure to have earned the rewarded of a Major Debut after making it through the Training Camp.

Momoland: I'm very happy. I just recently joined, and don't have allot of experience, so I feel like I have to be more firm.

--And Aya is back in BiS after a long time.

Aya: That's right. I feel like I've come back home.

Everyone: Welcome home!

(*Aya used the standard "Tadaima" and everyone gives the formal response of "Okaeri")

Aya: Thank you! I'm very happy. At the same time I'm coming back home, we're having our Major Debut, so personally, I feel glad. During the time of the Trade, I did my best in Gang Parade. I gained momentum and realized my fans have increased allot. I also realized how hard it is to make a Major Debut. That's why, although BiS themselves struggled to produce results, there are roads that the Seniors of the former BiS went down that are connected to our results, and we should not forget to show them gratitude.

(*When Aya says she knows how hard it is to make a Major Debut, she's referring to how Gang Parade are still Indie after all these years, and are still trying to go Major)

--I also talked about the Interview with Gang Parade which was published. Aya was active in Gang Parade longer than she was in BiS.

Peri: Even though I'm aware of this, it surprises me.

--Aya will be able to make her debut as soon as the Trade ends. At the time when Aya comes back, what are your thoughts about the other members?

Peri: Right before the Encore Stage at the WACK Fest, I heard that the Trade between Saki and Aya would end. I didn't know the reason at that point, but as time goes on, I gradually understand. During the time when Aya was in Gang Parade, I thought it was a totally different kind of Aya.

Gojira: Even when meeting on site, I felt like "Ah, Aya-chan". I wasn't that interested (laughs).

(*I think Gojira means when both groups would be performing at the same place)

Everyone: (Laughs)

Gojira: Rather than not being interested, I just thought "She looks like she's doing well" (laughs).

Kikka: It's like "That is that and this is this".

Gojira: As I read the Interview, I felt that my way of thinking has changed since I've been in BiS.

Kikka: Although it was decided she would come back sooner or later, Aya was doing her best in Gang Parade, so we thought it would be rude to say we felt sorry for her.

--Aya thought the same way. You cut off BiS during the time you were in Gang Parade. Can you talk about your feeling back then?

Aya: It was remarkable especially when I was just traded. I was muting the BiS Member's Group Line. Truthfully, I still mute it.

Peri: Hey, hey, hey!

Gojira: Well, then I'll block you (laughs).

Aya: It was troublesome! I think I'll cancel the muting once the Trade ends.

Peri: On the other hand, aren't you going to mute Gang Parade?

Aya: Ah, what should I do? If I look at it my heart will hurt. It's because I can only concentrate on one thing. However, when I said I muted BiS's Group Line, it's because I love everyone!

https://natalie.mu/music/pp/bis07

BiS to disband (again). Will reform (again) after auditions later in the year.

At the finals of WACK's Training Camp over the weekend, it was announced that BiS would disband, with their final concert taking place on May 11th. Details were posted on WACK's Official site.

BiSより大切なお知らせhttps://t.co/qTXtY07sQx

— BiS−新生アイドル研究会-オフィシャル (@BiSidol) March 30, 2019

"Regarding the BiS members, thank you for always supporting them.

We would like to make a report on the members.

We accepted a request by all 9 members to disband.

The date of their final performance has been decided on May 11th, the final show of the "Are you ready to go?" Tour.

We sincerely apologize to all the Researchers (BiS fans) for the sudden announcement.

We look forward to your continued support of BiS."

Watanabe Junnosuke, the mastermind behind WACK and all it's groups, announced auditions for the next incarnation of BiS.

速報
BiS解散にともない、
新しいBiSを結成いたします。
オーディションを改めて開催いたします。
詳細は後ほど。

— 渡辺”ジュンジュン”淳之介 (@JxSxK) March 30, 2019

This marks the second time BiS has disbanded. The original group disbanded in 2014. 2 years later, it reformed with 4 new members and founder Pour Lui returning.

To put the announcement into perspective, here's a little history.

The WACK Training Camp, or WACK Audition Camp, is a place where young hopefuls can audition to join WACK's stable of groups which include BiSH, BiS, GANG PARADE, and EMPiRE, and a new trainee program called WAgg. The audition takes place over the course of one week at the end of March, culminating with the WACK Exhibition where the winners are chosen from the finalists. The Exhibition also features live performances from all the WACK groups as well as a major announcement.

Last March, the BiS.League was announced. BiS, which at the time had grown to include 12 members, was split into 2 Units: BiS1st and BiS2nd. There would be an AKB48 style Election where fans could buy CDs and use a code to vote for members online or at live events. Whoever ranked the highest would be in BiS1st and receive the majority of promotions. The low ranked members would be in BiS2nd and get minor promotions. The members didn't enjoy competing like this, and the BiS.League ended after the 2nd Election.

It's been speculated that the members decided to disband out of protest. During the 2nd Election, Watanabe announced that the lowest ranking members could be removed from BiS. The 5 members who ranked in the bottom were: Toriaez Hana, YUiNA EMPiRE, Muropanako, Nel Nehru and Aya Eightprince. Because of their low ranking, all of them except Nel Nehru would participate in this year's Training Camp (Nel Nehru withdrew from BiS in January due to poor health). The stipulation was added that, if any of them were eliminated, they would be fired from BiS. Ultimately, Aya Eightprince and Toriaez Hana were eliminated and required to leave the group, but would still remain in the company. It seems that the members decided if all 9 couldn't be in the group, they would rather disband.

Peri Ubu, an original member of the reformed BiS, confirmed the decision was made by the "BiS Team" to disband.

BiS解散します。
悲しんでくれる方や惜しんでくれる方がいて心が痛い半面嬉しいです。
これを前向きな解散だとわかっていただけると幸いです。
これが最善だとBiSチームが思った結果です。
これからそれぞれ何をするのかまだわかりませんが、ひとりひとりにもっと輝ける場所があると思います。

— ペリ・ウブ (@UBU_BiS) March 30, 2019

The status of the remaining members is unknown. Will any of them still be part of WACK? We'll have to wait and see.

Anyway, thanks for over 2 yrs. of fun and chaos.

2016

2019

This means that "Are you ready?" will be the final single for this Era.  It's a fitting farewell song. Judging from the MV, it's almost like they knew it would come to an end.

2018 Is Shaping Up To Be A Big Year For WACK

*I originally posted this in May 2018. I'm reposting it for archiving purposes.

The "Watanabe Artistic Creative Kabushiki Gaisha", or WACK for short, was founded by BiS's Manager and Producer Watanabe Junnosuke in 2014 after the group disbanded. Over the past 4 yrs, the company has come to include 4 groups: BiSH, the reformed BiS, GANG PARADE, and most recently EMPiRE. 2018 is turning into a year full of changes and growth for the company.

It's flagship group, BiSH, continues to rise and is landing deals left and right: Anime Openings, CM's, Drama Themes, etc. They even have their own guitar. 

BiSHが夢をデカく叫ぶ「ブラッククローバー」新刊発売記念ムービー（動画あり） #BiSH https://t.co/988smjIGwu pic.twitter.com/pB8NmrOHlP

— 音楽ナタリー (@natalie_mu) 2018年5月2日

【ROUND1新CMキャラクターに就任！】
ラウンドワンの新CMキャラクターにBiSHが就任しました！
4月1日（日）より全国でO.A.開始。
ボウリングやスポッチャ、楽しんでます。
チェックよろ。https://t.co/oTf5srHa5l#BiSH #ラウンドワン pic.twitter.com/aifm4DRVJP

— BiSHオフィシャル (@BiSHidol) 2018年3月26日

【「レオパレス21」CMソング歌唱決定！】
広瀬すず主演の「レオパレス21」新CM
CMソングをBiSHが担当。
5月10日（木）から全国で放送開始！よろ。

＜レオパレス21公式サイト＞https://t.co/3YLsgWIxJ9#BiSH #レオパレス21 #夢中で頑張る君へエールを

— BiSHオフィシャル (@BiSHidol) 2018年5月9日

【BiSH新曲、ドラマ主題歌決定！】
dTV×FOD共同製作ドラマ「彼氏をローンで買いました」主題歌に
BiSH新曲『Life is beautiful』が決定！
脚本は野島伸二氏。
3月9日（金）配信開始。よろ。https://t.co/oTf5srHa5l#彼ロン #BiSH pic.twitter.com/muUzS6EzAv

— BiSHオフィシャル (@BiSHidol) 2018年3月6日

【BiSH×HELLO KITTY 清掃員ハローキティBIGぬいぐるみ】BiSHのファン、「清掃員」になったキティのBIGぬいぐるみが登場するよ☆5/22（火）より全国のラウンドワンのお店でGETしてね♪ https://t.co/jBPomdfnev pic.twitter.com/Bp5qGtoC1K

— サンリオ (@sanrio_news) 2018年5月18日

フェンダーとBiSHのコラボギター「Fender Telecaster Thinline "BiSH"」発売決定（写真13枚） #BiSH #fender #BiSHギター https://t.co/zuI1aQhjnX pic.twitter.com/fd8xUpyRfd

— 音楽ナタリー (@natalie_mu) 2018年5月22日

To top it off, BiSH just performed in front of their largest audience to date, approximately 12,000 fans, at their solo show at Yokohoma Arena. 

BiSH、横浜アリーナ12,000人の前で決意表明「ここで終わりじゃない。ここからぶちかましていきます」https://t.co/TaanzSPrVx#BiSH

— BARKS編集部 (@barks_news) 2018年5月24日

Meanwhile, the current incarnation of BiS recently went Major for the second time and is now operating under the J League System. This means they will be holding their own Senbatsu's for every Single. The 10 member group is split into 2 Teams, BiS1st and BiS2nd. Whichever members rank in the top 6 of the Popularity Poll will be in BiS1st. I've read that WACK was intended to be a parody of the 48Gs, so this plays into that.

【メンバー入れ替え戦『BiS.LEAGUE』詳細!!】
『BiS.LEAGUE』では、ファンの投票で、7/4発売の「Don't miss it!!」の次の作品でのBiS1st/BiS2ndメンバーを決定します!!https://t.co/SSAqPQVWHw

— BiS−新生アイドル研究会-オフィシャル (@BiSidol) 2018年4月26日

分裂したBiS、1stと2ndの対照的なビジュアル公開 #bisidol https://t.co/sy8cSt3La0 pic.twitter.com/ypSQhg7tss

— 音楽ナタリー (@natalie_mu) 2018年5月15日

WACK also created it's own Indie sub-label, WcDonald Records, which will release the first solo single for GANG PARADE member Yui Ga Dokuson in June. The MV is out now! 

ユイ・ガ・ドクソン、ユーロビートでパラパラ踊る「Like a virgin」ガングロMV（動画あり） #ギャンパレ https://t.co/UNZX8VOUFt pic.twitter.com/C6dPawzcKn

— 音楽ナタリー (@natalie_mu) 2018年5月30日

MVゐτ ＜ れ ﾅﾆ ｶゝ ﾅょ ？OTOTOY ､ﾅ ω τ″ ┐ └| ─ DLもτ″ ､ｷ ちゃ ぅ ！
感想 彳寺 っτ ゑ ｶゝ ω ね https://t.co/y6YWr0VFQchttps://t.co/F3n47djIBZ pic.twitter.com/3LdlLZYleV

— ユイ・ガ・ドクソン (@yuiGD_GANG) 2018年5月30日

Regarding the business side of things, a few weeks ago Watanabe, the WACK Founder and Manager we all love to hate, announced the company was hiring more staff for Artist Management. That was a good sign the company is growing.

【間も無くWACK求人終了】5月11日まで。よろ。人手不足。https://t.co/DWsZoD9T4D

— 渡辺”ジュンジュン”淳之介 (@JxSxK) 2018年5月7日

Just the other day, the full picture was revealed when it was announced that WACK will start it's first ever Kenkyuusei Trainee Program, called WAgg. Girls age 12 - 17 can receive training with the possibility of eventually joining BiSH, BiS, or other WACK groups. 

【NEWS】BiS、BiSH、GANG PARADE、EMPiREを手がける「株式会社WACK」が、次世代のアイドル育成を目指し活動する「WAggプロジェクト」を立ち上げることを発表! 12～17歳までの女性を対象に、新メンバーオーディションを開始!!https://t.co/9N8TNBGlaI pic.twitter.com/8ZcAHEeMV8

— オトトイ (@ototoy_info) 2018年5月28日

It's Hello Pro Egg, WACK style  Even though WACK was intended to mirror 48Gs, it's structure feels more similar to Hello Project (they even did Shuffle Units last year), so the name is fitting, especially considering so many WACK members are big H!P fans. Previously, Applicants went through an arduous, week long Training Camp to get into WACK. I can only assume WAgg will incorporate some of these elements as well as some new ones that we probably can't imagine.

All this has happened in just the first half of 2018. It's going to be exciting to see what happens in the second half and for the years to come as WACK continues to grow.