A-Wake shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning A-Wake, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
A lot of people often misunderstand how much work it actually takes. As idols, it takes a lot of preparation and training that you never see. People see the large idol industries and assume that it is the same. They don’t understand how hard it is to have a stable voice while dancing or how hard it is to keep up energy through an hour setlist. They assume that most everything is already done for you and there isn’t much more to it. However, it is quite the opposite from forming a group to having to learn and master new skills, being a self made idol is not an easy task.
When you start an idol group you need to consider what concept your group will have, what genre of music you will prepare, outfit design, scheduling and much more. Writing music, creating choreography, sewing outfits, and building up stamina all take a lot of time. When we started we had no local idol group to help guide us, there was no example we could follow. We had to find out how to forge our own path and learn how to do everything. None of us in our group had any prior experience, but through our hard work we were able to make it this far and intend to go even further. Even with our experience it is still hard work but we will never stop giving it our all.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! We are A-Wake! A kaigai idol group also known as overseas idols group is made up of four sisters who became idols. Our motto is “私たちは輝く愛の笑顔！” /“Watashitachi wa kagayaku ai no egao!” Meaning “we are a shining smile of love!” Everything we do hopes to spread a smile across everyone’s face and feel the love in our hearts!
Our members: Rina Denka, the crown that protects the love and hearts fearlessly pushing you to rise to the top, Katsumi Kobayashi the moon that shines brightly among the stars reflecting light into dark so you can shine, Angel the wings that guide your dreams into the sky breaking through any storm and Victorica, the little thorned rose who makes the hopes and dreams within your heart blossom protecting you with her thorns. Together we are A-Wake!
We started in September of 2016, and will soon be celebrating our 10 year anniversary! We’re excited for 2026 with many new surprises planned! We have already completed our first two original songs. Have you seen heard them live? During this past year we welcomed the return of Rina along with showcasing our original songs. It was a lot of hard work writing and choreographing our own music, but we have been so glad to share them with you. Until now our original music has been kept exclusively for lives, but since they were so well received we’ll soon be releasing them online for you all to listen to anytime you want to. Up first will be our single Game of lies, a J-rock/pop idol track that has the meaning of finding the truth in a world full of lies will be our first surprise for y’all. Up next will be Sunrise Kiss, a J-rock/pop track that boosts your mood giving the feeling of a fresh morning sunrise with hopes of everyone finding their own light. After that we will be completing our third original song. We have more planned to celebrate, but that’s all the hints we’ll give for now so we don’t spoil the rest of the surprises.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A really important moment that really changed the way we saw things would have been when we were just starting out. We never expected for a dream to become a reality. We always have looked up to various idols. We love groups such as DreamCatcher, μ’s, Vocaloid, AKB48 and so many more. Starting out as just fans who wanted to have some fun we gave it a go and our journey has led us here. We realized that we can achieve our dreams if we try. Our beginning taught us that it takes a lot of hard work, but anything is possible as long as we keep trying and put in our best effort, we become closer to our dreams every day. We hope that our dreams can also inspire you, and give you the strength to reach yours.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
We would tell ourselves “Don’t be afraid to shine as bright as you can.” We each hold a light within us and it is great when it shines through. Instead of being afraid of the unknown, embrace it and be yourself. Don’t be afraid to try new things, be yourself and have fun. If you want to do something don’t let your worries or “what if” stop you, don’t be afraid to shine. The stage is a fun place, you have worked hard and prepared for.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
People will see other idols perform and tell themselves they can’t do it. Fans will see other fans or idols and tell themselves they can’t make a difference. We hear people express how nervous they are about ideas of rejection, they will see others with more experience and become intimidated.
Anyone can start their idol journey, but it does take hard work. You need to focus on creating your own journey instead of focusing on what everyone else seems to have. Not everyone will support you, the internet especially can bring forth a lot of negativity and false standards. Instead of letting it get to you, remember what your dreams are and use that to help you get through hard times.
We are idols who strive to bring out the light in your heart. May our light help give you strength. No matter who you are don’t be afraid to start by giving it a try. No one starts out a pro, it’s a journey that will be what you make of it. If you want to be an idol, chase that dream and never stop. Make it your own journey as you are your own person exuding unique individuality. No one can stop you from being the best version of yourself. So, don’t let them. Show the world your light and become your true self!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, starting out we have run into bumps on the road, in fact we had to create our own road. At first, you may not seem to see the light at the end of the tunnel. There will always be a group of people that will criticize you and try and tear you down. The important thing is to pick yourself up and improve. You can’t please everyone so instead make sure that you first take care of yourself. Always do your best as your hard work will pay off eventually. Don’t give up on yourself or on others. Even though much of your effort will never be seen you must keep giving your best, because you know how hard you tried and that is what really matters. Keep working hard and improving. Doing your best and continuing to learn and try harder each time, it is how you grow. One step at a time, little by little, others will begin to recognize your efforts and growth. So even if the road ahead seems dark, become the light that shines through!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://awakeidolsofficial.wixsite.com/a-wake
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_wake_idols
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/A_WakeOfficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Awakeidolsofficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@A-Wake
- Other: Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/a_wake
Tumblr: https://a-wakeofficial.tumblr.com/
Image Credits
A-Wake
Jitoshi
