F5VE ARE RELEASING THEIR DEBUT ALBUM ‘SEQUENCE 01’
interview by JANA LETONJA
Japanese girl group sensations f5ve will be releasing their highly anticipated debut album ‘SEQUENCE 01’ on 5th May. Tearing up the rulebook on what J-Pop can be, f5ve have blended dance, rock, funk, hyperpop and sprinkled with metallic snares and subcultural references to create an album that is a high-energy collision of sonic worlds.
all clothing DIESEL
Congratulations on your debut album, ‘SEQUENCE 01’. How does it feel to finally share this project with the world?
Kaede: We’ve been working on this album since 2022, so we’re super excited to finally share something full of love and heart with you all. I’ve been listening to it every day since we recorded it, and it never gets old, it still feels fresh every time. We’re very proud and can’t wait to hear what you think.
The album blends so many genres—dance, rock, hyperpop, funk. What was the creative process like in bringing these different sounds together?
Miyuu: We started working on this album towards the end of 2022. In the studio, we had deep conversations with BloodPop®, sharing our favorite music and movies. Casual conversations sparked inspiration. Even after a track was completed, BloodPop® kept bringing in fresh ideas and variations, making sure each member’s voice was heard. He helped shape the music in a way that felt right for all of us, creating a sound we could truly connect with. We also got to assign our own parts for the songs, which was new and exciting for us. In the process, we learned so much about music from all over the world.
Your single ‘Magic Clock’ has such a unique concept. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and the whimsical video?
Rui: During our recording session with BloodPop® at a studio in Japan, we heard the demo he had worked on with A.G. Cook for the first time. It immediately made us feel happy and nostalgic. We often talk about Japanese culture, J-Pop, our favorite music, and anime. It’s through these conversations and memories that we were naturally inspired, and that’s how this song came to life. In the music video, we move between the past, present, and future all controlled by our magical clock, with help from Tsurugi from Psychic Fever. For the childhood scenes, we had kid dancers perform, and their energy and cuteness made me so happy. When Kaede saw their performance for the first time, she was so touched by how adorable they were that she started crying.
If you had to describe ‘SEQUENCE 01’ in three words, what would they be? (RURI)
Ruri: Interdimensional, individual and fun. Our first album as f5ve is truly special. It’s almost every genre, each reflecting our individual styles. While most of the songs have really different concepts and styles, theres a futuristic edge to the production that keeps it cohesive. There’s a lot of classic J-Pop influence, as well as western electronic pop and lots of rap, which is very new for all of us. We want you to feel our uniqueness and think “This is f5ve.” This album is more than just music, it’s our identity, our business card to the world.
f5ve is described as “inter-dimensional dream agents.” Can you explain this concept and what it means to you as a group?
Sayaka: We utilize our arsenal: confidence, brilliance, empowerment, joy, and fantasy to infiltrate your mind and destroy bad vibes. We always strive to be confident, strong, and beautiful women. At the same time, we want our energy to empower hi-5, our fans, giving everyone the same strength and courage that fuels us. Our wish is for every hi-5 to shine brightly every day, living each moment as the best version of themselves. This concept is what keep us motivated as a group. It pushes us to elevate each other, embrace challenges fearlessly, and continuously evolve into something new. Through this energy, we hope to inspire and uplift you, so you can take on the world with the same unstoppable spirit.
Your music carries themes of empowerment and breaking free from expectations. How important is it for you to challenge the typical perceptions of J-pop?
Ruri: As f5ve, we’re beyond excited and honored to share the J-Pop we love with the world, representing Japan through our music. J-Pop is a huge part of who we are. Four of us have been in J-pop groups Happiness and E-Girls together for many years, and as Japanese artists, we truly cherish it. There’s a lot of expectations for Japanese “idols” to be perfect and almost submissive. We want to change that narrative. We are feisty and powerful women and we want to incorporate our culture into everything we do. That’s why we want people everywhere to feel our magic and experience just how incredible the real Japan is.
J-Pop is gaining more recognition internationally. How do you feel about being part of this global movement?
Kaede: I feel so proud. Seeing so many amazing J-Pop artists making waves around the world makes me proud as a fellow Japanese and inspires me a lot. It’s also incredible to see people from other countries embracing our culture, listening to and even singing Japanese songs despite the language barrier. Music truly has the power to break down walls, and that reminds me of its endless possibilities.
Our big goal is to turn all negative energy into something positive through f5ve’s music, and seeing comments in so many different languages makes me feel like we’re making progress little by little. The positive feedback from fans in all different directions is something we never could have imagined.
Your fashion and visuals are such a big part of f5ve’s identity. How involved are you in styling and the creative direction?
Miyuu: Communication is everything for our team, not just when it comes to music, but also fashion and every other aspect of what we do. We’re always sharing ideas about what’s trending in the world and what each of us personally loves. It’s never about copying a certain style or visual, but more about getting inspired and creating something fresh and original that feels true to us. I think that’s exactly why people connect with the f5ve style. It’s all about that shared energy and creativity.
You just launched your first merchandise line. Do you have any personal favorite pieces from the collection?
Sayaka: It’s hard to pick just one because I love them all. But of course, I love the items featuring the f5ve logo. That said, my absolute favorite is the bold T-shirt with the lyrics of our song ‘Underground’ printed on it. I wear it all the time, even as part of my everyday outfits.
What’s next for f5ve? Can we expect a world tour or any exciting surprises after ‘SEQUENCE 01’?
Rui: After ‘SEQUENCE 01’, we can’t wait to meet hi-5 all around the world. There are more dream sequences currently being coded, and they will be yours sooner than you think. You won’t want to miss what’s next for f5ve. We’ll keep bringing you positivity and empowerment every step of the way.
TEAM CREDITS:
talents F5VE
photography FUMIYA HITOMI
styling and creative direction CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURES STUDIO
hair and makeup YUUNA & AKI
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial direction and interview JANA LETONJA
