Fruits Zipper (フルーツジッパー) is one of the most talked-about new idol groups, although they are not exactly new. In fact they are among the more established “sempais” of their label. Formed in 2022 under the Asobisystem label which specializes in producing colorful and stylish idol groups, Fruits Zipper makes energetic performances and catchy songs that appeal to fans across genders and age groups.
The group consists of seven members. They are Amane Tsukiashi, Suzuka Chinzei, Yui Sakurai, Runa Nakagawa, Mana Manaka, Karen Matsumoto, and Marione. Each member has a unique personality and background. Their concept, “From Harajuku to the World,” reflects both their fashionable origins and their ambitions to reach audiences far beyond Japan.
The members are as follows:
Amane Tsukiashi, who usually wears red, is a multitalented entertainer with a background in acting and YouTube content.
Suzuka Chinzei, orange, used to be on the popular NHK show “Tensai Terebi-kun”, and likes dancing and playing the ukelele.
Yui Sakurai, green, has released a collection of photos titled “YUi” and also acted in a tv drama called “Azatokute Nani ga Warui no?”
Runa Nakagawa is the purple member. She is generally considered one of the best singers in the group. She is very mature, but has a fun side, and experience in other idol groups.
Manaka, blue, has been a dancer since she was a child. She is the group’s lead dancer, but also has a solo song titled “Manaka Manakana”.
Karen Matsumoto, pink, is very popular. She is known for her singing and personality, but is also an accomplished pianist who specialized in piano at Toho Junior College of Music.
Noel Hayase, yellow, is the youngest member of the group. She reportedly speaks German, English, and a little French in addition to Japanese. She also has a background in dance.
The producer of Fruits Zipper, Misa Kimura, is a formal idol and natural leader who uses her unique experience and knowledge of the industry to work with idol groups under the Asobisystem label. She is credited with spearheading KAWAII LAB, a multi-media project within Asobisystem designed to develop idol groups and showcase the modern Japanese kawaii culture to both global and domestic audiences.
Fruits Zipper’s breakout hit came with “Watashino Ichiban Kawaii Tokoro,” a song that went viral on TikTok thanks to its sweet melody and easy-to-copy dance. The track’s popularity introduced the group to a much wider audience, including fans who may not usually follow idol groups.
Here is the video for Watashino Ichiban Kawaii Tokoro:
Part of their appeal lies in how they blend the traditional “kawaii” idol style with a fresh, internet-savvy sensibility. Their songs often feature bright, upbeat production, but they’re paired with choreography designed for social media sharing. Fruits Zipper also engages actively with fans online, being more accessible and personable than traditional idol groups.
They recently gained a lot of new fans of all ages through their collaboration with the perennially popular pop rock band Tube (originally formed in 1985) called “Family Summer Vacation”.
Fruits Zipper is leading the new wave of idol groups creating a global audience and a “new” kawaii.