Kobushi Factory

Kobushi Factory (こぶしファクトリー; Magnolia Factory) was a Japanese pop group under Hello! Project, originally formed with eight members from Hello Pro Kenshuusei in early January 2015. Their sister group was Tsubaki Factory.
Kobushi Factory's highest selling single is "Dosukoi! Kenkyo ni Daitan / Ramen Daisuki Koizumi-san no Uta / Nen ni wa Nen (Nen'iri Ver.)" with 47,866 copies sold while their lowest selling major label single is "Seishun no Hana / Start Line" with 21,835 copies sold.
After becoming a 5-member group, Kobushi Factory has performed a capella versions of their songs with Hamaura Ayano as the lead vocalist, Hirose Ayaka as the top chorus, Wada Sakurako as the second chorus, Nomura Minami as the bass vocalist, and Inoue Rei as voice percussion.
On March 30, 2020, Kobushi Factory disbanded with a concert at Tokyo Dome City Hall."こぶしファクトリー活動終了のお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2020-01-08.
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==Members==
==History==
===2015: Formation and Major Debut===
On January 2, during the Hello! Project 2015 WINTER concert, a new Hello! Project unit consisting of Hello Pro Kenshuusei members Fujii Rio, Hirose Ayaka, Nomura Minami, Ogawa Rena, Hamaura Ayano, Taguchi Natsumi, Wada Sakurako and Inoue Rei was announced."ハロプロ　８人組新ユニット結成発表" (in Japanese). Daily Sports Online. 2015-01-02. The group name was originally supposed to be announced in January, however it was postponed until February 25.UP-FRONT PROMOTION. "ハロー！プロジェクト　新ユニット名発表延期に関して" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2015-01-30."ハロプロ８人組新ユニット名は「こぶしファクトリー」優美で力強く" (in Japanese). Sponichi Annex. 2015-02-25.
On March 8, during Hello Pro Kenshuusei Happyoukai 2015 ~3gatsu no Nama Tamago Show!~, Hirose Ayaka was announced leader of Kobushi Factory, while Fujii Rio was announced sub-leader of the group.http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2049751/full/
From March 26 to April 5, Kobushi Factory starred in the Engeki Joshibu musical Week End Survivor alongside Sudo Maasa."ハロー！プロジェクトに新ユニット誕生。浜浦彩乃、小川麗奈ら8人" (in Japanese). BARKS. 2015-01-05. Kobushi Factory released their first DVD single, "Nen ni wa Nen / Survivor," on March 26, 2015 at the musical venue. "Survivor" is the tie-in song to the musical.
During April and May, the group performed as an opening act at Morning Musume '15 Concert Tour Haru ~GRADATION~, ANGERME's Budokan concert and Juice=Juice First Live Tour 2015 ~Special Juice~.モーニング娘。’15コンサートツアー春〜GRADATION〜 オープニングアクト決定
On May 16, Kobushi Factory performed a joint live with Country Girls and Tsubaki Factory called Hello! Project New Fes! 2015. The second joint live with Tsubaki Factory, Hello! Project New Fes! II was held on September 23 and September 26 later in the year.
On June 14, it was announced that Kobushi Factory would release their major debut single "Dosukoi! Kenkyo ni Daitan / Ramen Daisuki Koizumi-san no Uta / Nen ni wa Nen (Nen'iri Ver.)" on September 2.
On September 28, Kobushi Factory performed at the Honkaku Ongaku Joshi-sai -Sono Kyuu-."9/28 VOL9 タイムスケジュール公開！！" (in Japanese). Honkaku Ongaku Joshi-sai. 2015-09-26.
From November 6 to January 30, 2015, Kobushi Factory's first concert tour Kobushi Factory Live Tour 2015 ~ The First Ring! ~ took place. The day before the first concert, they officially left Hello Pro Kenshuusei.
On November 16, Kobushi Factory performed at the Honkaku Ongaku Joshi-sai -Sono Juuichi-, making their second appearance at the live idol event."11月16日(月) 夜 【本格音楽女子祭-其の十壱-】開催決定！！" (in Japanese). Honkaku Ongaku Joshi-sai. 2015-11-02.
On November 20, it was announced Kobushi Factory won a Newcomer Award at the 57th Japan Record Awards and were nominated for the Best Newcomer Award, which they successfully won during the December 30 broadcast."第57回「日本レコード大賞」各賞発表" (in Japanese). modelpress. 2015-11-20.https://twitter.com/TBS_awards/status/682152924399599616
===2016===
On January 11, Kobushi Factory performed at Radio NIKKEI's Idol Generation vol.34 event,"【本日開催！】アイジェネ vol.34 Zepp開催SP！当日券もあるよ！ [ライブ告知]" (in Japanese). Radio NIKKEI. 2016-01-11. and at FM-FUJI's GIRLS❤GIRLS❤GIRLS premium live at Shinjuku ReNY on January 26."FM-FUJI公開収録ライブにこぶしファクトリー出演！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2016-01-21. (Archived)
On February 17, Kobushi Factory released their 2nd single "Sakura Night Fever / Chotto Guchoku ni! Chototsu Moushin / Osu! Kobushi Tamashii."
On February 29, Kobushi Factory performed at the Honkaku Ongaku Joshi-sai -Sono Juushi-, making their third appearance at the live idol event."こぶしファクトリー「本格音楽女子祭-其の十四-」出演！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2016-02-01. On March 12, they performed at the PINK!SS & Kopinks! Last Live 2016 MOMENT memories/memorize, along with Juice=Juice,"ピンクス＆コピンクス！ラストライブ2016　イベント" (in Japanese). Shizuoka Asahi TV. and were guests at the TSURI×BIT Presents Ore Toku Dayo! Zennin Shugo! ~Spring Special~ live on March 14."こぶしファクトリー出演「つりビットPresents 俺得だよ！全員集合！〜Spring Special〜」開催！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2016-02-10.
On July 27, they released their third single "Samba! Kobushi Janeiro / Bacchikoi Seishun! / Ora wa Ninkimono". The third A-side "Ora wa Ninkimono" is a cover of Crayon Shin-chan's third opening theme and was the requirement song for the Aidorisai 2016 ~Idol Matsuri~ contest, which Kobushi Factory were the official supporters of.Nomura Minami. "トリプルA面シングル発表！！野村みな美" (in Japanese). Kobushi Factory Official Blog. 2016-06-21.
On September 26, it was announced that Kobushi Factory would host a regular corner on the multi-network music info program Uta-navi! titled "Kobushi Factory no Dosukoi! Teikiben." The corner began in October, with members taking turns as hosts."全国11局ネット「うたなび！」に、こぶしファクトリーレギュラー出演決定！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2016-09-26.
===2017===
From February 23 to March 4, Kobushi Factory starred in the musical JK Ninja Girls. It was also announced that the group would also be starring in their first movie, an adaptation of the musical, which was theatrically released on July 17."こぶしファクトリー、１７年は忍者づくし！来年２月開幕の舞台が夏に映画化" (in Japanese). Sanspo. 2016-12-27.
On May 12, sub-leader Fujii Rio announced she would graduate from the group and Hello! Project at the end of the Hello! Project 2017 SUMMER concert tour."こぶしファクトリー 藤井梨央に関するお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2017-05-12."[EN Concerning Rio Fujii from Kobushi Factory (Magnolia Factory)]." UP-FRONT LINK. 2017-05-12.
On June 14, they released their 4th single "Shalala! Yareru Hazu sa / Ee ja nai ka Ninja nai ka". "Ee ja nai ka Ninja nai ka" was the theme song for the JK Ninja Girls movie.
On July 6, an update on the Hello! Project website stated that Fujii Rio's contract with had been terminated due to her lack of compliance in the rules."こぶしファクトリー 藤井梨央に関するお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2017-07-06. On July 13, it was announced that Ogawa Rena would be taking a break from the group due to anxiety neurosis."こぶしファクトリー 小川麗奈に関してのお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2017-07-13.
On July 15, Kobushi Factory appeared without Ogawa Rena on TBS's Ongaku no Hi 2017 in a pre-recorded performance."モーニング娘。’17、Hello! Projectメンバー（選抜）出演「TBS音楽番組 歌収録」 観覧募集のお知らせ" (in Japanese). UP-FC. 2017-07-07.https://twitter.com/thinkpositive15/status/885359851223646208 They were part of a special Hello! Project unit with Morning Musume '17 and a selection of members from ANGERME and Tsubaki Factory."TBS『音楽の日』にモー娘。'17、キック、氣志團ら9組。ハロプロ選抜ユニットも" (in Japanese). BARKS. 2017-07-12.
On September 6, after being on hiatus since July, it was announced that Ogawa Rena had decided to graduate from Kobushi Factory and Hello! Project without a ceremony."​こぶしファクトリー 小川麗奈に関するお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2017-09-06.
On December 6, an update on the Hello! Project website stated that Taguchi Natsumi's contract with UP-FRONT PROMOTION had been terminated due to her lack of self-consciousness and responsibility as a member of Kobushi Factory."こぶしファクトリー 田口夏実に関するお知らせ" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2017-12-06.
===2018===
On March 28, Kobushi Factory released their 5th single "Kore Kara da! / Ashita Tenki ni Naare".
On April 19, their first radio show, titled Kobushi Factory no Yozora de Aimashou, began airing on FM-FUJI."新番組「こぶしファクトリーの夜空で逢いましょう」スタート！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2018-03-22.
On July 17, Kobushi Factory and Tsubaki Factory digitally released the cover single "Hyokkori Hyoutanjima", which was used as the official compulsory song for the Aidorusai 2018 ~Idol Matsuri~ contest."こぶしファクトリー＆つばきファクトリー『ひょっこりひょうたん島』配信スタート！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2018-07-17."課題曲『ひょっこりひょうたん島』のダンスショット公開＆「敗者復活WEB予選」の詳細を公開！" (in Japanese). Aidorisai 2018 ~Aidoru Matsuri~ Kokuminteki Anime Song Cover Contest. 2018-07-05.
On August 3, Kobushi Factory performed at TOKYO IDOL FESTIVAL 2018 on the SMILE GARDEN stage in the day and the HOT STAGE in the evening."こぶしファクトリー朝から夜までフル稼働！TIF2018ステージに登場 " (in Japanese). Edge Line. 2018-08-03.
On August 8, Kobushi Factory released their 6th single "Kitto Watashi wa / Naseba Naru".
===2019===
In April, they started a regular Wednesday corner during the TBS Radio program Fine!! with 's , titled "Makoto・Kobushi Factory no Radio Punch!"."Fine!! ４月から「こぶしファクトリー」「はやぶさ」が仲間入り！" (in Japanese). TBS Radio. 2019-03-21."TBSラジオ Fine!!内の「Fine!!アーティスト」コーナーに4月から毎週水曜、こぶしファクトリーのレギュラー出演決定！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2019-03-22.
On April 24, Kobushi Factory released their 7th single "Oh No Ounou / Haru Urara".
During the fourth episode of FC Machida Zelvia's AbemaTV program FC Machida Zelvia wo Tsukurou ~Zel Tsuku~ on June 20, it was announced that Kobushi Factory would record a 30th anniversary cheer song for the team.https://twitter.com/kobushifac_uf/status/1141702060158513153"#4：チア初日に密着！30周年応援ソングアーティストが決定?" (in Japanese). FC Machida Zelbia wo Tsukurou ~Zel Tsuku~ (via AbemaTV). 2019-06-20. Prior to the announcement, Nomura Minami and Inoue Rei had been regulars on the show since it began in Marchhttps://twitter.com/zerutsuku/status/1099505110932119552Inoue Rei. "『おめでとうございます！』井上玲音" (in Japanese). Kobushi Factory Official Blog. 2019-02-23. and part of the song had already been played at the start of their first hall concerts.https://twitter.com/zerutsuku/status/1141694115739889666 In order for the lyrics to be written, Kobushi Factory asked fans to reply to a Twitter post with keywords that could be used.https://twitter.com/zerutsuku/status/1141692814603870209
On August 4, Kobushi Factory performed at TOKYO IDOL FESTIVAL 2019 on the SMILE GARDEN and HOT STAGE."こぶしファクトリー、つばきファクトリー、BEYOOOOONDS出演「TOKYO IDOL FESTIVAL 2019」に、アンジュルムの追加出演決定！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2019-06-28. (Archived)"【TIFライブレポート】こぶしファクトリー、8/4 SMILE GARDEN（17:25-）" (in Japanese). Pop'n'Roll. 2019-08-04.
On October 2, they released their second album, titled Kobushi Dai Ni Maku. It includes two versions of "Yes! We Are Family", the 30th anniversary cheer song for FC Machida Zelvia."こぶしファクトリー 10/2発売 2ndアルバム「辛夷第二幕」発売記念イベント【一覧】" (in Japanese). Hello! Project 2019-08-01. (Archived)
Kobushi Factory was invited to perform as guests at Meiji Yasuda Life J2 League Section 38 "TERADA 80th Anniversary Match Day" during FC Machida Zelvia vs. FC Gifu match on October 27."10/27岐阜戦 公式応援ソングを歌う『こぶしファクトリー』がスペシャルゲストとして登場します！" (in Japanese). FC MACHIDA ZELVIA. 2019-10-17.
===2020===
On January 8, it was announced that Kobushi Factory would disband on March 30, 2020 with a concert at Tokyo Dome City Hall. Group leader Hirose Ayaka had been in discussions with the agency about her graduation since early 2019, and after discussions with the group, the other members except Inoue Rei also expressed their desire to pursue a new path. It was eventually decided that the group would disband. Afterwards, Inoue would continue to be a member of Hello! Project, while Wada Sakurako would retire from the entertainment industry. The remaining members would continue to be active after graduating from Hello! Project, with Hirose attending university to study music and songwriting, Nomura Minami becoming a theater actress, and Hamaura Ayano starting activities as a model and actress.
On February 9, the group performed at MX IDOL FESTIVAL Vol.15 at Toyosu PIT."こぶしファクトリー「MX IDOL FESTIVAL Vol.15」出演！" Hello! Project (In Japanese). 2020-01-23. (Archived)
On February 22 and 23, they held their last fanclub bus tour, titled Kobushi Factory Fanclub Tour "Smile For You !!!!!" in Shizuoka.
On March 4, Kobushi Factory released their 8th and final single, "Seishun no Hana / Start Line".https://twitter.com/kobushifac_uf/status/1215487708258168832
On March 25, they released their first and only video collection, the Kobushi Ongaku Eizou Shuu.
On March 29, BS SKY PerfecTV! aired a two-hour television special about the group titled Kobushi Factory Tokuban ~Minna de Sakaseta Seishun no Hana~."BSスカパー！「こぶしファクトリー特番～みんなで咲かせた青春の花～」放送決定！" (in Japanese). Hello! Project. 2020-02-20.
On March 30, the members graduated from the group and, except for Inoue Rei, also from Hello! Project at the end of the Kobushi Factory Live 2020 ~The Final Ring!~, and the group has officially disbanded."こぶしファクトリーが異例の無観客解散ライブ　５年４か月の活動にピリオド" (in Japanese). Tokyo Sports. 2020-03-30.
==Group Name Origin==
The word kobushi has multiple meanings. In this case it is supposed to represent both the coming of spring and grace of the kobushi magnolia (辛夷), as well as the strength of a fist (拳). Factory follows a similar naming pattern as earlier 8-member group Berryz Koubou, koubou (工房) meaning workshop.
==A Capella and Voice Percussion==
Kobushi Factory, in addition to being an idol group, have performed as an group. In the midst of Kobushi Factory's line-up changes in 2017, member Inoue Rei began learning , and her first lesson was included on the September 27, 2017 episode of Hello! Project Station in the "Documentary of Hello! Project (DOHP)" corner."こぶし井上の挑戦、モー娘。'17MVメイキング、研修生北海道公演＆石栗、山岸・小片料理、浜浦ヘアアレンジ MC：尾形春水・山岸理子【ハロ！ステ#238】" (in Japanese). Hello! Project Station. 2017-09-27. From there, the other five members of Kobushi Factory had a capella lessons that were also featured on the web show,"こぶしの挑戦、アンジュルム舞台稽古、研修生北海道北川、野村・浜浦料理、横山ヘアアレンジ MC：羽賀朱音・川村文乃【ハロ！ステ#240】" (in Japanese). Hello! Project Station. 2017-10-17. and the whole group began learning to cover "Chotto Guchoku ni! Chototsumoushin" a capella in preparation for the Kobushi Factory Live Tour 2017 Aki ~Songs For You~."こぶしの挑戦、J=Jコメント、研修生北海道工藤、野村・浜浦料理、生田ヘアアレンジ MC：浜浦彩乃・段原瑠々【ハロ！ステ#241】" (in Japanese). Hello! Project Station. 2017-10-18.
After Taguchi Natsumi's resignation from the group, they continued learning voice percussion and a capella, and performing a capella versions of their songs at concerts and events. Kobushi Factory released a video of the a capella version of "Chotto Guchoku ni! Chototsumoushin" for OMAKE CHANNEL on September 10, 2018."こぶしファクトリー《アカペラ》 チョット愚直に！猪突猛進" (in Japanese). OMAKE CHANNEL (via YouTube). 2018-09-10. Additional a capella covers were later released on the channel, and studio versions were recorded for their second album Kobushi Dai Ni Maku.
;PositionsHamaura Ayano. "▷▶はまりあオフショット◀◁浜浦彩乃" (in Japanese). Kobushi Factory Official Blog. 2018-09-10.
*Hirose Ayaka – Top Chorus
*Nomura Minami – Bass Vocalist
*Hamaura Ayano – Lead Vocalist
*Wada Sakurako – Second Chorus
*Inoue Rei – Voice Percussion
*Taguchi Natsumi – Chorus
==Discography==
==Publications==
==Works==
==Trivia==
*Prior to the official announcement, Miyoshi Erika had leaked the unit in a blog post on December 27, 2014 by saying she had interviewed the "Hello Pro New Unit" members. She edited the blog post later that day to remove mention of the unit.
*The group is considered the successor of Berryz Koubou, due to their name deriving from Berryz Koubou (Berryz Workshop).
*Berryz Koubou member Shimizu Saki helped in deciding the group's name, and she also noted how alike this group is to Berryz Koubou when they were first formed.
*All the members are born between 1999 and 2001, making this the first group to have all members born after Hello! Project's formation.
*Hirose Ayaka and Inoue Rei were both previously members of , and had only been members of Hello Pro Kenshuusei for a month before debuting in this unit.
*Hamaura Ayano and Taguchi Natsumi were members of Hello Pro Kenshuusei the longest out of any of the members, having joined the program in February 2011.
*After the groups formation, Hamaura Ayano expressed her hopes that the group would become the most famous within Hello! Project,"浜浦彩乃 ライブ撮りおろし＆インタビュー「抜群の存在感と愛くるしさ 宿願を果たした研修生のエース」 (in Japanese). LoGiRL. 2015-01-22. while Wada Sakurako hoped to follow their senior group, Berryz Koubou, by lasting for more than 10 years.
==Awards==
*[2015.11.20] 57th Japan Record Awards - Newcomer Award"第57回「日本レコード大賞」各賞発表" (in Japanese). modelpress. 2015-11-20.
*[2015.12.18] Namba Kazumi no Idol Sanjuuroku Bou: Toshiwasure! 2015 R Grand Prix - Best Performance Award (selected by Tower Records president Minewaki Ikuo)"【番組後記】12月18日(金)　南波一海のアイドル三十六房　年忘れ！2015 Rグランプリ" (in Japanese). Tower Revolve Project. 2015-12-24. (archived)
*[2015.12.30] 57th Japan Record Awards - Best Newcomer Award"『レコ大』最優秀新人賞、こぶしファクトリーに決定" (in Japanese). ORICON NEWS. 2015-12-30.
==Total Sales Count==
Year	Year Sales	Total Sales
2015	47,866 	47,866
2016	99,045 	146,911
2017	23,593 	170,504
2018	58,456 	228,960
2019	45,861 	274,821
2020	21,702 	TBA
==References==
==External Links==
*Kobushi Factory Official Profile (archived)
*Kobushi Factory YouTube Channel (inactive)
*Kobushi Factory Official Blog (inactive)
*Social Media Pages: Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Instagram
*Wikipedia: , 
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