Why is it so dang difficult to find a list of Japanese groups that debuted in 2015?! I KNOW that I know of groups that have actually debuted in 2015 but I just can't remember anything....so I just decided to go with groups that are newer that I discovered in 2015.
Group #1: Tsubaki Factory
I'm just going to keep posting about them dang it lol. Tsubaki Factory is Hello! Project's newest group. They were formed in April with six members from Hello Pro Kenshuusei. They made their debut in August with their first indies single, Seishun Manmannaka. This song is an electropop number reminiscent of songs from Morning Musume during the current colorful era.
In November, they unveiled their second indies track, Kedakaku Sakihokore. It is also an electropop track like Seishun, but this time features a rap section by the members.
With the group still in their infancy, it will be fun to watch them grow over the course of 2016 and hopefully we will see their major debut soon in the next year.
Group #2: Osaka Syunkasyuto
It irks me that they romanize it as Syunkasyuto instead of Shunkashuto. It just looks bad like Syachihoko instead of Shachihoko. I'll probably just keep it as Shunkashuto even though the official romanization is with the ys. Osaka Shunkashuto is a seven member group that debuted in 2014. Member Maina is the lead in their tracks and has an absolutely stellar voice. They've released a few tracks so far and have recently released their first mini album, Early Season. I haven't yet listened to all of the CD as I haven't received it yet, but one of the songs on the EP, C'Mon!, is an uptempo pop-rock track led by their powerhouse vocalist Maina.
Because of how they managed to impress me as they have and with Maina's vocals, they are a group to keep your eye on in the coming year.
Group #3: X21
X21 is currently a thirteen member group put together by Avex who debuted in 2013. I cam across them this year with the release of their first album, Shoujo X, and the title track that was released for promotion. Shoujo X is a strong pop song with a driving beat that you can't help but want to dance to.
Earlier this year, X21 was issued a challenged by their company. If they didn't sell 10k copies or reach the top 10 with their new single, You-Ki no Parade, the group would go on an "indefinite hiatus". The song, a happy idol pop track, managed to reach #5 on the charts, allowing the group to continue.
Their most recent release is Magical Kiss, another idol pop track with a beat that reminds me of some Christmas songs.
As they are a more established group than the other two, and were able to beat their challenge, they are a J-pop group to watch in 2016.
