generasia:Featured article for 2019 week 40
Kobushi Factory
Kobushi Factory (こぶしファクトリー; Magnolia Factory) is a Japanese pop girl group, managed by Up-Front Promotion and part of Hello! Project. The group's name embodies several meanings; the elegance of the Japanese kobushi magnolia blossom, which itself signifies welcome, friendship, and trust in floriography, and the strength symbolized by a clenched fist (握りこぶし; nigirikobushi). "Factory" represents the inheriting of the spirit of senior group Berryz Kobo as they went on indefinite hiatus, and the members wish to become a close, long-lasting unit just like them.
The group's first indie single was simultaneously advertised with their name, released and sold as a venue only exclusive during the "Week End Survivor" stage play in which each member was to participate, beginning in March 2015. On June 2, 2015, at the "Hello! Pro Kenshuusei Happyoukai 2015 ~June no Nama Tamago Show!~" concert, the group's major debut single was revealed in a surprise announcement, and was released on September 2, 2015.
Their second album Kobushi Dai Ni Maku is released this week on October 2nd.
