generasia:Featured article for 2010 week 33
Dream
Dream is a newly reborn Japanese pop group. They are currently signed to the rhythm zone label and also with LDH management. They are rising in popularity after a series of nationwide, free, live shows and a 3-date concert tour. Dream will re-debut with the single "My Way ~ULala~" on August 18, 2010.
Dream's story began in 1999 when avex trax held a nationwide talent search to create the next hit idol group of the new millennium. Named avex dream 2000, the contest (in which popular singer Koda Kumi notably placed second) resulted with the formation of dream. The three original members of the group were Matsumuro Mai, Hasebe Yu, and Tachibana Kana. In January 2000, the trio debuted with "Movin' on". In 2002, Matsumuro Mai, dream’s main lyricist decided to leave the group to pursue a solo career.
Soon after the departure of Matsumuro, avex auditioned six new girls, who joined the remaining two original members to form the new dream. They were Ai Risa, Abe Erie, Takamoto Aya, Nakashima Ami, Nishida Shizuka, and Yamamoto Sayaka. The groups large number of group members drew comparisons to Morning Musume. The group re-debuted in 2003 with "MUSIC IS MY THING". After one year, Ai Risa graduated from the group leaving the group with seven members.
In 2007, dream once again re-debuted, this time as DRM, a dance/chorus group. However in 2008, soon following the release of the group’s mini album (titled DRM) and four digital singles, Hasebe Yu decided to leave the group. This brought the member count down to six. It was also around this time that the group’s official fanclub, Live Your Dreams, closed down. The group then changed its name to Dream.
Following Hasebe’s departure, the group went on a long hiatus. In early 2009, it was announced that Dream was now with the management company LDH and that they were to debut in September 2009 with a new single, "Perfect Girls/To The Top". To promote their latest single, "My Way ~ULala~", Dream will attend EXILE’s 2010 "FANTASY" tour as a specal guest. A followup single is already planned for September 2010.
