The Vision: Fostering Local Talent and “Kawaii” Culture
The journey to LumilU’s formation began with a profound desire to celebrate the untapped potential of children in the Hokuriku region (Northern Japan). Axes femme, having long championed “kawaii” culture and moments of “tokimeki” (heart-fluttering excitement) through fashion, sought to spotlight the joy of expression and the value of 도전 (challenge) among the next generation. This aspiration fueled the creation of the idol unit project, designed to be a platform for young talents to shine.
To ensure a professional and impactful debut, axes femme enlisted an impressive production team. Manzo, a celebrated composer known for his work on popular stage productions like “Touken Ranbu” and “Yowamushi Pedal,” was brought on board for music composition. Award-winning voice actress and artist Iori Nomizu penned the lyrics, creating original songs that embody the axes femme spirit. This collaboration of music, fashion, and regional pride has truly set LumilU apart.
From Auditions to a Dazzling Debut
The search for LumilU’s members prioritized passion and a desire to uplift their local community over prior experience in singing or dancing. In August 2025, auditions were held at a.cafe in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, drawing approximately 20 hopefuls from the Hokuriku area. After a rigorous selection process, six talented children — five girls and one boy, ranging from second to fifth grade — were chosen.
Despite their diverse backgrounds in performing arts, the newly formed unit dedicated themselves to intensive lessons and individual practice. They underwent professional recording sessions in the studio, refining their techniques with guidance from composer manzo, lyricist Iori Nomizu, and choreographer Yui Sakaki. This dedication culminated in their grand debut as LumilU on December 20th at “Your Stage” in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture.
Their debut song, “My New World,” captures the children’s excitement and hope as they step into a new chapter. The performance was marked by their clear, soaring vocals and energetic dance moves, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Fashion Meets Performance: The Signature Costumes
LumilU’s stage presence is further enhanced by their custom-designed costumes, entirely produced by axes femme. These outfits encapsulate the brand’s signature “kawaii” aesthetic, featuring original prints and intricate details. Crucially, they were crafted to prioritize comfort and ease of movement, ensuring the choreography could be performed flawlessly. This seamless blend of fashion and music created a truly captivating stage experience.
The Meaning Behind “LumilU”
The name “LumilU” is a thoughtfully crafted portmanteau, drawing inspiration from Fukui’s cultural heritage and global aspirations. It references Hikaru Genji, the shining protagonist of “The Tale of Genji” (Genji Monogatari), a masterpiece by Murasaki Shikibu, who had ties to Fukui. The name also incorporates “Lumière,” the French word for “light,” and “lucky,” an English word for good fortune. This unique blend expresses a wish for each member to radiate brilliantly and bring joy and good luck to many.
Looking Forward: LumilU’s Bright Future
LumilU is poised for an exciting future, with plans to perform at local events across Northern Japan and contribute original music to various axes femme-related events nationwide. This project not only champions the growth and challenges of these young performers but also aims to expand the possibilities of regional entertainment, demonstrating the unique value a fashion brand can bring to the world of performance. The group’s journey promises to be a beacon of local pride and global “kawaii” charm.
Debut Song Details
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Title: My New World
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Artist: LumilU (るみる)
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Lyrics: Iori Nomizu
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Composition: manzo
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Arrangement: Command S
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Choreography: Yui Sakaki
Production Team Highlights
- manzo (Composer): A versatile musician, lyricist, composer, and arranger based in Tokyo. He gained recognition for the “Nippon Break Kogyo Company Song” in 2003 and has since expanded his work to film scores (e.g., “Eagle Talon”), stage musicals (“Touken Ranbu,” “Yowamushi Pedal”), and anime soundtracks.
- Iori Nomizu (Lyricist): A multi-talented voice actress, actress, singer, and lyricist. She began her voice acting career in 2010 with “Heaven’s Lost Property” and made her artist debut in 2011 with the opening theme for “Is This a Zombie?”, where she also played the heroine, Haruna.
axes femme and LumilU are committed to continuously embracing new challenges, connecting regions, people, and dreams, and enriching the Kawaii culture’s global footprint.
