BeForU

BeForU is a J-Pop group created by KONAMI primarily for its BEMANI line of music simulation video games. They debuted in 2000 with the song "DIVE" on Dance Dance Revolution 5th Mix, and have released a number of singles and albums through Konamistyle. 2004 saw the departure of Maehara Shiyuna and the addition of three new members, Sotohana Risa, Arisawa Miharu, and Minami Sayaka. The three new members were also known as BeForU NEXT. In 2006, the group was signed to avex trax.

On December 12, 2007, it was announced on the official BeForU and Kosaka Riyu blogs that both Yoma, due to personal reasons, and Arisawa Miharu, due to deteriorating physical conditions, would both retire from the music industry, effective immediately. It was also announced that both Noria and Sotohana Risa would graduate from BeForU on December 30, 2007 to pursue solo careers. It was unknown if Kosaka Riyu and Minami Sayaka would continue as a two person unit, if an audition for new BeForU members would be held, or if the group would completely disband.

On February 15, 2008, it was announced on the official BeForU website that the group would continue with Kosaka Riyu and Minami Sayaka joined by third generation members, Fukushita Megumi, Tachibana Ayano and Nishiuchi Hiromi.

On April 8, 2008, it was announced on Minami Sayaka's blog that she would be retiring from BeForU due to deteriorating physical conditions.

Categories: Groups | J-Pop