<p>Billboard Japan recently sat down with the members of Juice=Juice for an exclusive feature, spotlighting the artists and tracks currently dominating the charts and redefining the modern music scene.</p>
<p>Since their debut in 2013, this staple Hello! Project idol group has navigated numerous lineup changes, currently thriving as an 11-member ensemble. Their October 2025 single, “More! Mi Amore,” became a cultural phenomenon on TikTok, sparking a tidal wave of dance covers from influencers and fans alike. Following a captivating performance on the renowned <em>THE FIRST TAKE</em> YouTube channel, the group's profile has skyrocketed. In this candid discussion, leader Ruru Dambara and sub-leader Rei Inoue explore the group’s evolution and their vision for the chapters ahead.</p>
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<p><strong>As of February 13, the entire Hello! Project discography is available on major music streaming platforms. For those discovering Juice=Juice for the first time via streaming, which tracks do you believe best represent your identity?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Dambara:</strong> While “More! Mi Amore” is currently our most visible hit, and we are known for high-octane performances featuring pyrotechnics and intense energy, we also have a catalog that explores emotional depth. We take pride in portraying both feminine strength and quiet vulnerability. A perfect example is “Shinogono Iwazu Satto Wakarete Ageta,” the double A-side companion to our current hit. I think listening to those two together provides a complete picture of our versatility as performers.</p>
<p><strong>Inoue:</strong> With 11 members, our vocal blend is quite unique. Listeners can have fun distinguishing the individual textures of our voices. We are constantly discovering new ways our voices harmonize in different pairings; it’s a never-ending process of vocal discovery even for us.</p>
<p><strong>You both possess very recognizable vocal signatures. How does that play into your recording process?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Inoue:</strong> Our recording style is actually quite competitive. Vocal parts aren't assigned ahead of time; every member records the entire song, and the final parts are chosen based on the best takes—almost like a continuous audition. This adds a layer of raw intensity to our recordings. During live shows, the delivery can shift depending on how the member before you sings their line, making every performance a unique experience.</p>
<p><strong>Dambara:</strong> It’s always a bit of a nail-biting experience waiting to see the final vocal assignments. Sometimes you think, “I really wanted that line!” but other times you hear the final mix and realize, “That part was absolutely made for her.”</p>
<p><strong>“More! Mi Amore” seems to ignite a specific kind of energy in a live setting. Did you realize it was going to be a breakout hit from the start?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Dambara:</strong> Our first time performing it was at a large Hello! Project concert. The directors told us to give it everything we had, and we ended up being so explosive that they told us we actually overdid it! The microphones were peaking because our energy was so high. But that passion was infectious. By the first chorus, you could see the audience’s faces just light up.</p>
<p><strong>Inoue:</strong> We took the track overseas shortly after for the <em>Crimson+Azure</em> tour, and even the international fans were already perfectly synchronized with the chants. Coming back to Japan after that, we realized the song had grown into something massive.</p>
<p><strong>Your appearance on <em>THE FIRST TAKE</em> felt very spontaneous. What was the atmosphere like during that recording?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Inoue:</strong> It was incredibly tense because we incorporated elements that hadn't been fully rehearsed. For example, the interlude where Ichika Arisawa plays the violin while I beatbox was essentially improvised on the spot. I didn't even know what rhythm she was going to play! The beatboxing and Kisaki Ebata’s samba whistle were last-minute additions suggested by the staff and members to show the full breadth of our current skill set. We wanted to throw everything we had into that one shot.</p>
<p><strong>In your view, what was the catalyst for the song’s viral success?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Inoue:</strong> The relay dance was definitely a turning point.</p>
<p><strong>Dambara:</strong> I remember checking the stats on Sunday morning after posting the video on Saturday night. It had already surpassed a million views. We were literally counting the zeros in disbelief, asking each other if the numbers were real.</p>
<p><strong>Inoue:</strong> It wasn't just the dance; it was the synergy between us and the fans. The choreography was actually quite difficult for us to master, so seeing people on TikTok make it look so effortless is both impressive and a little funny to us, considering how much we struggled in rehearsals!</p>
<p><strong>Tracks like “Fiesta! Fiesta!” and “More! Mi Amore” share a Latin-infused, passionate soul. Juice=Juice has always been respected for technical skill. Does this viral moment feel like a validation of that long-term effort?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Dambara:</strong> It does. We’ve never chased trends for the sake of going viral; we’ve always just pursued what we are passionate about. Having that authenticity recognized by a wider audience is incredibly rewarding. It encourages us to stay true to our artistic path.</p>
<p><strong>Inoue:</strong> Our mentality hasn't changed because of the fame. We’ve always been a group that works tirelessly. The success feels like a reward for the foundation we’ve been building for years. We aren't working hard *because* we went viral; we went viral because we were already working this hard.</p>
<p><strong>As the group’s leadership, how would you describe the current internal culture of Juice=Juice?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Dambara:</strong> We have a collective hunger for excellence. In rehearsals, it’s a very collaborative environment. I try to offer various ways to interpret a song rather than forcing a single style. We also make sure to celebrate each other’s successes. If a younger member hits a great note, we tell them immediately.</p>
<p><strong>Inoue:</strong> I’m just incredibly proud to be part of this lineup. When I’m doing solo work and someone tells me they’re a fan of the group, I feel this massive surge of pride. I truly believe in what we are doing.</p>
<p><strong>What is the ultimate goal for Juice=Juice moving forward?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Dambara:</strong> Things have moved so fast since October, and so many dreams have already come true. I want us to maintain this momentum while keeping our shared goals in clear focus. We want to keep experiencing these milestones together.</p>
<p><strong>Inoue:</strong> We want bigger stages. We aren't satisfied yet—not out of greed, but because we genuinely love this group and want to see how far we can take it. The members, the management, and the fans are all all-in on Juice=Juice, and that’s a very powerful environment to be in.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>—Interview by Takuto Ueda, originally featured on Billboard Japan.</em></p>
