VINII Are Ready to Make Some Noise

Get to know this fierce Japanese girl group!

Photo courtesy of VOLVE CREATIVE

Please introduce yourselves!  
RINNE: I'm the oldest member of VINII and handle the rapping duties. 

SAKI: I'm a 22-year-old vocalist from Osaka. 

TYRA IVORY: I'm TYRA IVORY. I'm half-American, half-Japanese. I'm working hard as an all-rounder in both singing and dancing! 

TAKARA: [I was] born in 2005 [and am] from Osaka. I worked in Korea for five years starting at age 15, and last year, I met everyone and became a member of VINII! 

MEI: Born in 2007, I'm the youngest member of the team. With the support of everyone, I strive to grow every day! 

For those who have not heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence “VINII is ___” or “VINII’s music is ___”?  
TAKARA: “VINII does not follow the crowd, but stands at the forefront.”

How did each of you originally develop your passion for music? 
RINNE: I'm originally from Sapporo, Hokkaido, and I've been going to the Rising Sun Rock Festival since kindergarten. Growing up seeing all kinds of artists up close, music was always a big part of my family life. Naturally, I came to love music and became someone who couldn't live without it. I think that's how my passion for music just kept growing and growing. 

SAKI: My father played music constantly in the car and at home, and he taught me songs. At age ten, I began performing live shows. I think my passion for music grew as I worked alongside fellow artists and staff to create music together. 

TYRA IVORY: Since my roots are in America, I've basically listened to Black music since birth. From a young age, I was better at expressing myself through dance and song than with words, so pursuing that deepened my passion for music. 

TAKARA: My interest in K-pop began in fifth grade when I was blown away by BIGBANG's “Fantastic Baby” music video my younger brother was watching. It was so cool, it felt like the universe was shaking, and that's when I fell in love with G-DRAGON's rapping. BIGBANG's live performances, filled with many self-produced tracks, were so free and playful in the moment that they felt like completely different songs from the originals. It was so much fun, and it made me want to be free on stage too, to become a one-of-a-kind presence. 

MEI: Ever since I can remember, my mother [has] played music for me, so I've always loved it. After starting dance school, I was exposed to various genres, and now it's an indispensable part of my life. 

What were the biggest lessons you learned while on the show BLACK & WHITE? 
RINNE: Each person had their own unique qualities, and I found something to respect in everyone. It was a period where I grew in many different ways, communicating with all sorts of people and gaining new insights every day.

SAKI: Human relationships, huh? LOL! Since I'd hardly ever worked alongside girls my age or spent every day with them, I learned a lot about interacting with people beyond just music. 

TYRA IVORY: It's about connecting with people. I learned that if you want others to open up to you, you have to open up to them first. 

TAKARA: There were so many kids my age chasing their dreams, and I realized how vast the world is; there are so many people with different ways of thinking. I learned that I'm not always right. 

MEI: I'm not sure if it was a lesson, but it was a period where I truly realized the importance of observing and learning from what is admirable in others. 

How have you developed teamwork despite different experience levels?  
MEI: I'm the youngest member, but I feel blessed to be surrounded by teammates whose personalities make me not feel that age difference. Precisely because of such teammates, I make it a point not to shy away from difficult situations, to speak my mind clearly, and to trust my teammates. I'll keep relying on them a lot, learning a lot, and striving to catch up to everyone. 

TAKARA: I'd spent my entire life living with members of a group from long ago, interacting only with them. So interacting with people who weren't active in groups or who were solo artists was a first for me, and I was a bit bewildered at first. But I've been talking a lot with [someone] who also has group experience, and she's been a great help, listening to my worries. In a good way, none of them feel their age, and I feel our bond deepening more and more every day. 

Please describe the songs you have released so far: 

“KILL THIS SILENCE” [RINNE]: This song is themed around “breaking the silence.” I think there are times when you get pushed around by the atmosphere or social norms and can't speak up, but this song expresses the feeling of moving forward with your own voice anyway, running on, embracing your weaknesses and doubts. For VINII, I see this song as heralding the start of the battle.

“BALIRARE” [SAKI]: The words “バリ” (Bali) and “レア” (rare) combine to mean “バリレア” (Bali-rare)! It's funny, right?! When I first saw “BALIRARE,” I wondered what it meant, but I think it's a song that expresses VINII’s not-just-cool, slightly playful and cute side!

“BBB” [MEI]: “BBB” is a song that boldly declares, “I'm fine just being me!” without conforming to any mold - truly a track that embodies the essence of VINII.

Do you have a fandom name yet? If not, are there any fandom names that you are currently considering?  
TYRA IVORY: I'd like to think about this going forward! We're also accepting ideas from fans at any time. 

Choreography has been a big focus of your music so far. Will that always be a key part of VINII’s identity? 
TYRA IVORY: Of course. Singing is important, but there are also spaces that can only be expressed through dance. For us, it will always be one of our most cherished forms of expression. I hope to continue leading the way in choreography and other creative aspects moving forward. 

What is next for you? What are your plans for the rest of 2026 and beyond?  
SAKI: Our main goal is to deliver as many new songs to everyone as possible. Ideally, I'd love to release a new song every month… And since VINII's first solo concert is on December 11, we're aiming for even more growth and recognition leading up to that! To close out 2026, we want to create the best live show possible with all who love VINII's music.

RINNE: We will soar and strive to spread VINII to many people.

Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourselves or your music? 
RINNE: Music is a precious place where I can express my emotions. I want to continue engaging with it carefully, hoping to deliver music that leaves something behind for those who listen. 

SAKI: I'll keep moving forward as myself, cherishing everything I've done and everything I want to do - VINII's music [and] Saki Misaka's music. I'd be so happy if my songs could reach even a little bit into your everyday life. Thank you always!

TYRA IVORY: I'll strive to be someone who adds a unique flavor to VINII's performances and music, embodying the depth and roots of Black culture that can be seen as the very beginning of the world of music. Music has always been my reason for living, and it always will be. 

MEI: Live in a way that allows you to love what you once loved even more, so it never turns into something you dislike!

TAKARA: I love having people watch my performances, and I'm so happy to have met the best companions to share the future with. Thank you always. VINII, fight on! 

Learn more about VINII here!

View the Substack version of this piece here!

Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.