ILLIT, a rising star, debuts in Japan with their first single '時よ止まれ' and a vibrant MV capturing youthful moments.
September/1/2025 11:54
In 2024, ILLIT, which has appeared like a comet, has finally made their long-awaited debut in Japan, releasing hit songs like 'Magnetic' and 'Almond Chocolate.' Today (the 1st) at 0:00, they digitally released the full audio of their 1st single '時よ止まれ' and simultaneously unveiled the MV for the title track '時よ止まれ.' The 1st single '時よ止まれ' is a work that encapsulates the sparkle and fleeting youth of straightforward and earnest girls. It includes two new original Japanese songs, '時よ止まれ' and 'Topping,' along with '借りてきた猫 (Do the Dance) (Japanese Ver.)' and 'Almond Chocolate,' totaling four tracks. Various scenes of sparkling youth, where love and friendship make one wish for the moment to never end, are depicted with ILLIT's unique free and lively charm, expected to resonate once again. The MV portrays the youth of girls wishing 'I want time to stop' on the last day of summer vacation. Cute scenes created based on each member's favorite ways to spend time are featured, showcasing ILLIT's unique charm. A collaboration with Care Bears plush toys appears in the limited 'Care Bears edition,' enhancing the synergy between ILLIT and Care Bears. Filming took place in Japan, filled with scenes reminiscent of youth, such as schools and parks. Through the MV, I hope you can fully feel the dazzling moments at the end of summer. '時よ止まれ' is a disco-pop genre song that captures the sparkle and transience of girls and the dazzling moments of midsummer, reflecting feelings of wanting to transform into an ideal self and 'we are strongest together with friends.' For teenagers, it resonates with the sparkle of a song that seems to encapsulate 'now and this moment,' while for all adults, it evokes memories of 'that summer, like a treasure.' The choreography, first revealed in the MV, features eye-catching hand-pointing movements, raising expectations for future performances. The lyrics were penned by the new generation creator Mulasaki Ima, who recorded hits overseas with '魔性の女A.' The song begins with the poetic and impressive line, 'Hey, let's talk about a certain story at the end of summer.' The catchy and refreshing melody overlaps with the poetic and somewhat nostalgic Japanese lyrics, further enhancing their pure and transparent vocals and the song's concept. ILLIT, having made their Japanese debut, will hold the 'ILLIT 1st Single Release Commemorative Showcase' today in Japan. The showcase will be streamed live worldwide on TikTok LIVE and YouTube Live, with a CD release scheduled for the 3rd. ILLIT plans to continue their active activities in Japan, starting with their first fan concert '2025 ILLIT GLITTER DAY IN JAPAN' at Kanagawa's Pia Arena MM on August 3rd, followed by performances at Osaka Castle Hall on September 3rd and 4th. Additionally, they will make their first appearances at the '41st Mynavi Tokyo Girls Collection 2025 AUTUMN/WINTER' on September 6th and 'ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2025' on September 14th, among various activities. Attention is growing for the birth of ILLIT's hit songs as 'audio powerhouses.' Release Information: 1st Single '時よ止まれ' will be released on September 1, 2025, at 0:00. Here are the tracks: Track 1: 時よ止まれ, Track 2: Topping, Track 3: 借りてきた猫 (Do the Dance) (Japanese Ver.), Track 4: Almond Chocolate. A total of four tracks. CD release date is scheduled for September 3, 2025. Please note that the release date may change. Thank you for your understanding. Formats and prices: Limited Care Bears™ edition 2,700 yen (excluding tax) / 2,970 yen (including tax), First limited edition 2,400 yen (excluding tax) / 2,640 yen (including tax), Regular edition 1,500 yen (excluding tax) / 1,650 yen (including tax), Unit edition A - YUNAH, MINJU, MOKA / Unit edition B - WONHEE, IROHA 1,600 yen (excluding tax) / 1,760 yen (including tax), Seven Net Shopping limited edition 1,500 yen (excluding tax) / 1,650 yen (including tax). Sales sites: ILLIT Weverse Shop, UNIVERSAL MUSIC STORE, HMV, Tower Records, TSUTAYA RECORDS (in-store only), Amazon.co.jp, Rakuten, Seven Net Shopping. Related links: ILLIT official Japanese website.
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