No Ordinary Blossom: Takane no Nadeshiko Now in Full Bloom
A model idol group worth discovering
Roots of the Nadeshiko
Takane no Nadeshiko (高嶺のなでしこ) has consisted of ten members since its formation. Seven of them were selected through the JDOL audition, a competition supported by the Tokyo Idol Festival (TIF) and organized in partnership with the SHOWROOM platform, which broadcast the performances live and and enabled public voting.
The group is managed by Twin Planet, an agency known for launching or supporting major idol projects such as Akishibu Project and the now-disbanded Last Idol. Matsumoto Momona, Momiyama Himeri and Hashimoto Momoko are former members of Last Idol.
Quickly nicknamed “Takane-ko” (たかねこ) by fans, the group made its official debut on August 7, 2022, during TIF2022.
The group’s name reflects a refined contrast: Takane (高嶺) means “high peak,” while Nadeshiko refers both to a flower (Dianthus superbus, also known as the fringed pink) and to the traditional ideal of Japanese femininity, the Yamato Nadeshiko, embodying qualities like gentleness, grace, modesty, inner strength, and purity.
In short, a rare and beautiful flower, perched high above, admired, yet out of reach.
The HoneyWorks Powerhouse
Takane no Nadeshiko’s music is produced by HoneyWorks, a group originally known for creating Vocaloid songs. Over time, HoneyWorks has become a major force in anime soundtracks and J-pop, gaining significant recognition across Japan.
One of their standout works is “Kawaikute Gomen ne,” a song from their Confession Executive Committee musical series. Originally popular in its own right, the song was covered by Takane no Nadeshiko in a music video that quickly spread across social media. This cover significantly boosted the group's visibility, especially internationally, with several million views accumulated on YouTube and TikTok.
Having HoneyWorks involved in their production is a major advantage, allowing the group to perform a wide range of songs. As member Kizuki Nao has stated, this enables them to reach a broad audience and, as a result, achieve significant media impact.
Our concerts aren’t limited to just our original songs, we also perform a lot of covers. Some of them are very well-known, while others might be less familiar, but they’re all catchy and easy to enjoy, even for those hearing us for the first time. I believe this helps create fun and engaging live shows where everyone can have a great time.
私たちのライブは、オリジナル曲だけでなくカバー曲も披露することが強みだと思います。きっとみなさんが聴いたことがある曲も多いですし、初めて聴く曲でも脳内に直接響いてくるような聴きやすい曲ばかりなので、はじめましての方も巻き込んで楽しいライブができると思ってます。
It is worth noting that their music video views on YouTube easily reach hundreds of thousands, reflecting genuine enthusiasm.
Cultivating Strong & Fresh Idol Sounds
One might mistakenly think that Takane no Nadeshiko is limited to covers of Vocaloid or anime songs. However, this overlooks one of the most striking aspects of their identity: a bold musical palette where original compositions and tributes coexist without ever betraying the catchy and vibrant idol pop DNA.
Antifan, their very first digital single released in 2022, sets the tone but not the one you might expect. Dark and far from the usual polished clichés, it speaks of rejecting industry norms and ideals.
In short, it’s an anthem of independence, authenticity, and refusal to submit.
A manifesto of independence that stands in stark contrast to the usual expectations of the genre.
Two years later, in February 2024, the group reached a major milestone by signing with Victor Entertainment. This was marked by the release of their single featuring the A-side track Utsukushiku Ikirou (美しく生きろ, “Let’s Live Beautifully”).
[...] Actually, it’s an original song we received just after starting our activities, and we have performed it a lot during our solo concerts. The lyrics include the phrase “Takane no Nadeshiko” and express our feelings about being idols, our struggles, and much more.
[...] 私達が活動開始してすぐにオリジナル楽曲として作って頂いた曲で、単独ライブでもたくさん歌わせて頂いています。歌詞の中には「高嶺のなでしこ」っていうフレーズも入っていますし、アイドルへの思いや今までの葛藤など、私達1人1人の思いも込められている楽曲だと思います
On the lighter end of their musical spectrum, Oshi no Mahou stands out as a cheerful anthem to idol culture itself, complete with wotagei calls and choreography. With its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and festive energy, the song fully embraces the joyful, ritualistic nature of the idol scene.
Of course, with over 30 digital singles and 3 EPs released so far, this is just a glimpse, their YouTube channel is packed with music videos waiting to be explored.
Spreading Petals Beyond
The group’s rise hasn’t been confined to Japan. Their first international concert, held in Macau in February 2024, marked a pivotal milestone in their growth.
Their momentum has only continued since then. In February 2025, they performed at Tokyo’s iconic National Yoyogi Stadium Second Gymnasium, another major step in their journey. Shortly after, a national tour was announced for May 2025, with dates scheduled in three key cities: Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.
As they prepare for their biggest concert to date, scheduled for September 9, 2025, at Chiba’s Makuhari Messe, the group is releasing a series of five digital singles leading up to the event:
- Melancholy Honey (メランコリックハニー), released on April 30, 2025
- Idol Costume (アイドル衣装), released on May 28, 2025
- Three more singles to be unveiled in June, July, and August 2025
Our goal is to perform a sold-out show at the Budokan.
私たちの目標は、満員の武道館のステージに立つことです。
We deeply hope that they’ll continue expanding and, maybe one day, perform in Europe for the very first time. To help them achieve this goal, let’s support them and spread the word!
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