With its dreamy melody, soft vocals, and powerful lyrics, the rising global girl group HANA has struck a chord with listeners through their latest release, “Blue Jeans.”
HANA, featuring members Jisoo, Momoka, Chika, Naoko, Koharu, Yuri, and Mahina, has drawn listeners in with the track’s heartfelt storytelling, with the music video to over 20 million views within just two months of its release.
HANA has quickly established themselves as a versatile group, blending rap, vocal ranges, intricate choreography, and evolving concepts. In the fully Japanese track “Blue Jeans,” the members explore themes of love and self-discovery with refreshing vulnerability.
Despite its lighthearted title, the song delves into the complexities of first love, using denim as a symbol of unfiltered, everyday authenticity. The music video balances this emotional depth with playful energy, featuring the members dancing with their partners in scenes full of warmth. As member Naoko explains, “Everyone experiences emotions differently, and we don’t all need to feel the same way. So I hope people cherish what they feel in each moment, just as they are.”
Since debuting in April 2025, HANA has already released six tracks, each showcasing a different side of their artistry. While songs like “Burning Flower” spotlight their bold, high-energy sound, and their latest release, “BAD LOVE,” blends intensity with romance, “Blue Jeans” marks their first step into more intimate, tender territory.
Following the success of “Blue Jeans,” The Knockturnal had a conversation with HANA to discuss the track’s authenticity, the group’s evolving fashion, from denim to corsets, and their hopes for the rest of 2025.
The Knockturnal: Can you share more about the emotional meaning behind the lyrics? What was it like for HANA to show a more vulnerable, romantic side this time around in song?
YURI: I think this work really shows a new side of HANA. Each member expresses it in their own unique way, so I hope you’ll enjoy seeing those differences too.
The Knockturnal: Both the song and the actual item, blue jeans, symbolize comfort. What brings each of you comfort these days, whether emotionally or creatively?
KOHARU: For me, it’s definitely journaling! Writing in my journal has always brought me a sense of peace. Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of books and going to the movies, so my head has been filled with all sorts of thoughts.
Journaling helps me put those messy ideas into words and organize them. I also believe it really helps with my creativity!
The Knockturnal: “Blue Jeans” also feels like an anthem of authenticity. Why is it important for HANA to highlight realness and emotional truth in your music?
NAOKO: There are many reasons I could give, like how singing or dancing became my way of using music to communicate what I want to express. But at the core, I think it’s simply because I’m human.
It’s easy to feel at ease when I’m excited, happy, or having fun. But I’ve also come to realize that feeling angry or sad, those so-called negative emotions, aren’t something to be ashamed of. In fact, those emotions have expanded the range of feelings I want to express.
Everyone experiences emotions differently, and we don’t all need to feel the same way. So I hope people cherish what they feel in each moment, just as they are.
The Knockturnal: HANA has already shown an impressive range, from the soft, emotional tone of “Blue Jeans” to the bold energy of “Burning Flower.” As a group, what kinds of sounds or musical styles are you all excited to explore next?
MAHINA: I’d love for us to do an emotional song that becomes a memorable part of HANA’s story. Also, I want to try songs that we can really hype the crowd with, like rock or band-style tracks! I think it’d be so much fun to connect with audiences through that kind of energy.
The Knockturnal: Since your debut in April, you’ve already hit major milestones, landing on Apple Music and Spotify’s Top 100! Did any of you expect this level of support so soon? How have these past few months felt as you’ve watched your fanbase grow?
MOMOKA: I had hopes and dreams, but honestly, I never imagined this. I’m just so grateful to be receiving support from so many people.
These past four months have been all about working hard and honing our performance — nothing else. From now on, I’ll keep pushing forward with a strong determination to deliver my voice, for real.
The Knockturnal: As HANA hits more of the ‘global pop’ conversations online, how does it make you all feel to know you are supported internationally and attending to fans worldwide!
JISOO: To be honest, it still doesn’t feel real, and I feel like it might be a bit too soon to say… But meeting people from all over the world through music has always been my dream, so I’m truly happy.
Once again, I’ve realized how music can connect people beyond language. That’s why I want to keep working hard to create music that truly resonates with the heart.
The Knockturnal: Can you give us a hint at what’s next for HANA? Any upcoming projects, collaborations, or personal goals you’re excited to share as 2025 continues?
CHIKA: I want to go on a nationwide tour! Once we have more songs, I’d love to try different kinds of stage production, and most of all, I really want to meet HONEYs all across the country!
The Knockturnal: Lastly, a fun one to wrap things up! If each of you could choose just one accessory or clothing item to keep as a forever staple in your wardrobe, what would it be? (And yes, blue jeans are totally allowed!)
CHIKA: Corsets! It depends on the outfit, but to me, corsets instantly elevate the whole look. They totally boost your style and make everything cuter, definitely one of my favorite fashion items!
From connecting emotions beyond language through their music, HANA is set to make their first year as a group truly unforgettable. Their most recent release, “BAD LOVE,” has already surpassed 11 million views on YouTube within just two weeks, proof that the love they’re receiving is transcending borders.
After our conversation, it’s clear HANA is both passionate and inspired for the journey ahead, and so are we.
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