ネイティブが教える英会話のジェムスクール☆Teachers☆

I am really into Japanese music.

My favorite artist is Oomori Seiko, who happens to be from Ehime prefecture. I have loved her since about 2013. Oomori Seiko is a singer-songwriter.

Oomori Seiko's music video for her song title "Singer Songwriter".

Recently she started producing as well as being a member of the idol group ZOC. ZOC stands for "Zone of Control" and is pronounced like ゾク--which can mean 'thrilling' or 'exciting'. Currently, the group consists of six members: Oomori Seiko, Aizome Karen, Nishii Marina, Kannagi Maro (formerly known as Fukuda Kanon), Yachia Riko and the newest member Shizume Nodoka.

One of ZOC's recent releases, "DON'T TRUST TEENAGER" is my favorite! I find the lyrics quite touching.

ZOC are a little bit different than your average idol group--they definitely do not try to keep a pristine and innocent image for the public. One former member, Senritsu Kanano, is known for being in juvenile detention before becoming an idol. Kashii Katy, who graduated from the group in February 2021, is often pictured smoking, and it is a known fact that she was homeless before becoming an idol.

These little imperfections make ZOC all the more human to me and show one of the truly good things about idols--they can bring people together no matter their background. It is important to show that even if you have marks on your history that you can still reach your dreams, I think that is part of what ZOC stands for.

I am looking forward to ZOC's first major album, PvP, which releases on June 9th of this year.

Following their album, ZOC will be going on a nationwide tour! It's not often that groups that are popular in Tokyo come all the way here to Shikoku, but my dream came true--ZOC will have lives in both Takamatsu and Matsuyama! What's more, they had a VIP ticket on sale. For so long I have wanted to see Oomori Seiko live, and now I will get to see her live and meet her. I can't wait to go to the live on July 11th! I wanted to go to the concert in Matsuyama because that's Seiko's hometown, but unfortunately I am only able to attend the Takamatsu live. Regardless, I am really looking forward to it. Here's hoping that cases are down by that time and it is safe to attend.

I've only scratched the surface here in regards to ZOC but I hope that you enjoyed reading about them even a little bit. I may write a few more blog posts to introduce idols in English in the future. Idol research is one of my hobbies!

See you!