Pop group AAA have reached new heights this year, and they’re not looking to stop anytime soon.

The group achieved their second #1 single just this past spring with “Aitai Riyuu/Dream After Dream (Yume Kara Sameta Yume)“, which was entirely produced by legendary ’90s pop producer Tetsuya Komuro. While this second accomplishment thrust them into the spotlight once more, it was also a major achievement for Komuro as well, as it marked his first major success since his personal business scandal a while back. “Aitai Riyuu/Dream After Dream” became his 43rd #1 single.

AAA also embarked on a nationwide tour, becoming the biggest group to go national with a tour spanning 25 stages.

When reflecting over their careers so far, the group had many things to say. “We sang and danced a lot in the early years at Avex. That was meant to be meaningful, but it was tough. We are now able to continue like this because of those experiences,” said Sueyoshi.

Hidaka also expressed his grateful feelings towards their producer and president of Avex, Max Matsuura, who has been with them since the very beginning. “We often have moments where we feel really blessed. He’s provided us with many things, including music by Komuro. Our relationship [with him] is always growing“.

The group was also asked about the army of K-pop artists taking over the charts recently.

“I’m always learning a lot,” said Sueyoshi. “I always have the thought ‘I’ll never lose’“.

With their openminded attitude, the group has reinvented their image and tried out various styles, appealing to a wide range of fans.

AAA has been steadily working hard over the past years, with 2010 being their 5th anniversary since their debut. They’ve released 5 studio albums, 4 mini-albums, and 26 singles so far; they’ve got no signs of slowing down, and in fact, have bigger things brewing in the background.

Next year, the group has set their sights on a debut overseas. There are no further details as of yet, but their intentions have been made clear.

Chiaki reflected on her own overseas experience: “When I went to Taiwan on a business trip 3 years ago, I received a letter from a fan written in Japanese which said “AAA should do a live [here]“. Since then, we’ve had the feeling to a live in Taiwan and/or Asia“.

Leader Urata also reflected on his own thoughts. “We are a collection of personalities, and we have a lot to express. That’s why we have bigger things to aim for“.

The group is currently getting ready for their first appearance on the famed “Kouhaku uta Gassen” on New Year’s Eve.

source: tokyohive