Japanese idols The World Standard Play South America’s Largest Anime Convention, Nanase Hirokawa: ‘The Love of Our Fans, Far From Japan, Brought Me to Tears’

Japanese idols The World Standard play South America’s largest anime convention!
Nanase Hirokawa: “The love of our fans, far from Japan, brought me to tears”

Japanese idol group The World Standard – known to fans as WASUTA – performed for fans in Brazil on July 21, with an appearance at the anime convention Anime Friends São Paulo 2024.

Formed in 2015 and featuring members Nanase Hirokawa, Miri Matsuda, Ririka Kodama and Ruka Mishina, WASUTA are an idol group for the digital-native generation. So far, they have performed live in 12 countries, with their sights set on global success. They have also provided theme songs for several anime series, including ‘Idol Time PriPara’ and ‘Kiratto Pri☆Chan’.

After a successful 9th-anniversary concert in March 2024, the group are now preparing to release their 13th single, ‘Natsu Koi Dilemma’, on August 21, as they continue to gain momentum ahead of their 10th anniversary in March next year.

WASUTA performed at Anime Friends São Paulo 2024, the largest anime convention in South America, which was held in São Paulo, Brazil, July 18-21. At the show, they performed 15 songs, including fan favorites ‘Inu Neko Seishun Massakari’, ‘Saijoukyuu Paradox’ and ‘Eikyu-Muchu-de Koushinchu!♡’. With local fans and others who came all the way from Japan to support them, the 5,000-strong audience went wild.

The four members of WASUTA each took to their respective X (Twitter) accounts to reflect on their experience performing in Brazil.

Group leader Hirokawa made the emotional comment, “During this two-day period, I was moved to tears over and over again by the love from all our fans so far from Japan. I know it won’t be easy, but I definitely want to come see them again.”

To their fans in Brazil, Matsuda wrote, “I learned we have allies on the other side of the world. I’ve come to love Brazil from the bottom of my heart! I’ll definitely see you again someday, somewhere. Take care and stay healthy!”

Mishina was also deeply touched, writing, “I’m extremely happy that we could communicate directly with our fans who have been watching from afar. Now I have a new feeling of belonging. How is it possible to be this happy?!”

Kodama reflected, “I was really happy to be able to perform at such a wonderful event, and to be able to meet our fans who have supported us on the other side of the world.”

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Links
Official website: https://wa-suta.world/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wasuta.world/
YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/channel/UCpz1sUYoIaAwRU5iPJtlHeg