BeForU In memory of the Konami-produced J-pop band

by ShadowedIceFlowers2732

Riyu Kosaka, one of the members in the band BeForU which lasted from 2000 to 2009, tells the story of her life in the band. She talks about her moments with the members, the songs she made, and her own personal thoughts of BeForU.

1. Chapter 1: BeForU

Chapter 1: BeForU

It was 2000. Konami was holding an audition for a J-pop group to release songs for Bemani rhythm games. Many talented people auditioned for it, and I was one of the people who auditioned for it because I enjoyed playing Dance Dance Revolution and finally I would play with my songs if I were one of the four people who got in. My name is Riyu Kosaka, and I was the only one to stay in BeForU from its beginning until its end.

'Will I be able to get in?' I thought. I had so much hope to get in. But there was anxiety as well due to me being one of the youngest at age 15. I felt bad for the little kids that wanted to enter but couldn't due to their age. I hoped in later years they could win and fulfill their wish.

"Next up: Riyu Kosaka!" I was anxious when called, but I let go of my pressure and believed in myself that I can do it. I sang a song like if I were actually a professional J-pop singer, and acted like if I were performing live. After I finished, I felt insecure despite the applause sound I heard from others. Some people preferred choosing people based on their knowledge and not their talent, which I did not appreciate.

Few days later, it was school, since I'm not an adult yet. There was an announcement, "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, this is an announcement about the J-pop group BeForU winners of the audition that was held days ago. The winners are: Riyu Kosaka, Noria Shiraishi, Yoma Komatsu, and Shiyuna Maehara! When I heard my name, I was shocked, in a good way, of course, and suddenly, I heard a big applause for me from the whole class. Later, I became popular at my school.

I headed for the Konami Studio, where I met the three other winners. I looked like a baby to them, I was the shortest out of all of them at 151 cm as well as the youngest. Noria was 19, Shiyuna was 21, and Yoma was 26. I was excited to make music and maybe I can be friends with them!

Later at night, when I returned home, I sat in my room dreaming about my future. I thought about making large sums of money and enriching myself and my family. My family was very proud of me for winning an audition that had a lot of people wanting to enter. There were so many thoughts of BeForU that night. My dream came true.