Who are LinQ?

LinQ are an Kyushu idol group who debuted on 17th April 2011.

The idea for the name LinQ came from the initial letters of the phrase 'Love in Kyushu'. Through Idol activities, the group is able to connect various people across the region and the country and thereby become a 'bridge of smiles'.

Through idol activities, such as live performances and appearing at various event, the group aims to energise Kyushu, establish Kyushu as an original area of idol culture and work towards idol culture being recognised as a 'Speciality' of Kyushu. The group is also an active participant in fundraising, in collaboration with local businesses.

2011

On 27th February, the first auditions were held, there was a total of 1,162 applicants aged between 12 and 24 from which the starting members were to be selected. On 17th April 2011 the group held it's debut live performance at IMS Hall, which marked the start of it's activities to be based mainly in the Fukuoka area.

From within the members, 2 groups were formed; LinQ Lady, which comprised of the members aged 18 and over, and; LinQ Qty (pronounced, 'cutie'), which consists mainly of members high school age and below. The distinct difference in the 2 groups can be seen in the music and performances, where one has the sexy appeal and the other has the cuteness factor.

In June, the group had their CD debut with 'Hajimemashite'. The group's stage song 'Shining Star' was also selected to become the theme song for Oita-ken's "Oita Pink Ribbon Campaign".

In November, on Tower Record's idol speciality label, 'T-Palette Records', the group released it's second; and first country wide single, 'Calorie Nante'. As part of the release, the group held a One-Man Live at Shinjuku loft. The single reached a high of No. 14 in the Oricon Daily Charts, No. 22 in the Weekly charts and was No. 1 in the Oricon Indies Weekly chart. The group had spread across the country.

The group was also selected to be the image character for BOAT RACE Omiya 2011 challenge cup and also for KBC radio's charity music marathon. They had become a strong target for Tie-up activities.

2012

On 29th February the group released their 3rd Single, the double A-side 'Sakura Kajitsu/Sakura Monogatari', which reached No. 4 in the Oricon Daily chart and No. 15 in the Weekly chart.

On the first anniversary of their debut, Tuesday 17th April, the group held a concert at Zepp Fukuoka which was attended by approximately 1,100 people. On the 18th April the group released their first album, 'Love in Qushu'

On 18th July the groups 4th single, again a double A-side, 'Shiawase no Energy/Matsuri no Yoru' was released, this single again reached 4th in the Oricon Daily chart, however, reached a new high the group in the weekly chart at No. 6.

The group were the opening act at the regular summer idol festival, Tokyo Idol Festival.

2013

On 5th January, the group held a concert at Fukuoka City Hall where over 1,500 people attended. During the concert, attendees were allowed to take photos and also film, which is unusual for idol concerts and thus this attracted a lot of attention.

On 30th January, the group released another double A-side single, their 5th single, 'CHIKU-TAKU/Going My Way' which reached No. 5 in the Oricon Weekly chart. This was the first time an indies idol performer/group had had 2 consecutive releases enter the top 10.

On 17th February at group leader Uehara Asami's graduation performance, it was announced that the group would transfer record labels from T-Palette to Warner Music Japan in order to make their major debut.

On the 17th April, on the second anniversary of the groups debut, the groups 6th Single (1st Major Single) 'Chime ga Owareba' is to be released.