Rain Tree Series [Episode 2] Rika Sato × Noa Mizuno “Idols Are Really Amazing”
A special series of articles on the true faces of Rain Tree, an idol group produced by Akimoto Yasushi!
Mizuno: “I’ve loved AKB48 since I was in kindergarten.”
The 17 members who were unfortunately not selected in the final round of the IDOL 3.0 PROJECT Audition produced by Yasushi Akimoto have spent the past year under the name “FINALIST.”
Now, they are launching a new group called “Rain Tree,” with their major debut set for January 2025. This special series delves into the true personalities of these members.
Episode 2 features an interview and conversation with Rika Sato and Noa Mizuno!
(Left) Rika Sato / Born July 9, 2002, from Ibaraki Prefecture. (Right) Noa Mizuno / Born August 8, 2005, from Hiroshima Prefecture.Noa Mizuno: “It was my first time doing a photoshoot with Rika-chan, but I was able to relax and stand in front of the camera. The outfits had colors I don’t usually wear, so I think I was able to show a new side of myself!”
Rika Sato: “I love watching behind-the-scenes videos of idol photoshoots, and I imagined myself looking like the idols in those videos while we were shooting. Whether I actually managed to do that, I’m not sure… (laughs).”
──Now, could you both introduce yourselves again?
Rika Sato: “I’m Rika Sato, a 22-year-old fourth-year university student from Ibaraki Prefecture! I’ve done activities like piano, ballet, and golf. I like both coffee and tea. I’m often thought to have a ‘princess-like’ first impression, but in reality, I really enjoy sports like gymnastics, basketball, and martial arts, so people are surprised. I practiced martial arts for about a year and a half. My mom loves action movies, so I grew up watching films like Mission: Impossible and Charlie’s Angels. I started learning martial arts because I wanted to ‘fight’ too!”
Noa Mizuno: “I’m Noa Mizuno, 19 years old, a first-year university student from Hiroshima Prefecture! Unlike Rika-chan, I haven’t really taken any lessons or anything. I’ve just lived a life where I love sleeping (laughs). I’ve slept for 15 hours straight without waking up! I also really love anime, and I’m a huge fan of *Yowamushi Pedal*. My favorite character is Shō Midōsuji!”
──What kind of impression do you have of each other?
Rika Sato: “If I were to describe Noa in one word, it’s just ‘Noa’ (laughs). There’s no other way to describe her, and I think ‘Noa is just Noa’ is the most fitting expression. At first, she shows a bit of a shy side, but once she warms up and her shell breaks, the distance between us shrinks, and I realize she’s really fun to be around.”
Mizuno: “As Rika-chan mentioned earlier, at first, I thought she was the quiet and serious, elegant character. But when she gets tired or exhausted, her energy level shoots up, and she starts saying the funniest things, which I find really interesting (laughs). One thing I want to learn from Rika-chan is her stoicism. She practices dance every day, and during events like talk sessions, she even brings her laptop to study for university during free time. If I had free time, I’d probably just sleep (laughs), so I really admire Rika-chan’s ability to make the most of her time and her dedication.”
──As you both are about to officially start as an idol group, can you tell us what initially inspired you to want to become idols?
Mizuno: “I’ve been a fan of AKB48 since I was in kindergarten, and I especially loved Mayu Watanabe. Her lovable personality and the dedication she had as an idol made me want to be like her and become an idol myself.”
Sato: “I also, like Noa, first became a fan of AKB48. My favorite member was also Mayu Watanabe. I loved her twin tails! I was crazy about her half-twin look, too!”
Mizuno: “I totally get that!”
Sato: “The year I started liking AKB48 was around the time when girls in my class started becoming a bit more mature (laughs). But even so, I really loved Mayu Watanabe’s dedication to being a true idol, her strength, and her character. After that, I became a fan of TWICE, and the name I used before my debut, ‘Sana,’ was inspired by TWICE’s Sana.”
Shirt with tie ¥8,470 / ACLENT Skirt ¥7,590 / EMODA LUMINE EST SHINJUKU Boots ¥12,100 / ANTI ROSA (SHAGGIE) Cardigan / stylist’s personal effectsSato: “Yes, that’s right. I had a friend who really encouraged me to try, so I auditioned for the 3rd generation of Sakurazaka46. But I got eliminated during the document screening. After that, I also auditioned for AKB48’s 18th generation and for the audition for the group Aozora that I had wanted to join, but I wasn’t successful in any of them. That’s when I realized how tough the idol world really is.”
Mizuno: “The first audition I tried was for Hinatazaka46. I made it to the third round, but I didn’t pass there. After that, I went through the final round of AKB48’s 18th generation audition, but I wasn’t chosen. I was really disappointed by that.”
Member of Rain Tree, Noa Mizuno.
───Though these two were born from the “IDOL 3.0 PROJECT Audition,” they were regrettably not selected as members of WHITE SCORPION, which was to be formed in October 2023. While working as “FINALIST,” which was formed by the unsuccessful members, the group reached the point of making its major label debut in January 2025. Naturally, there must be a variety of feelings.
Sato: “I didn’t know if we’d actually debut or not, but throughout this journey, one thing that really stood out to me was how amazing idols really are. Before, I just thought idols were cute, had great style, and performed beautifully coordinated dances, but now that I’ve had the chance to participate in events like handshake meetings and manage social media, I realize how important it is for idols to truly care about their fans.”
Rain Tree member Rika SatoMizuno: “I have deeply realized the importance of the behind-the-scenes effort. Before starting my idol activities, I only had a lighthearted feeling of thinking that idols are cute and I wanted to be like them. Now, I realize how naive that was.”
Rain Tree member Noa Mizuno──How do you feel now that your major debut is set for January 2025?
Mizuno: “I was really happy when I heard that we were debuting, but when I learned about the selection system (where main members for each single are chosen to perform the title track), I felt a little sad that the 17 of us wouldn’t be able to sing the title track together. However, I believe the selection system will motivate the members and improve the quality of our songs, so I’m really determined to do my best.”
Sato: “Along with the joy of finally being able to debut, I also feel a sense of responsibility. We’ve been working together as 17 members for a year, and everyone is doing their best, so I have to give my all as well. I think it’s very important that we all push each other to make our debut single the best it can be.”
Rain Tree member Rika SatoSato: “Just like my favorite TWICE.”
──What kind of idol would you like to be in the future?
Sato: “I want to be an idol who makes everyone I come in contact with happy. By making someone feel happy, I hope they feel fulfilled and can spread that happiness to others. I want to create a chain of happiness. I want to be someone who can be at the center of that. I want to be an idol who never forgets the humble feelings and gratitude I had when I first started and continues to think about how I can make people happy.”
Mizuno: “Through my activities so far, I’ve received more praise for my talks at handshake events and live streams, which has boosted my confidence. So, while improving my singing and dancing skills, I want to be an idol who can make many people happy through chatting, utilizing the communication skills I’ve developed through interacting with fans.”
Rain Tree members, (left) Rika Sato and (right) Noa MizunoSato: “Our big goal is to have a dome tour someday, just like my beloved TWICE!”
Mizuno: “I want us to become an idol group that everyone in Japan knows, with hit songs that leave a lasting impression on people’s hearts, just like AKB48, the first idol group I ever loved!”
──Aside from group activities, what dreams do you want to achieve as a solo artist?
Sato: “Actually, like Noa, I also love anime. I enjoy gaming too, and I’ve even auditioned for voice acting roles. So, one day I’d love to work as a voice actor, and my dream is to have my name appear in the end credits of a Disney movie as a voice actor.”
Mizuno: “I’ve always loved the fashion magazine ‘LARME,’ and it’s been my dream to appear in its pages! Also, my desire to appear on variety shows has grown stronger. I love comedy, and I’m a huge fan of NON STYLE, so I’d be so happy if I could someday work with them after a lot of effort.”
Rain Tree members, (left) Rika Sato and (right) Noai MizunoRika Sato
Born: July 9, 2002, Ibaraki Prefecture
Special skills & hobbies: Drawing, reading, watching movies, listening to music, yoga
Noa Mizuno
Born: August 8, 2005, Hiroshima Prefecture
Special skills & hobbies: Ability to cross one eye
Interview and text by： Kazunori Okubo Photographed by： Katsuhiko Hanamura Stylist： Rina Uchida Hair & Make-up： Shiori Terunuma (Ms. Sato), Mien (Ms. Mizuno)
