Beyond the Music: Meet Shana, Lapillus' Leader Who Turns Dreams into Realities

Meet Shana. A Japanese vocalist whose big dreams and high aspirations not only gained her admission into a specialized high school for music but also as a participant on Mnet’s Girl’s Planet 999. Through her hard work and passion, she debuted as the leader of Lapillus.

We sat down with Shana ahead of Lapillus’ Latin America promotions to talk about her journey into K-Pop, her hobbies and interests, and her future with Lapillus. As one of the non-Korean members of the group, she feels that one of their strengths is the ability to communicate in many languages and through their music. 

Hello! Thank you for taking the time to speak to OK-What. Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi, my name is Shana! I’m a vocalist and the leader from Lapillus. Nice to meet you. 

Let’s start with your life before becoming an idol; what inspired you to attend FUKUOKA SCHOOL OF MUSIC Upper Secondary Specialized School?

I saw the advertisement poster for the school, and it said that you could major in K-Pop. I was surprised because I didn’t think a school to study K-Pop existed. Before learning about that school, I was clueless about how I could become a K-Pop idol. I realized that I would have to work hard to achieve my dreams.

Did you always have a K-Pop focus? Or was it the school that made you decide?
Even before attending school, I always really liked K-Pop, but I didn’t think I had the confidence. Whenever I saw K-Pop idols performing, I was envious of their talent because I wanted to be one. Attending the school helped build my confidence, and I started to believe in myself and that I could achieve my dream.

How would you describe your style? 

Honestly, I think I’m still looking for my style. Personally, I prefer a more natural look over the “girl crush” aesthetic. I think I lean more toward the simple and natural.

Has your style changed being surrounded by all of these stylists and veteran K-Pop idols?
I think my style changes based on our stylists. I follow their lead and adjust to how they style us for each concept.

You had a YouTube series called “ChanSha World.” What was your favorite episode of ChanSha World and why?
It’s the last episode! Chanty-eonnie and I went to the Gwangjang Market to complete our missions and do some shopping. I like that episode because there is a part where we wrote our wishes on lockets. Since Chanty and I are part of the “eonnie” (older sister) line, it was a meaningful day to us as we both wished to work hard for Lapillus.

I really enjoyed the episodes where you talked about each member’s family and the mission was to call your family.
Really? I really liked those ones as well. I had a lot of fun.

What is your favorite food that you have introduced to your members?

I would say samgak choco pie (triangle choco pie). I really like it because it is so delicious! If you have the chance, please go to Japan to try it because it is worth the trip!

Would you say chocolate is your favorite food?

I wouldn’t call it my favorite because I like everything! I like chocolate as well.

Do you have a certain omiyage (Japanese souvenir) that you like to give your members?

I gifted our members a miso soup set. It’s one of the ones where you can add the powder and water, and then the miso soup is ready. I think it is one of my favorite gifts so far.

How do you prepare for a performance?
Of course, we focus on the foundation of trying to get the choreography down with singing live. We also try to focus on the song's message and how we can relay that message to our audience. We think about the characterization and how best to perform the song as well.

What do you think is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about you?
I would say that it’s around my personality! I consider myself to be a very serious type, and I would say that I’m very diligent, and that’s kind of funny coming from me. Whenever I do things, I become very serious. For example, when I cook, I’m working hard to be a chef. If I teach, I feel I must be the very best teacher. If I become a YouTuber, I put my all into it so that I can do my best.

I want to ask you about photography. Do you feel that because you have taken photos, you have an advantage when your photo is being taken?

When I’m in front of the camera, I think about the person taking the photo. I think about how to use my hands well, how the angle is so I can work through different photos, and how I can make the photo better.

I also know from your hobbies you like to watch dramas. What was the last k-drama that you watched?

It’s an old drama, but the most recent one I watched was “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?” 

I like that drama! I read the manhwa first then saw the TV drama.

Me, too. I mean, I really liked it, but I haven’t read the manhwa yet.

What would you recommend to an aspiring K-Pop Idol?
When I auditioned for YG before, there was a similar question about ‘who would be picked/what you should do to get picked.’ I remember someone answered that you should look like you want or desire it more than the rest. That’s when I realized it’s not really about who is better or not, but who has the biggest dreams and desires and what it takes to achieve those.

Finish these sentences: 

My favorite word/phrase is: Always have fun.

I’m really passionate about: Trying to live the moment/day to its best/fullest and to have fun.

The top three places I’d love to visit are: Switzerland, Paris, and the United States

On a rainy day, you will probably find me . . . probably inside! I would never go outside, but I don’t want to feel down. I try my best to listen to the sound as I take the rainy day as a sign from God saying rest. So I try to do just that and rest.

Three songs currently on my playlist are: 

Ariana Grande “needy”

Back Number “Watagashi”

Chelsea Collins “07 Britney”

Lastly, can you please share a message for Lapis.

Well, it’s been about six months since we debuted, and I realize how grateful I am for the opportunity to be here. I also realize how important Lapis is to and for us. They are important to our group, and as an idol, I want to show different sides of us to them. I am so thankful for them and hope they will continue to look forward to our performances. We will work hard to show you the best performances, and we thank you so much!

Would you like to leave a special message to your fans in Japan?

ラピスの皆さん、シャナです。こんにちは。

いつも私、ラピルス応援してくださって本当にありがとうございます。これからもまだまだたくさんお会いできる機会もあると思うし、ラピルスのいい姿をたくさんお見せできるように頑張るので、ええ、たくさん楽しみにしてください。私たちもこれからもっと、もっとかっこよくなると思うので。楽しみにしてください。大好きです。

To our dear Lapis, this is Shana. Hello! Thank you very much for always supporting me and Lapillus. I think there will be many more opportunities to meet you soon, as we are waiting in anticipation. We will do our best to show you the best of Lapillus. We will try to be even cooler from this moment on. Please look forward to it! We love you!

You can follow Lapillus on the following platforms: 

Official Twitter | Member Twitter | Official Instagram | Member Instagram | YouTube | TikTok