Happy (belated) birthday, Leah Kazuno!
You’re one half of the coolest rival group around!
When you were first introduced, you were a silent girl that chose actions over words. After singing a duet at a shrine with your sister, you performed an impressive somersault to show Aqours that you were not to be underestimated – that high school girls from Tokyo were brimming with talent. It was an impressive flip that solidified that you were undeniably cool and that, once Saint Snow was revealed to be Aqours’ rival group, they had some serious competition. You were in it to win it.
When more of your character was shown, it became evident why you were a girl of such few words (outside of some cutting remarks) – you were a lone wolf that didn’t have many friends. As a result, familial bonds were of the utmost importance to you. You had a very close relationship with your older sister and went out of your way to gain her approval. When it came to the school idol world, you went above and beyond to put on noteworthy performances to make her proud. You wanted to be top-notch in the way that A-RISE and μ’s, your inspiration, were before you. However, in the end, your efforts weren’t good enough, and your spirits were crushed.
Later, you befriended Ruby, who knew all too well about trying to gain approval from a sibling, having a shared love of an activity with them, and having some doubts. She also knew the struggles of being timid and not knowing how to approach others. She taught you the importance of not dwelling on your mistakes, as all that matters is that you put your heart into the things that you do. She also taught you the importance of finding the power from within yourself whenever you feel alone. The way you were able to take those lessons to heart and pick yourself up after your downfall is admirable. Your resolve truly allowed you to shine. I’m still trying to learn these lessons for myself the way that you did, but I know I’ll get there someday.
A-RISE was cool (they deserve justice after being slighted the way that they were), and I’m looking forward to seeing what else will come from SunnyPa (I can’t wait to hear HOT PASSION!! in full and see what other songs will come forth), but, as it stands, Saint Snow is unrivaled in the world of rivals. The way that Saint Snow shook the world with metal is just indescribable. Your rapping and your harmony with your sister when singing make for some distinct and dynamic songs. SELF CONTROL!! and Believe again are definitely standouts (and amongst my favorites in Love Live!’s discography), and Dazzling White Town is such a funky song with a funky PV that has neat visuals. Characterization-wise, it’s nice to have a rival group that is seemingly perfect on the surface have some struggles, and it was nice seeing Saint Snow – you in particular – coming out of your experiences stronger.
You’re such an awesome go-getting, twin-tailed ice queen, and I can’t wait to see if 2022 has anything in store for you and your sister! Until then, I’ll continue to appreciate your mad raps and Sick Parkour Skills ™.
