About a year and a half after No No Girls wrapped up with seven finalists forming the group HANA in January 2025, two more contestants from that same audition show are finally getting their moment. ASHA and KOKONA have announced their debut as a two-member unit called TAKARA, set to release their first digital single in August 2026 under a label established by Chanmina herself. If you followed No No Girls and wondered what became of the talented performers who didn't make the final seven, this is the story you've been waiting for.
We've gathered everything available about TAKARA—who they are, how they're connected to the No No Girls journey, what their debut single sounds like, and what makes this launch meaningful for fans who've followed these artists since their audition days.
The Quick Version
- TAKARA is a new two-member unit consisting of ASHA and KOKONA, both former contestants on the 2024-2025 audition show No No Girls.
- They're debuting under a label founded and led by Chanmina, the artist and producer behind No No Girls; TAKARA is the second act signed to this imprint.
- Their debut digital single, "Time is money," is self-produced and is being released in August 2026.
- ASHA and KOKONA both made it deep into No No Girls—passing the second round and competing among the top 30—but did not secure spots in the final seven-member group, HANA.
- This marks the first major career step for both artists since the show's finale on January 12, 2025.
Who Are ASHA and KOKONA?
If you watched No No Girls, you'll remember ASHA and KOKONA as two standout contestants in the competition. Both advanced past the early elimination rounds and earned their places among the 30 finalists who competed in the show's team-based performance challenges. During the competition, they were assigned to different teams—ASHA performed with the BURNINC GIRLS (Team C) alongside members like NAOKO and MOMOKA, while KOKONA joined the Black Panther (Team B) with JISOO and CHIKA, among others.
Despite their strong showings throughout the audition process, neither ASHA nor KOKONA made it into the final lineup when HANA's seven members were announced on January 12, 2025. That group—consisting of CHIKA, NAOKO, JISOO, YURI, MOMOKA, KOHARU, and MAHINA—went on to debut under BMSG's B-RAVE sub-label later in 2025. For many fans, the question lingered: what would happen to the other talented performers who'd proven themselves on the show but hadn't secured a spot in HANA?
We now have an answer, at least for these two. Rather than stepping away from the spotlight, ASHA and KOKONA have joined forces to form their own unit, carving out a separate path within the larger No No Girls family.
What Is TAKARA?
TAKARA (タカラ) is the name of ASHA and KOKONA's new two-member unit. The name itself—which translates to "treasure" in English—carries a sense of something precious and hard-won, fitting for two artists who've persevered beyond the audition process to claim their own debut.
What sets TAKARA apart is their creative independence. The unit is explicitly framed as a self-produced project, with ASHA and KOKONA taking an active role in shaping their music and artistic direction. Their debut single, "Time is money," was created by the duo themselves, signaling that they're not just performers being guided by a production team, but artists with a voice in their own work.
This approach aligns with Chanmina's own ethos as an artist. Known for her hands-on involvement in her music and her commitment to nurturing talent, Chanmina has built her label as a platform for artists who bring creative vision alongside performance skill. TAKARA is the second act to join the roster, following the label's first signing (whose identity has not been widely detailed in available reporting).
The Connection to Chanmina's Label
Chanmina's role in the No No Girls project has always been central. She served as the main producer of the audition show, which was created under BMSG's B-RAVE sub-label. But while HANA—the official debut group from No No Girls—went on to be managed under the BMSG/B-RAVE umbrella, Chanmina has also launched her own separate label to support other artists who emerged from the same ecosystem.
TAKARA's debut under this label represents a parallel track: not the "official" group from the show, but a continuation of the talent and energy that No No Girls brought to light. For ASHA and KOKONA, this means they get to debut with the mentorship and backing of an artist who already knows their work intimately, having overseen their growth throughout the audition process.
It's a meaningful distinction. While HANA carries the prestige of being the show's chosen finalists, TAKARA represents something different—proof that talent doesn't end at a final lineup, and that the journey doesn't have to stop when the cameras turn off. Chanmina's decision to support ASHA and KOKONA through her own label speaks to her commitment to the broader community of artists the show cultivated, not just the winners.
When and Where You Can Hear "Time is money"
TAKARA's debut single, "Time is money," is scheduled for release in August 2026 as a digital single. At the time of this writing—early August 2026—the exact release date within the month has not been publicly detailed, but the track is expected to become available on major digital music platforms.
The song's title hints at themes of urgency, value, and perhaps the journey ASHA and KOKONA have been on—waiting more than a year and a half since the No No Girls finale to finally share their work with the world. Given that the track is self-produced, we can expect it to reflect the duo's own artistic perspective, rather than fitting neatly into a template set by outside writers and producers.
Details about accompanying music videos, promotional performances, or additional tracks haven't been confirmed in the available reporting, but the digital-first release strategy is a common and effective approach for new acts, allowing fans anywhere to access the music immediately and helping build a following online before expanding to physical releases or live events.
Why This Debut Matters
On the surface, TAKARA's debut might look like a footnote to the No No Girls story—a side project involving contestants who didn't make the main group. But look a little closer, and it's something more significant.
First, it shows that success in the music industry doesn't have to follow a single, linear path. ASHA and KOKONA didn't win the competition, but they're still debuting. They're still making music. They're still part of the conversation. In an industry where audition shows often leave non-finalists in limbo, Chanmina's decision to continue supporting talent from No No Girls through her own label creates opportunities that might not otherwise exist.
Second, the self-production aspect of TAKARA's work is notable. We're seeing more and more artists—especially in the Japanese music scene—take creative control early in their careers, rather than waiting years to "earn" that privilege. For young fans watching ASHA and KOKONA's journey, the message is clear: you don't have to wait for someone else to greenlight your vision. You can be both the performer and the creator.
Third, this debut keeps the No No Girls community alive and growing. HANA debuted in 2025 and has been building their career throughout the past year. Now, TAKARA extends that legacy, giving fans another group to follow and support. Rather than seeing the audition show as a closed chapter that ended in January 2025, we're watching it evolve into a broader ecosystem of artists with shared roots but distinct identities.
What People Are Saying
Fans of No No Girls have responded warmly to the news of TAKARA's debut, many expressing relief and excitement that ASHA and KOKONA are finally getting their chance to shine.
"I'm so happy for them! I loved watching both ASHA and KOKONA during the show and it felt incomplete when they didn't make HANA. This feels like the right next step."
"The fact that Chanmina is still supporting contestants from No No Girls even outside of HANA is really special. It shows she cares about all the talent she worked with, not just the final seven."
"'Time is money' is such a fitting title for a debut that's been more than a year in the making. I can't wait to hear what they've been working on all this time."
"I think what I love most is that they're self-producing. These aren't just performers—they're artists with their own voice. That's exactly what the industry needs more of."
The overall sentiment reflects a mix of anticipation and appreciation—fans are eager to hear the music, but they're also celebrating the broader principle at work: that talent deserves support, even when it doesn't follow the expected script.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is TAKARA's debut single being released?
TAKARA's debut single "Time is money" is scheduled for release in August 2026 as a digital single. The specific date within the month has not been widely reported, but fans should expect it to drop on major streaming platforms sometime this month.
Are ASHA and KOKONA part of HANA?
No, ASHA and KOKONA are not members of HANA. HANA is the seven-member group that debuted following the No No Girls finale in January 2025, consisting of CHIKA, NAOKO, JISOO, YURI, MOMOKA, KOHARU, and MAHINA. ASHA and KOKONA competed on the show but did not make the final lineup, and have instead formed their own separate unit, TAKARA.
What does "self-produced" mean for TAKARA?
When TAKARA is described as self-producing their debut single, it means that ASHA and KOKONA are actively involved in the creative process—writing, arranging, and shaping the music themselves, rather than simply performing songs written and produced entirely by outside teams. This gives them more artistic control and ownership over their work from the very start of their career.
Is TAKARA under the same label as HANA?
Not quite. HANA debuted under BMSG's B-RAVE sub-label, which co-produced the No No Girls audition show. TAKARA, on the other hand, is debuting under a separate label established and led by Chanmina herself. While both groups have roots in No No Girls and connections to Chanmina, they're following different management and label paths.
Will there be a music video for "Time is money"?
Details about a music video or other promotional content for "Time is money" have not been confirmed in available reporting. Fans should keep an eye on official announcements from Chanmina's label and TAKARA's social media channels for updates as the release date approaches.
Looking Ahead for TAKARA
TAKARA's debut this August marks the beginning of what we hope will be a long and creative journey for ASHA and KOKONA. With "Time is money" set to introduce the duo's sound and vision to fans old and new, the next few months will be crucial in establishing their identity as artists. We'll be watching to see how they build on this first release—whether through additional singles, live performances, collaborations, or other projects that showcase their range and ambition.
What's clear already is that ASHA and KOKONA aren't content to let their No No Girls experience be the end of their story. With Chanmina's support and their own creative drive, they're writing the next chapter themselves. For fans who've followed them from the audition stage to this debut, it's a moment worth celebrating—and for anyone just discovering TAKARA, it's the perfect time to start paying attention.
