A Japanese idol group based in Setouchi (which inspires the band's name), Okayama Prefecture, Japan, STU48 is part of the AKB48 franchise, of which it is the sixth representative. Announced in October 2016, the formation of the group takes place in 2017. A partnership is forged with the Setouchi region tourism board, with the all-female group actively involved in its promotion. STU48, whose members change frequently, often performs on a cruise that crosses seven prefectures, including Yamaguchi, Hiroshima, Okayama, Hyogo, Tokushima, Kagawa and Ehime. The band soon enjoyed resounding success with their first single, "Kurayami (暗闇)", No. 1 in Japan upon its release in 2018. The next four titles, "Kaze wo Matsu (風を待つ)", "Daisuki Na Hito (大好きな人)", "Mubō Na Yume Wa Sameru Koto Ga Nai (無謀な夢は覚めることがない)" and "Omoidaseru Koi Wo Shiyō (思い出せる恋をしよう)", all released between 2019 and 2020, are equally successful, also topping the Japanese charts. In 2021, the single "Hitorigoto De Kataru Kurainara (独り言で語るくらいなら)" was released at No. 2, followed by "Hetaretachi Yo (ヘタレたちよ)", which returned to the top spot. A year later, the group releases its eighth track, "Hana Wa Dare No Mono? (花は誰のもの？)" (No. 2). In March 2023, "Iki O Suru Kokoro (息をする心) " matched this performance before "Kimi Wa Nani Wo Kokai Suru No Ka? (君は何を後悔するのか?)" grabbed the top spot on the Japanese singles chart in November 2023. A few months later, in June 2024, STU48 released the album Natsukashii Ashita (懐かしい明日) , which brought together his hit singles but also reserved a few previously unreleased tracks. The Japanese public carries him to second place in the best-seller charts.
