Not sure how accurate this sponichi article is, but 910's translations of it shows that the FIST meaning is included?
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment ... 72180.htmlThe name of the new unit of H!P has been announced.
The name is "Kobushi Factory"
"Kobushi" expresses our two wish for them;
"Be elegant like Kobushi flower"
"Be strong like the symbol of Fist"
(** The pronunciation of Kobushi flower and First are same)
The Kobushi flower (Magnolia kobus) tell us the coming of spring with white flowers. Tthe place of its origin is Japan)
The language of flowers are "Friendship" "Trust" "Welcome"
They will deepen their Friendship and Trust each other and aim to be the group who is be welcomed by a lot of people.
And "Factory" includes the spirit of "Berryz Kobo" goes on hiatus.
(**Kobo means Factory in Japanese)
Shimizu saki who is to be the "Hello!Project adviser" also participated the meeting to chose the name.
Kobushi Factory consists of 8 members; Fujii Rio(15) Hirose Ayaka(15) Nomura Minami(15) Ogawa Rena(14) Hamaura Ayano(14)Taguchi Natsumi(14)Wada Sakurako(13)Inoue Rei(13)
Except for Fujii, the others are Jr.high school students.
The moment they hear the name for the first time is uploaded on Hello!Station at 21 o'clock.
Kobushi Factory's musical "Week End Survivor" starts at Big Tree Theater on March 26th
Their first DVD single song "Nen niwa Nen (In just case)/ survivor" are sold in the venue only.
As for the name, I don't hate it. It's actually kind-of nice that it carries on the Berryz Kobo relationship in multiple ways, but isn't straight out Beφz Kobo or something.