aoen has dropped their third single, Hajimari Color (Beginning Color), marking a quick return just four months after their March release INSTANT CRUSH. The single arrived with a release event in Tokyo on July 21, where the group performed the title track and album cut BOoM×2 DROP for the first time, combining choreography with costume work that drew enthusiastic responses from fans.

The album conceptually follows the members' individual journeys as they come together and form their own identity—comparing the process to how a prism refracts light into varied colors. Across four tracks, Hajimari Color pairs the upbeat title song with the heavy-hitting BOoM×2 DROP, the positive energy of Youth, and the consoling ballad Asphalt Rainbows.

Notable producers behind the release include Taka Perry, known for co-writing "Touch" for global girl group KATSEYE, alongside producer Roa. The accompanying music video tells a visual story of member Yuuju finding joy with the group, using water balloons and cake cream as playful props.

Since their June 2025 debut, aoen has built momentum quickly. INSTANT CRUSH surpassed 100,000 cumulative shipments and earned gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan. The group recently performed at the 2026 WeverseCon Festival in June and is currently in the middle of their first solo tour, hitting all 47 prefectures of Japan.

With Hajimari Color, aoen continues positioning themselves as what they call a "youth reminder"—a group singing realistic emotions tied to being young. The single shows the continued investment HYBE is placing in their Japanese roster, blending domestic appeal with international production talent.