[JO1] Eiga Navi 220215

Questions to chase JO1’s true faces

Kawashiri Ren x Kawanishi Takumi

1. Cat or dog person?
Ren: Both
Takumi: Dog

2. Udon or soba? Bread or rice?
Ren: Bread and udon
Takumi: Udon, Bread

3. Your favorite onigiri ingredient? Your favorite ramen flavor?
Ren: Spicy cod roe with mayonnaise, plum / Tonkotsu Ramen
Takumi: Tuna-Mayo / Shoyu Ramen

4. Your favorite afternoon snack?
Ren: Chocolate
Takumi: Japanese styled sweets

5. The first CD you bought? Your favorite singer?
Ren: I never bought one…
Takumi: “Haruka” by GReeeN

6. The first book you bought?
Ren: I Spy!
Takumi: Dorabase Vol. 1

7. Your favorite movie?
Ren: Kaiji, LIAR GAME
Takumi: 42

8. Something you always end up buying in the conbini?
Ren: Fruits
Takumi: Hot snacks

9. If you were a JAM, who would you be a fan of?
Ren: Mame, Takumi, Shosei, Ren, Shion, Keigo, Junki, Sukai, Syoya, Sho, Ruki
Takumi: Mamehara Issei

10. What is your ritual before going on stage?
Ren: turning my energy towards it
Takumi: I don’t really have one, but I let calm myself down before getting excited

11. Who is the person who influenced you the most until now?
Ren: Michael Jackson, BIGBANG
Takumi: Asakura You (Shaman King)

12. What is the most important thing for you right now?
Ren: JAM, JO1, the people around me
Takumi: The people around me

13. If you described yourself in one kanji?
Ren: 蓮 (ren - lotus) Because I’m just me. Instead I want to become someone who can’t be replaced
Takumi: 高 (taka - high) Because I want to aim for the top

14. Who would you like to become for a day?
Ren: A bird, I want to fly!
Takumi: Jason Statham

15. If you went on a vacation, with which member would you want to go and where?
Ren: I want to go to some island with Takumi, Mame, Keigo and Ruki
Takumi: Nagoya with Keigo

16. Your favorite smell?
Ren: Gentle smells
Takumi: Fresh smells

17. What do you do after waking up in the morning?
Ren: A light stretch
Takumi: I wash my face

18. If you are taking a bath, where do you start cleaning yourself?
Ren: head
Takumi: head

19. In which state do you sleep?
Ren: all over the place. I curl up and sleep.
Takumi: sweatshirt and sweatpants

20. If you became a king, what kind of king would you become?
Ren: King of stage
Takumi: King of 100 beasts (= a lion)

21. With which animal would you compare yourself?
Ren: a clever fox
Takumi: a my pace feline lion

22. What is the favorite dish your family makes?
Ren: Hambuuuuuurger
Takumi: Potato salad

23. What does your family call you?
Ren: れん (Ren)
Takumi: Taku, Takumin

Same as ever, JO1 all get along well! The shooting today seemed to be lively and fun!
Takumi: Since the time before the debut we get along with each other without a change.
Ren: Yes. Among us, Keigo and Shion often joke around and make the shootingsight bright.
Takumi: I feel that thanks to these two we are always laughing. It’s not funny stories or popular comedy, but it seems like their wish to always make someone laugh and see smiles is strong, from the start. They are kind guys, both of them.
Ren: However I’m kinda easily made to laugh, so I always end up laughing (laughs)
Takumi: I get it. Because no matter who does what, it’s funny!

I think Ren, who carries out well where he needs to, is a pro among the pros.(Takumi)

Individuality rich faces have come together, but what do the two of “Double River” want to do if you did something together?
Takumi: What could we do? There seems not to be much we have done with just the two of us so far.
Ren: Some time ago, me, Takumi, Keigo and Ruki had a bit of free time between the schedules and we walked together in the city for some shopping, didn’t we?
Takumi: ah~ yes. I remember it.
Ren: Keigo and Ruki had a different schedule, so they left before us and afterwards it was only the two of us.
Takumi: Being outside, it was something I haven’t done in a while.
Ren: Because Takumi likes to stay indoors usually and barely goes out (laughs)
Takumi: Right. I love being at home (laughs)
Ren: Back then, I wanted to buy a new wallet, but I couldn’t find any good one, so I’m pretty much still using the same one as before. So, can you come with me to help me choose one?
Takumi: Sure! By the way, have you used your current one for a long time already?
Ren: Yes. Since I was a high school student.
Takumi: eh! You take good care of things!
Ren: You think so? However, Starting with the “101” audition, to the “2021 JO1 LIVE ‘OPEN THE DOOR’” live shows last year in November, I worked hard, so I kept on thinking that I wanted to give myself a reward.
Takumi: Speaking of this, didn't you also say that you want sunglasses?
Ren: Yes, I’m also searching for those.
Takumi: Aren’t those good as a reward to yourself? But in the first place, you are not really the type who does shopping?
Ren: No, actually once I find something I like on Amazon, I end up wasting money on that (laughs). I’m the type of person who buys it before hesitating.
Takumi: ahahaha (laughs) what I want to do with Ren-kun is to dye each other's hair. We will leave the color the other one.
Ren: eh? I’m leaving it completely to you, which color (do you choose)?
Takumi: Hm… mo..
Ren: but there is no color starting with “mo”! (laughs)
Takumi: At any rate an eccentric color.
Ren: In the group we are the “eccentric unit”, so we often have those colors. So, we go with a color we haven’t had yet and won’t complain about each other for two years.
Takumi: eh… 2 years?! The company will be upset! (Laughs)

Takumi might have the image of someone who likes to be pampered, but I think he is the one who tackles everything the most seriously.(Ren)

By the way, are there any points that you admire about the other one or something you want him to fix?
Ren: There isn’t anything I want Takumi to fix about himself.
Takumi: I also don’t have anything. What I admire about Ren-kun is that he is a pro among the pros. I think it’s amazing that he will carry out something well where he needs to do so. But for him it seems to be something natural.
Ren: No, not at all! Takumi seems from the outside like a cat who likes to be pampered and goes somewhere out of nowhere, but in JO1 he is the one who tackles everything the most seriously.
Takumi: Wow, I’m happy (to hear this)!
Ren: Previously, I’m the type who wonders what could be the best way to show a good performance to the audience near and far from us and when I talked with Takum that “It’s amazing that several 10.000 people come to the lives”,, he said “No matter if it’s 1, 1000 or 10.000 people in the audience, what we do doesn’t change. It’s just entertaining the people in front of us.” and it was something that moved me.
Takumi: I’m so cool~
Ren: uwa, by ending up saying it yourself, you ruined it! (laughs)

Next up, if you compared each other as “Number 1 of oo in the group"?
Takumi: Ren is “pro.” In my case, what could it be… “small”?
Ren:: For Takumi, I think it’s “cute”. In my case it’s “stubborn”.

How about the other members?
Ren: Sho-kun is “the mother”.
Takumi: “Muscles”. Keigo is “funny”.
Ren: Sure, he is “funny”. Mame is “Little brother” no, he is “mochi mochi” (soft, elastic).
Takumi: He is “cute <3”. Ruki is “Prince”.
Ren: He is simply “Prince!”. Shosei is “sleeps the most”.
Takumi: He is “funny”. Oh, no two people became “funny” (laughs) Syoya is “lively”.
Ren: H~m, he might be “inexhaustible”. Shion is “crazy”.
Takumi: “Sensitive”
Ren: Of course, there are also people who say so (laughs). Sukai is “samurai”.
Takumi: I get that. He feels like a “warrior”. And Junki is…
Both: 1…2.. “noisy” ! (laugh)

Kawashiri Ren
Born on 2nd March 1997, from the prefecture Fukuoka

I promise to make all JAM smile and happy

“Happy and frustrating things were about the same amount.”

This was the very first thing Kawashiri Ren mentioned when he looked back at the 2 years since the debut. Since the audition he charmed the fans with his outstanding dance skills and in JO1 he takes up the role as the performance leader. He is a reliable presence with a strong sense of responsibility and a deep trust from the members.

“After all our activities started with our debut evening being cancelled and afterwards the time passed without us being able to have lives with an audience… There was nothing but frustrating things. But JAM were the ones who continued to support us. Each time we released a new song, they made us get the 1st place in the Oricon ranking, if we appeared in some show, they shared this on SNS and spread our activities with hashtags. I’m really happy about this support and feel only gratitude.”

Already in previous interviews Kawashiri-san mentioned that he “wants to give back” to these fans. Eventually this wish was fulfilled by their first lives with an audience after their debut “2021 JO1 ‘OPEN THE DOOR’” last year.

“Right before the live, I ended up being curious and together with (Tsurubo) Shion I sneakingly watched the audience entering the venue (laughs). Just like the title, the opening was a door opening and us appearing on stage, but when I saw everyone’s faces, I remember how I actually felt “We can really have a live!” and how thrilled I was with emotions. Thanks to all the rehearsals before, there was no nervousness. I was just too happy that I was able to meet everyone and it felt so good to perform on stage! It were really fun lives.”

This was just the beginning of “giving back” to the fans who continued to support the members so far. Before the release of the documentary movie “JO1 THE MOVIE ‘未完成’ (incomplete/unfinished) - Go to the TOP” which closely followed the 11 members since the audition, the streaming of the drama “Short Program” in which all members will act for the first time has been decided.

“So far, I have been active to show myself with the hope that people will like me and JO1, but when you act, you have to act the life of someone else. It was difficult. I got to know that there are many new perspectives and feelings through the dialogues that were different from my own way of thinking. I’m it there was also a scene when the emotions were quite intense, but because it was a wonderful plot twist in the story, I ended up crying for real while acting and there was also an incident that interrupted the shooting. I have the clumsy side that I can barely control these emotions, but what I have in common with my role is the wish to stay true to our heart. I’m sure there will be moments when you are able to see my true self, so I would be happy if you watch it while searching for those. And from now on, I promise to make all JAM happy. I will make you smile so that you will think I’m glad that I support JO1!”

Kawanishi Takumi
born on 23rd June 1999, from the prefecture Hyogo

The scenery of the long awaited lives surpassed my imagination by far

“Each day the members are around me and there is the staff who support us from the time of the debut. That’s why I feel a lot of happiness every day.”

Kawanishi Takumi expressed his feeling of gratitude in courteous words. His occasional shyness puts his surroundings at ease and he is still the “Princess” of JO1.

“Earlier when all members watched one scene of the documentary movie “JO1 THE MOVIE ‘未完成’ (incomplete/unfinished) - Go to the TOP” in the dressing room, we talked about “There was that!“, and this was because the members walked together for so long that we can share these memories. In such casual moments I feel our bond. And, being able to take part in interviews and shootings like now, is precisely because of JAM’s support. While I was feeling the frustration of not being able to meet them and not being able to perform directly in front of them, they wanted to get the word out about us as much as possible and each time they did so, they wrote messages to us on SNS and I strongly felt their love.”

What he didn’t forget in the 2 years of being active is the “2021 JO1 ‘OPEN THE DOOR’” lives last year.

“Of course, before this I was able to do a lot of jobs, but my memories are updated every day and on top of my memories is always the newest one. Moreover, because it was the long-awaited live concert where I was able to see all JAM for the first time after the debut. In the moment of the opening when the door opened and all of the venue was visible, (I felt that) I joined the audition to see this scenery and finally I was standing on stage… It was something that deeply moved me. It surpassed my imagination by far and the various penlights that everyone let shine were beautiful, making it look like the starry sky. And, after all, I was happy to celebrate this day with these members and staff! I felt blessed to be able to do my “first” with everyone.

Speaking of “first”, also in the drama “Short program”, he will act for the first time.

“I shot my story in midsummer last year. Normally, I’m not the type who sweats a lot during performances, too, but due to the heat and my nervousness I was acting while sweating like a waterfall (laughs). However I was able to finish the shooting while cooling myself by applying cold water to my face and neck. The highlight is also that it’s a romantic drama, but it was something I challenged for the first time through my role. Before the shooting, I went to the room of the members who were good at this from the start and they taught me. I’m sure I will be able to show a different Kawanishi Takumi than the one everyone knows, so please look forward to it!”

When we asked him for a future promise to JAM…

“A promise… I can’t stand promises I can’t keep (laughs). But if I dared to make one, it would be to eat more vegetables. Because I often tell everyone “please stay healthy”, but first I have to be a good example, right? My recommended way of eating vegetables is to find your favourite dressing (laughs). By the way, I like lightly seasoned Japanese basil/green perilla dressing.”

Ohira Shosei x Shiroiwa Ruki

1. Cat or dog person?
Shosei: Both
Ruki: Dog. In my parent’s house we keep toy poodle

2. Udon or soba? Bread or rice?
Shosei: Udon
Ruki: Udon & Bread

3. Your favorite onigiri ingredient? Your favorite ramen flavor?
Shosei: Plum, salmon / miso
Ruki: Natto / Tonkotsu

4. Your favorite afternoon snack?
Shosei: Cookies
Ruki: Choco, gummi

5. The first CD you bought? Your favorite singer?
Shosei: EXILE-san
Ruki: It is “Butterfly” from L’Arc~en~Ciel

6. The first book you bought?
Shosei: Kaiketsu Zorori
Ruki: I don’t remember the first one I bought, but what impressed me was “Tokyo Ghoul”, “The promised Neverland” and “Attack on Titan”.

7. Your favorite movie?
Shosei: “Let me eat your pancreas” I like romantic stories.
Ruki: Titanic

8. Something you always end up buying in the conbini?
Shosei: Yogurt
Ruki: Warm Milk Tea, Bread

9. If you were a JAM, who would you be a fan of?
Shosei: Kawanishi-san
Ruki: I think no matter whose fan I would become, they would all make me happy.

10. What is your ritual before going on stage?
Shosei: Thinking I’m the king
Ruki: I raise my focussing power and create a gate to get into the zone

11. Who is the person who influenced you the most until now?
Shosei: BIGBANG-san, Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE-san
Ruki: I don’t remember.

12. What is the most important thing for you right now?
Shosei: Family
Ruki: Willpower

13. If you described yourself in one kanji?
Shosei: 挑 (ido - challenge). Because I’m going to challenge various things as long as I live
Ruki: 華 (ka - brilliance)

14. Who would you like to become for a day?
Shosei: A magician
Ruki: Leonardo DiCaprio in “Titanic” and “Romeo and Juliet”

15. If you went on a vacation, with which member would you want to go and where?
Shosei: Camping or Onsen with Mame and Junki
Ruki: With everyone! to USJ

16. Your favorite smell?
Shosei: Gentle and sweet smells
Ruki: Fresh ones

17. What do you do after waking up in the morning?
Shosei: A morning bath (soaking in hot water)
Ruki: Showering

18. If you are taking a bath, where do you start cleaning yourself?
Shosei: Head
Ruki: Aura

19. In which state do you sleep?
Shosei: Sleeping sideways in a fluffy pajama
Ruki: Pajama

20. If you became a king, what kind of king would you become?
Shosei: Oil king
Ruki: The king of darkness

21. With which animal would you compare yourself?
Shosei: A beige hamster or dog Ruki: A baby meerkat. (because of its) big round eyes

22. What is the favorite dish your family makes?
Shosei: Hayashi Rice, fish meunière
Ruki: an A5 level chateaubriand

23. What does your family call you?
Shosei: Shou (祥)
Ruki: Ruu, Ruru

Ohira Shosei and Shiroiwa Ruki made the same pose for the chekis albeit they took them separately and did not prepare that beforehand. Even when they do not do anything, just by being next to each other they create a good atmosphere. What are the things the two, who let you think “that’s what people call kindred spirits….”, want to do together? We will bring you a heart warming talk.

I feel that Ruki-kun is shining more and he is becoming cooler and cooler.(Shosei)

You are two people who create a good atmosphere on the spot just by sitting next to each other, but if you did something together, what would you like to try?
Shosei: I want Rukkun to drive me.
Ruki: Okay!
Shosei: We will go to an amusement park or onsen by car.
Ruki: Oh~ I like amusement parks, too, and I want to go to an onsen, too.
Shosei: Because surprisingly Rukkun also likes onsen.
Ruki: At the place where we have been before this interview, Shosei had been next to me and we did a funny response contest. I think that’s what I want to do. Because Shosei is funny.
Shosei: (laughs)
Ruki: It was really fun earlier.
Shosei: True.
Ruki: I find themes on the internet and throw them at Shosei.

And the perfect reply was?
Ruki: That’s right.
Shosei: eh~ stop it please (laughs
TN: Basically for oogiri/ funny response contest you need to make a funny/skillful response, but Shosei apparently just used the standard reply you can use for everything
Ruki: Such casual times are fun. Shosei is often watching videos on his phone, so I’m glad I could do that with him before he started focusing on this.
Shosei: (laughs)

So, please tell us what you admire about the other one or if there is something you want the other one to fix about himself?
Ruki: There is something that Shosei said… regarding me… and what I happened to hear yesterday.
Shosei: eh!? What? What?
Ruki: It’s quite often that I sit at the front in the car. I get car sick, so I want to breathe the air from the outside. So, I opened the window, but… I was indirectly told that Shosei complained “It’s cold!” (laughs)
Shosei: ahahaha. That? I thought it’s funny if you got to know about it in this way (laughs)
Ruki: It reached me (laughs)

In the two years since the debut, is there something where you feel the other one has changed the most?
Shosei: I feel like he is shining more.
Ruki: Really? I’m happy.
Shosei: You become cooler and cooler.
Ruki: From the beginning Shosei was interested in various things and he is fast in taking action, but I think it’s amazing that this has sped up even more recently.
Shosei: You might be right.
Ruki: For example, when he thinks he wants to start working out, he will go to the gym the next day. I wonder where this drive comes from?
Shosei: It’s not a cool message like cherishing the now… it’s simply my personality (laughs). When I think I want to do it, my mind won’t be at peace if I don’t do it on the spot. Hence, to be honest I often think that I’m taking action way too fast (laughs). But, it’s because I also learn something from it.

I think Shosei, who has an interest in a lot of thinks and can take action on the spot, is really amazing!(Ruki)

Is there an episode that has happened to you two and you can’t forget since you became a member of JO1?
Ruki: This is well…
Shosei: Cause there are too many…
Ruki: Because when Shosei and I are together, my mind is at ease. I’m actually not the type who likes to go out, but if Shosei invites me I will go for sure and our likes are similar, too. Like amusement parks or food. For me, what I remember vividly is when I went to his room.
Shosei: oh, you came~ to the Yakiniku party.
Ruki: When I went after being invited, there were Sho-kun, Mame-chan and Shosei. I normally don’t go to the rooms of others, but this has been fun.
Shosei: That’s quite a recent story.
Ruki: I was also shown Shosei’s very own room. It was a kinda unique world.
Shosei: I just lined up the things I like (laughs)
Ruki: Furthermore, when we were able to go together to USJ for the first time since becoming members of JO1.
Shosei: woah, that’s right!
Ruki: It was so funny. This was really memorable.
Shosei: Right, USJ is an episode we can’t forget. Because I kept on saying I want to go with the members there. It was thanks to a tv program (Uwasa no Okyaku-sama, literally: a rumored guest), but because it was early in the morning we could visit various places without lining up and we were also shown backstage.
Ruki: When it was aired, we uploaded a lot on SNS. I think also by the number of uploads it was conveyed how fun it was.
Shosei: fufufu.
Ruki: Because we went as three members (with Sato Keigo) and all of us uploaded a lot of pictures.
Shosei: It was really funny.
Ruki: Already the day before we slept in a hotel.
Shosei: We were excited about it.
Ruki: It was a happy atmosphere. As this year is our 3rd year as a group, I want to go to even more places together and create more memories.

So, if you compared each other as “Number 1 of oo in the group”?
Ruki: Shosei is the number one in understanding how to show himself in the group.
Shosei: But Rukkun is just the same, you are really good at marketing yourself.
Ruki: From my point of view, you are the best one in the group. I think you are amazing.
Shosei: It is said that Rukkun’s character is a prince, but I think he is truly one. He is well-mannered, kind and besides not talking much in meetings among the members, when he is pushed, he properly thinks of his opinions. Also, he takes a look at the other one and makes an accurate conclusion. I think in any case, he is someone attentive.

Being attentive, isn’t that something you both have in common?
Ruki: oh!? (laughs)
Shosei: oh!? (laughs)
Both: Thank you very much!

Special Interview with Choi Shinwa
President and chief executive officer of LAPONE ENTERTAINMENT

What I’m always hoping for is that they have fun and that they stay well and healthy

This year on 4th March, JO1 will celebrate their debut day for the 3rd time. Despite being at the mercy of an unprecedented infectious disease, the fandom called “JAM” formed. In response, they (JO1) continue to shine. This time, we interviewed Choi Shinwa, the CEO of LAPONE ENTERTAINMENT. What are the president's thoughts towards JO1 who has worked with them?

A “greed” that was boosted by the frustration of not being able to have lives for two years

Following the audition show “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN” (‘19), JO1 made a spectacular debut with the single “PROTOSTAR” on 4th March 2020. They keep on leaving their marks in history, despite being at the mercy of an unprecedented infectious disease. By the success of their first lives with an audience at the end of 2021, and their activities in this year that marks their third one, such as the release of the documentary movie “JO1 THE MOVIE ‘未完成’ (incomplete/unfinished) - Go to the TOP” (shortened to Mikansei later) and the streaming of their first drama “Short Program” (Amazon Prime Video) JO1’s public recognition keeps on rising. This is due in large parts to the efforts of “JAM” as JO1’s fans are called, and Choi Shinhwa, the CEO of LAPONE ENTERTAINMENT, the agency where JO1 belongs to.

“I’m not doing anything special. I’m just working hard to get JO1 known.” is what the CEO said. “Actually I’m not so detail oriented, but it’s different in regard to JO1. I will leave it to the field management to some degree on how to proceed with the work, but I ask them to carefully watch the members and tell me as much as possible about what has happened at the site.”

For example, who ate what kind of bento at the site or who ate together, what was the response towards the hair styles and costumes, how do they spend their off days, pretty much all information of their daily lives is in his head.

“Also, I try to keep in mind to visit their working site even if it‘s just for 5 or 10 minutes. Thanks to this, I started to sense “they want to say something” just by their facial expression. In this case, there is one thing I do. It’s listening to everything they say. Upon this, I will tell them it’s possible, it’s not possible, or that I will think about it after giving it some time. This is what I continue doing since I have met them and I think it is the right thing.”

In the relationship between the CEO and JO1, the tenor is different from the usual artist and agency CEO relationship. When he appeared in the WEB radio “Jamming with JO1” he talked passionately about future strategies and on the streaming program “PROCESS JO1” he played futsal with the members. He is also kind by replying to the messages of the members immediately and frequently sending messages himself. Why does he do so much?

“They applied to the audition program that we have planned, we were entrusted with the lives of these young people and gave them their debut, so no matter what the sense of responsibility is strong. In this field, there are a lot of people who stop their activities after one or two years. My intention is that I don’t want to put them into such a situation since they have entered this path through my hands. I always keep in mind that I have to think the most about how they can survive in this industry in 10 or 20 years.”

As the person in charge for JO1 he is their biggest supporter and along with JAM, their shining moment on stage of their first live with audience at the end of last year, burned into his memories.

“An episode from the lives is that it was meant as the main part of the movie ‘Mikansei’ but… I also got too much into it on the last day and it was pretty bad. Because the road to get there was really hard. First of all, the tour itself has been lapsed twice in the past due to the influence of covid. Even when the performance was decided, all other shows save for Makuhari were cancelled. In those preparations, (Kinjo) Sukai paused due to his poor physical condition. The songs and choreographies of 11 members, albeit it was only temporary, were modified and learnt for 10 people, and prepared in parallel with their usual activities. I watched this struggle the whole time from the side lines. About one week before the lives, I was constantly at the venue, too. There were also members who went to the hospital because their feet and bodies hurt… I understood their struggles by watching it, so I watched all 5 performances while standing. I wasn’t able to watch it when sitting down. I was just standing, but my legs also hurt. The members had two performances a day. It must have been painful for them… “, he said in a choked voice. “The schedule back then was severe, but no matter what I wanted to let JO1 stand on a big stage. I could compromise on other things, but I wanted to let them stand on a worthy stage.”

I hope that in 10 or 20 years they will watch the footage and laugh together saying, “ah there was this period.”

If everything had gone normal, they would have made the experience right after the debut. But in JO1’s case…

“I think I could not comprehend meaning for them, who couldn’t even have one live besides being in their second year, standing on stage in front of JAM. On those days, I could feel it myself and finally I felt like I understood it. It’s that ‘If you stand on stage, your motivation will change’. I always told them so. It truly changed. You can feel it in the atmosphere. (The feeling of) “getting more greedy to aim high”. Originally, they would have felt it much sooner. But the frustration of the tour being cancelled the year before and last year, was something bad for both JO1 and me, but it also gave us good things. It led us to receive the Twitter Trend Award.”

First of all, it’s important to support the members in what they enjoy

At the end of 2020 when they operated on focussing on events like their online solo live, various numbers such as SNS and sales moved. JAM reacted to this. Based on this was the streamed show “PROCESS JO1” which started in July 2021. This program, in which the members, JAM, as well as the agency, flexibly exchanged opinions and produced JO1, showed that JAM are not simply fans of the artist, but also a part of the project called JO1. Each time JO1 appears in media like TV or radio, the hashtag “#JO1” raises to the first place in the SNS trends. Every single JAM is an advisor and publicity manager. JO1 who see the pinch as an opportunity to succeed, and involve JAM, too, continue to work hard and their shine grows. “It’s the result of the resonance between JO1 and JAM. I don’t do anything.” The words of the CEO undoubtedly empowering.

“That each member enjoys it. To think carefully about it. I think this is the most important thing when you support JO1. Hence, this is what I told them right before the live: This time it’s a live for you. It’s okay to make mistakes and it’s okay if you can’t do it like you wanted to. First of all, I want you to enjoy it. Because this will eventually benefit both JAM and the company.”

Sure enough, when the members don’t enjoy it, it’s hard to entertain the fans.

“I think this is exactly what the drama “Short Program” is about. We still don’t know what kind of talents members have. But it’s also our job to search for it, discover it and bring it out. It was their first time acting and my worries were huge. If they couldn’t do well and the members felt demotivated… was also something I thought, but they are in a place where they need to be challenged. So, we did try it. They surpassed my imagination and surprised me. Among them, as expected (Yonashiro) Sho-kun was good. Unexpectedly, (Kimata) Syoya-kun was also good. (Shiroiwa) Ruki-kun also did his best. However, each of them did their best. I visited each member’s site at least 2 to 3 times, but no matter where, seeing them challenging it, was refreshing and everything was interesting. In the future I would like to let them do that more and more.”

This is what the CEO, who watched them, feels the whole three years.

“I think the ‘national producers’ are really amazing. The interesting point of JO1 is that each one’s individuality is strong and there is their desire for improvement. I’m quite impressed that they (the national producers) were able to understand that and choose them. Everyone is not stratified with the status quo and they all have the greed to aim higher. There are also a lot of suggestions from the members. What kind of dancing they want to do, that they want to do this song, that they want to write lyrics and so on. (Kawashiri) Ren-kun and (Mamehara Issei) Mame-chan want to learn more about dancing for example. Ren-kun especially has a strong sense of responsibility and looks out for each member. From time to time I honestly think there are also jobs that seem impossible, but when you try to finish it, JO1 were able to do it. This is something I’m thinking since the auditions, but even when I consider something impossible, they pull it off. I’m always thinking that in this short time they do well. However I don’t have the plan to tell them this (laughs).”

The movie “Mikansei” is a documentary that doesn’t spare to capture JO1’s true side. It is early, but are there thoughts about a second movie?

“Regardless of whether it would be made into a movie or not, I think it is important to keep a record in the form of images. I don’t know how much in the future, may it be in 10 or 20 years, but wouldn’t it be funny if they could watch the footage and laugh, saying “ah there was this period”.”

Just like a parent of 11 kids.

“I want each of them to enjoy it and that they stay healthy and well. I feel I have to keep on supporting them for this. The other day, Mame-chan called me because he had seen my interview and when I asked for this thoughts, he said “well how it is” (laughs). When I said something like an excuse, he teased me “no, no not this!” (laughs)”

The CEO’s feelings for JAM, who push JO1 to the top with their loving loud encouragement, are passionate.

“I only feel gratitude for JAM. I feel that the corona pandemic in which members weren’t able to do the activities like they had hoped and spend a vexing time was hard. In this time, JAM raised their voices and gave them courage. JAM lent us their huge strength also as producers and showed JO1 to the world. This is something we couldn’t have done with JO1’s strength alone. Hence, I think, that if there are the current JAM who have the power that doesn’t lose to an artist with millions of fans, nothing will be frightening. The proof of this is that the hashtag became such a hot topic on Twitter that we received the trend award last year.”

from KOREA: JO1’s charms and evolution as seen by their performances
TN: those interviews were originally conducted in Korean and translated into Japanese by the magazine, hence this is a further translation of their words

Choi Youngjoon (choreographer)
He has created countless choreographies for popular K-POP groups such as TWICE’s “TT” or IZ*ONE’s “Panorama”. He is also known as the dance trainer from “PRODUCE101” and “PRODUCE48”. He was in charge of the choreographies of JO1’s “Mugendai (INFINITY)”, “Running”, “OH-EH-OH”, “GO”, “Safety Zone”, “Born To Be Wild” and more.

Since their debut you were often in charge of creating JO1’s choreographies, but please tell us about the order you got when you created the choreography for the debut song “Mugendai (INFINITY)”.
I focussed my efforts on putting emphasis on keywords and moments in the choreography that are memorable and important. I thought about what could be a choreography that can incorporate the keyword “Infinity”, and the result of exchanging ideas within the team was that we aimed to create a choreography that expresses the lyrics “limitless” as a Möbius band. As seen in the choreography, there are a lot of rounded hand forms that are overlapping and you can see these overlapping formations over and over in this choreography.

So far you have been in charge of the choreography for a lot of songs, but where did you feel JO1’s growth?
First of all, the speed in which JO1 absorbs the choreographies has sped up by far compared to the beginning. Their skill to catch the details of the choreography has also improved. There are a lot of members, so it often took time for each member to understand when the line of flow was explained, but nowadays the members are familiar with the pattern, so it’s often now that we can start in a state of them more or less understanding it. Furthermore, what is even more amazing is that members have become able to have a good command of their own parts. They look for gestures and expressions that fit to themselves (and add those) even though I don’t have choreographed that and they have developed the skill to create their own movements.

The characteristic point of “Mugendai (INFINITY)” has been the “muscle kiss”, but since then I feel like there was not such a key point in the dancing. Is that related to their growth? Or just a trend in K-POP?
Actually, there are also key points in the dances after “Mugendai (INFINITY)”. However, along with the growth of the members, the choreographies have increased that focus on their dancing skills, so this could be the reason for this feeling. I don’t think it’s a trend in K-POP choreographies. Also, I don't force anything impossible or K-POP elements into it. I’m just working hard on focussing on the music and creating movements that fit to the song as much as possible.

Out of the choreographies of JO1 songs that you were in charge of, what was the most memorable one and do you have a favourite choreography?
It’s “Shine A Light”. The song is really fun and it’s also the song I like personally, so I enjoyed the process of creating the choreography. I also personally really like the finished choreography.

What is the difference, if there are any, between JO1 and the other K-POP artists you have worked with?
All of JO1 are fast in understanding and when they practise they are kids with a strong endurance. There are also a lot of things that are hard for their stamina, but nonetheless they actively participate in practice. I was especially impressed by the way they picked up details I missed and then tried to complete it in a detailed and perfect way.

What do you think is something cool about the JO1 members?
All the members are wonderful and I admire them. If I had to talk about everyone, I could go on forever, so if I had to choose just one to mention, it would be (Kawashiri) Ren. More than (other) artists, he has “an eye for things”, an intuition and abilities. At the lessons, he always helps me and he still plays a big role in their performances. Carrying the big role of leading JO1’s dancing on one’s shoulders must be hard, but it’s wonderful to see him leading everyone without feeling how hard that might be and I feel gratitude for him.

What is something you wish for JO1’s future? I’m hoping that just like now, they will tackle everything sincerely, take care of their physical condition, and always be in a condition to create a good performance and lastly, that they become an artist who is loved by many people for a long time, with good music and good performances.