[JO1] Sports Hochi 220604

https://hochi.news/articles/20220603-OHT1T51251.html?page=1

The 11 member boy group JO1 are on the zenith of their power and in the middle of their rapid growth. They widened their range of activities by providing the opening song of the anime ‘Gunjou no fanfare’ and working as voice actors and they are awaiting their first nationwide tour. We talked about their past and future with the leader Yonashiro Sho (26) and Kono Junki (24) who both participated in the ending song of “Gunjou” as guest vocalists, and Kimata Syoya (22) and Ohira Shosei (22), who are both voice actors in the anime.

During the photo shooting, the 4 members were tense and made their poses and expressions with serious gazes. Once they got the OK, they checked each other’s dancing and imitated anime characters which created an atmosphere like in a school club.

Ohira: We are surely deeping our bonds, but in the beginning we did not get along. I was anxious whether I really could make it in this group.

Yonashiro: We were together in the audition, but in the beginning there were also members who had not talked with each other.

JO1 was born from “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN”, the Japanese version of a large-scale Korean audition project in December 2019. They achieved their victory after they received a total of about 65 millions votes and were selected from about 6000 applicants. Unlike previous boy groups they continue to increase their fans with uptempo songs and a controlled and intense dancing that originates from K-POP.

Kono: The moment my name was called my mind went blank. But I felt that a path had opened for me and the winking pose came naturally.

Kimata: I was so happy to the point I mistakenly believed that the audition would continue for longer.

They were supposed to have a splendid debut, but in the next year, 2020, the Coronavirus began to spread widely. The release event for the first single “PROTOSTAR” that was supposed to take place on 4th March was canceled. A trial came out of nowhere.

Kono: I also thought ‘No way!’ sometimes, but I replaced this thought with ‘Let’s train more until we can meet JAM!’

Kimata: I remember that I was unable to leave the house even though it was sunny outside and I silently practiced the second single in my room.

Yonashiro: There is a video of the moment the release event was canceled and when I watch it again from time to time, I brace myself (for future challenges).

They are united in their hearts under the group’s motto “Go To The TOP”, meaning to stand at the top of the world. They dared to travel to a training camp in South Korea while assessing the pandemic situation. They polished their dancing and singing for the third single “CHALLENGER” released in April 2021.

Ohira: I want to become better, I want to aim higher and show a cool self to JAM. We shared this feeling and became one.

Yonashiro: That we became truly unified as a group was at the time of the third single.

Overcoming the Corona pandemic, they held their first lives with an audience at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba in November last year which was visited by 45.000 people through the 5 shows in three days. Being able to be face to face with the fans who had been eagerly awaiting them since their debut, is still the driving force of the members now.

Yonashiro: Just before the curtain went up on the first day the staff seemed about to cry when they called us.

Kimata: (When I saw) the delighted faces of JAM, I really felt that everything that happened so far has paid off.

Kono: The venue was shining with penlights until the very back and it felt good to perform.

Ohira: I was worried whether we could fill the venue, but this worry was unnecessary. It was also something that built up over two years and it was truly beautiful.

Even though the first concerts with an audience had been a success, there is also regret. As the member Kinjo Sukai (22) was taking a hiatus due to Adjustment disorder since October last year, they were unable to stand on stage as 11 members.

Ohira: I was moved by the JAM coming to the live show with Sukai’s nameplate. That is exactly why I want to have a live with 11 members.

In February there had been the announcement that Kinjo returned. At the release event of their second album “KIZUNA” taking place with 11 members in May, they announced that they will have their first nationwide arena tour in September in front of the fans.

Kono: As there is Sukai’s voice and dancing, I thought we finally came together. I felt that we were finally complete. I want to show this to JAM once again. That this is JO1!

The long awaited tour is just a stepping stone. Their goal is to become a group that can compete with the world and be a pride like BTS from South Korea, the first Asians to be nominated for the Grammy awards, which are the highest honor of the American music industry.

Kimata: I admire BTS. But, we are neither well known nor skilled enough to follow their footsteps. First, I want JO1 to be more and more known in Japan.

Ohira: I want to give back even more to JAM. After all, following the arenas I want to stand on the Dome stages. Also, I want us to be called for the Kouhaku.

Kono: I was working part time at the Kyocera Dome during my student days. Back then, I was a ticket collector and guided fans to their places, but next time I want to stand myself on the stage of the Kyocera Dome.

Yonashiro: Our future aim has been the world since the audition. We want to build the foundation for global boy groups which does not exist in Japan yet.

The activities of their juniors has also become a driving force. Born from the second installment of “PRODUCE 101”, the 11 member group INI who just made their debut in November last year, is also engaging in a friendly rivalry with them in the same agency.

Ohira: I check them each time they release new songs. All of them are good and their dancing is also great!

Kimata: Rather than being our juniors, INI are comrades with the same mindset. We even went fishing together in private.

Kono: We are not rivals, we want to make our agency bigger together.

Yonashiro: In the beginning, the agency was so empty as it lacked too many people, but right now they also increased and it became filled to the bursting. With JO1 and INI, we want to grow the office even further.

The moment of the young JO1, formed 2 and a half years ago. rewriting history might be not so far away anymore.