[JO1] Sports Hochi 221026

https://hochi.news/articles/20221026-OHT1T51152.html

“JOCHUM”, created in the JO1 x Sanrio new character development project has been unveiled

The 11 member boy group JO1 released the new characters, created in the “JO1 x Sanrio new character development project” on the 26th.

Under the theme of “creating JO1 alter ego characters” JO1 teamed up with Sanrio, who have created more than 450 characters including “Hello Kitty”, for this project and the group name of the character has been decided as “JOCHUM”. Kawashiri Ren explained “JOCHUM has the meaning of roommate or friend. They are Soulmates who are each fulfilling their dreams.”

In the past Sanrio has collaborated with YOSHIKI for “yoshikitty”, EXILE’s Sekiguchi Mandy for “Hello Mandy” and the singer Niihama Leon for “Leosuke”.

The leader Yonashiro Sho said with a smile “It was a really precious experience. I’m glad that these characters were realized, down to the smallest detail.” The member Ohira Shosei said: “First of all, I am filled with gratitude to the staff who supported us in this regard. They made truly amazing characters happen for which I am thankful.”

Regarding the outcome of the design, Kono Junki said “My character is the cutest after being finished. I can’t thank them enough for making my character look so different from my poorly drawn draft. It is so cute. I love it.” Mamehara Issei expressed his satisfaction (with the designs), saying: “I am hopeless when it comes to drawing, but Sanrio altered it and made something very cute come out. Having a scarf, cape and belt included makes me really happy.” Also Tsurubo Shion expressed his gratitude, saying “I am proud of it. Thanks to Sanrio, they made the character look quite cute.”

Kinjo Sukai, who is good at drawing, expressed “In my character there are both my own ideals and the feelings of it as a Sanrio character. Rather than it being a character, I see it as another version of myself. I enjoyed thinking over it every night.” Kimata Syoya described the hard work that went into the creation of the draft: “I thought about the character by looking back at my own life. I faced myself for this.”

The group’s motto “Go To The TOP” has the meaning of standing at the top of the world. And, they hope to make a leap forward to this as their characters. Kawanishi Takumi said: “People overseas also know the Sanrio characters. I want our characters to go global, too.” Sato Keigo said “I hope these characters will be as active in the future as (the popular character) Cinnamoroll.” To this, Shiroiwa Ruki added his wish: “I hope a lot of people will love them. Hopefully they will be not just adored by us, but also by the fans.”

◆ Characters that the members have designed
Kinjo Sukai (22) - PiHAi - A fox with a pokerface. Its habit is sticking its tongue out.
Kawashiri Ren (25) - RAIN - A magician fox. Brings everyone surprises and excitement.
Ohira Shosei (22) - moco - A quietly beautiful angel. Can read people’s minds.
Mamehara Issei (20) - MAMEchi - A heroic Shiba Inu. His personality is too straightforward.
Kono Junki (24) - micoon - A microphone whose charm point is the round face. It likes to sleep.
Kimata Syoya (22) - CHIMATA - A lively bunny. It loves sushi.
Yonashiro Sho (27) - YA-NU-KA-MI - A Shisa, the guardian deity of the house. It rarely leaves the house.
Shiroiwa Ruki (24) - RURU - An actual princely? poodle. Doesn’t let go of its pacifier while sleeping.
Tsurubo Shion (21) - CHULALA - A chihuahua that can communicate with the cosmos. Its body is bear-like.
Sato Keigo (24) - Bira - A forgetful and bizarre flower. Its hobby is fortune-telling.
Kawanishi Takumi (23) - POP-POH - A penguin with a chubby body. It loves ice cream.