[JO1] Fandom 230221 Ruki x Shosei x Sukai talk

Part. 02
Guests
Shosei Ohira
Sukai Kinjo

Kinjo, who takes up the burden of being the MC, proclaims the “very best episode”!

What do you two think of the MC, Shiroiwa-san?
Shosei & Sukai: He is perfect!
Shosei: He is amazing, for real. He is such a pro. He talks with us while keeping the time in mind and I think he is amazing for doing two things at the same time.
Ruki: No no, I’m not perfect. It’s because everyone is supporting me, Sukai often tells me before the broadcast “Leave it to me!”.
Sukai: But I haven’t tried to help yet (laughs).
Ruki: But each time you say it (laughs)! You say things such as “Today it will be fine if you just leave it to me” or “Ruki-kun, which Sukai do you want to go with today?”
Sukai: My talk role in the group is pretty much in the middle. There are times I fully devote myself to making jokes and other times when I just watch what is going on and direct the talk. Inside of me there are two talk roles and each time I wonder which one is the right one.
Ruki: Is a slightly crazy and eccentric Sukai good? Or a levelheaded Sukai? I always reply “Both are fine. Isn’t it better if you just enjoyed yourself?”, but… a third personality comes out (laughs).
Sukai: For real? (Laughs)
Ruki: A Sukai I haven’t imagined comes out (laughs). But this one comes out because you are really enjoying yourself, so I’m happy about it.

Is there something that made you feel “My talk skills have improved!” since the radio program started?
Shosei: No! I’m sorry, but it didn't happen (laughs). But I can really feel how much Ruki-kun has improved.
Ruki: No, I barely feel that myself.
Sukai: Hey, you are grinning anyway! (Laughs) It’s not my place to say it, but Ruki-kun has improved.
Shosei: He improved. He often does it, that guy.
Ruki: (laughs)
Sukai: Ruki-kun won’t come out unless he is entrusted with something.
Ruki: Eh, what? Are you the producer now? (Laughs) But you are right, I rarely do so myself.
Sukai: When we are doing variety as a group, I tease Ruki-kun and try to pull him out, but it’s pretty hard. Hence, maybe only in this radio, Ruki’s real side comes out?
Ruki: Because I’m also pretty much the MC of the radio. The truth is that while I like to joke and fool around, I might not be ready to show this here, too.
Sukai: It’s fine. Leave it to me!
Shosei: And he said it (laughs).
Ruki: Is it okay? Because today we also have an interview, you know?
Sukai: The episodes with me are always the best ones! (Laughs)

The MC pressure that he hadn’t noticed

So, what do you think of Ohira-san, Kinjo-san?
Sukai: When my talking gets stuck, I often turn to Shosei. Ruki-kun’s talk skills make me feel at ease, but Shosei comes up with something funny out of nowhere. He is like “Ah, something like that happened!”. The freshness is amazing. Also, he is really good at signaling he listens to you. Please expect a lot from him today!
Shosei: Please leave it to me!
Sukai: It was also like this during the previous broadcast, but this group of 3 people will make a storm of laughter happen. That’s why I think they are making a report of this episode!
Ruki: There is barely anyone who makes it hard for me like them. They raised the hurdle pretty high~
Sukai: Shall I tell you why? Because today’s main personality is Ruki-kun!
Ruki: No, it’s not just today. I’m the main personality every week (laughs).
Sukai: But the last time I came, Junki-kun was it.
Ruki: It was a special week. I was really surprised by that. It’s hard to express, but it was too easy for me! It felt so different. I always end up using my head too much for the radio, so there are times when I can’t sleep afterwards. But on that day I directly fell asleep after returning home (laughs). It was so different!? It might have been the most fun one. Sure enough, because it was so easy, I was able to relax.
Shosei: It is really something different. So, next time Sukai will be the MC?
Sukai: (whispering) Under no circumstances…
Ruki: Despite you saying things like “the best episodes (are with me)”?
Shosei: Suddenly your vigor vanished!
Sukai: I’m a bit of a restricted person… It’s better to let me run free.
Shosei: (breaks out laughing) Dangerous!

Broadcast report

Radio highlights
- Right before the broadcast, Kinjo carefully checked the script. He showed his reliable side since before the broadcast, following his words of “The episodes with me are the best!”. However, as soon as the broadcast started, the accident of him dropping the bottle cap took place (laughs).
- Shiroiwa looked calm before the broadcast as he was talking with the staff and took notes on the script. For the opening he introduced Ohira and Kinjo as “Today is my first episode this year, but the two in front of me are, well, pretty dangerous people came. I think these people came where while they are still in a vacation mood.” (Laughs)
- For the opening, Ohira greeted the audience with a simple whispered “tada~”. However, he was absolutely charming as he smiled and clapped cutely for the smash-camera, an app where you can enjoy the radio along with video footage.
- As a behind story from the “Kouhaku” press conference, Kinjo shared the tragically funny story that “I was so ready to answer questions from the reports and had a microphone, but I wasn’t asked a single question…”, which also caused the staff to laugh!
- During the interview, Kinjo said “I’ve been talking notes on small things or episodes with the members to talk about those on the radio.” On this day, big excitement was caused by Kinjo’s story of taking his mother on a date for new year and Ohira’s “I always have excellent luck” story.
- Ohira shared “Normally, I rarely hear about members' private stories, so being able to hear those on the radio feels fresh. A lot of information I didn’t expect or knew comes out in the talk, so I’m happy to get to know about those like this.”
- Shiroiwa shared “In the past I rarely listened to radio, but now I listen to the programs of comedians to learn more about it”. Also on this day he was the perfect MC and Ohira & Kinjo could safely go crazy (!?).
- The Twitter song battle, under the theme of “a song you can relate to”, was won by Ohira’s choice “One Love”. By the way, for the song battle it seems like they never know the choices of the other members before, they only get to know them during the broadcast. The three of them didn't seem to stop talking and enjoying themselves during the song, too. - When Ohira, who had gotten the title “excellent luck boy” talked about his recent events, mentioning “I have a lot of flowers at home”, many listeners sent mails in regard to “flower fortune” and “flower language”! Kinjo’s proposal of “Ohira Shosei’s All Night Nippon” gave birth to a new legendary quote.
- The topics of Kawashiri and Yonashiro “waiting for him to come” as they really want to visit Shiroiwa’s room, of Ohira saying he is “a flower idiot”, of Kinjo’s “#LiveSukai” and Shiroiwa's All Night talk… These well paced talks made both them and the staff laugh. It was truly the very best episode just like Kinjo had declared!

[JO1] smart WEB 230222

https://smartmag.jp/archives/24258/

[LUMINE EST Shinjuku] JO1 and Go to the FASHIONISTA! 2 HOT SHOPs which handsome men want to visit (Part 1)

The 11 member global boy group JO1 is riding high as they had their first appearance on NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen in 2022 and now they collaborate with LUMINE EAST Shinjuku in Tokyo, a department with a wide range of fashionable shops. In line with JO1’S greeting “Go to the TOP”, the concept of this collaboration is “Go to the FASHIONISTA” to enjoy this year’s spring fashion to the fullest.5 noteworthy shops from LUMINE EAST Shinjuku will be featured here.

For the first part, we have HARE, which expresses their cool world view with a monotone base and STUDIOUS, which offers a collection of carefully selected Japanese items. You can find all the current trends at LUMINE EST Shinjuku!

Updating your daily clothes with individuality under the theme of “light”
Kawanishi Takumi, Mamehara Issei, Kawashiri Ren wearing HARE

[…]

Takumi’s comment: I was impressed by the design of this knit, Roth every single of its details. The sides are cut, so it looks better layered than if you wore it alone. Today I wore a shirt under it, but you can enjoy different looks depending on what you choose!

Issei’s comment: I think it is the first time I’m wearing a vest-like jacket. I have the impression of jackets being something formal, and I don’t have one because I only wear casual clothes, but today I matched it with clothes that have a relaxed vibe and it was an eye-opener to see that there are other ways to incorporate jackets in your outfits.

Ren’s comment: I usually wear a lot of monoton clothes, so these purple pants felt new. The color is not bright, rather it is a little dull, which gives it a mature impression. There is also a calm feeling and I think the pants go well with monotone styles, so they are easy to incorporate into my personal wardrobe.

Who is JO1’s fashionista according to Kawanishi Takumi, Mamehara Issei and Kawashiri Ren?

Takumi: Ren-kun’s style is something I am aiming for. He is especially good at choosing accessories and today (the shooting day), he was wearing a fluffy head with his own personal coordinate. I always think he is stylish for how easily he incorporates seemingly difficult accessories into his own style. What I am interested in this spring is denim. It seems like that LUMINE EST Shinjuku got everything I am interested in, so I want to go there as soon as I can!

Issei: You might know it already, but sure enough Keigo-kun is stylish. Also among the JO1 members, he is always a step ahead of us and he is fast to take up the latest trends. My standard style is a casual long T-Shirt that I like so much that I end up buying new ones. In contrast, Keigo-kun freely wears all kind of items. But in regard to long T-Shirts, I have lots of different ones (laughs)

Ren: For me the fashionista in JO1 is Takumi. On the contrary to me who always wears monotone colors, Takumi has the image of looking good in various colors. He is also knowledgeable about sneakers and I feel he likes fashion. Spring is coming soon and I feel that my mood would be boosted if I enjoyed using colors in my clothes, like the coloured pants I wore today! I think coloured pants are also cute when worn by girls.

[…]

Made in Japan Quality giving birth to a unique worldview
Ohira Shosei, Sato Keigo, Kimata Syoya wearing STUDIOUS

[…]

Shosei’s comment: The smoky gray that I rarely wear feels fresh. I was supposed to wear a coat, too, but we chose this style because I felt that showing the shirt and the pants looked cuter. The pants in particular have a beautiful silhouette and will work in a wide range of combinations.

Keigo’s comment: I rarely wear leather pants, but putting them on gives me a cool style. They give off a loose silhouette, so I think they look cute when for example girls wear those with a tight top, such as cropped knitwear or a tight-fitting turtleneck.

Syoya’s comment: I usually wear casual and cute clothes, so this coordination is quite elegant and beautiful, and it gives a different kind of “smart” vibe from the usual. The jacket has parts with gold and a delicate feeling, so I think it can be enjoyed by all.

Who is JO1’s fashionista according to Ohira Shosei, Sato Keigo and Kimata Syoya?

Shosei: Because Keigo is tall and is style is good, everything he wears looks good on him, I have the image of him of always wearing the latest trend items, but sometime ago he wore a vintage jacket and it was a new discovery for me that he also enjoys fashion this way. I personally became interest in denim styles lately!

Keigo: There are several members who pay attention to fashion, but I probably like fashion the most. But some time ago, Ren-kun was wearing the clothes I wanted to buy, and I was like “For real?”. (Laughs) What I am looking for right now are Heisei*-style retro items. I’m weak for star motifs.
TN: Heisei era: 8th January 1989 - 30th April 2019

Syoya: I feel there is no other answer than Keigo-kun being “the fashionista”! I don’t care much about trends and I’m just a genius who happens to wear something trendy from time to time, but Keigo-kun checks everything properly and knows the brands well, so there is never a miss in what he wears. Keigo-kun even wore a green quilted coat before it became popular.

[JO1] Nippon Housou News Online 230126

https://news.1242.com/article/411978

JO1‘s Ohira Shosei - Upon seeing the room of the “not letting anyone into his room”-type Shiroiwa Ruki “It might get your hopes up, but Ruki-kun’s room is…”

On the night of the 11th January (Wednesday), the radio program “JO1’s All Night Nippon X” (every Wednesday from 24:00~24:58 on Nippon Housou) aired of which Shiroiwa Ruki from the 11 member global boy group, JO1, acts as the main personality. As the weekly changing personalities Ohira Shosei and Kinjo Sukai appeared in this episode. They talked about the reason why Shiroiwa is the type not to let anyone into his room, and stories of having fun at the other members’ places.

Ruki: Not too long ago when I came home from practice, right in front of my door Sho-kun and Ren-kun were standing.

Sukai: !?

Ruki: I was surprised to see them standing there! When I asked them “What are you doing here!?”, they said “Because today you will surely let us into your room!” and laughed, they seemed to have waited for quite some time.

Sukai: They waited for you to come out*?
TN: Sukai used the term “出待ち“ (demachi) which is the practise of waiting at the exit to wait for the performers/celebrity to exit and is generally forbidden in Japan. Just like 入り待ち＝waiting for the celebrity to arrive. Hence, we have those ticket numbers or assigned seats and not hours of queuing like in other countries.

Ruki: What surprised me was that they wanted to get into my room so much.

Sukai: But did they…?

Ruki: No (laughs)

Shosei: Wow! (Laughs)

Ruki: And then without any complaints they left. They said “It’s impossible” and “Got it” and just went to their rooms. No one of the members has entered my place so far… No, someone did! Shosei, you came over to play games, right?

Shosei: Ah yes, I did! We played Mario Kart!

Sukai: I think… I might be the only one who was told by Ruki-kun “Come over to my place”.

Ruki: Eh? When?

Sukai: When you came to my place, you said something like “All I need is a dining table now”, and I said “Please let me into your room next time”, you answered something like “Fine. Once I find a dining table, come over”.

Ruki:… Eh, I don’t remember this at all. But lately, my feelings have changed. I don’t mind letting you into my room.

Sukai: Ah, you said it!

Ruki: Why is it like I’m doing something really bad by not letting anyone in?

Shosei: No, from the other members’ point of view, being able to enter might be something extraordinary like a “flower on top of the mountain” (=something unattainable).

Ruki: A flower, you like them! (Laughs) You associate everything with “flowers”!

Shosei: Ahahaha (laughs).

Ruki: I wonder “Why do they want to enter so much?”. “Are they that curious?” That’s the simple reason. So if you say it so much, I don’t mind at all.

Shiroiwa, who is the type not to let others enter his place, recently changed his mind in light of the members requesting to go to his place.

Ohira, who had been to Shiroiwa’s place before, revealed “I might get your hopes up, but Ruki-kun’s place is really stylish”, to which Shiroiwa replied “Shosei’s room is nothing but flowers". The flower loving Ohira decorated his room with so many flowers that he could open a flower shop and furthermore, he decorated his walls with his own flower paintings. When Shiroiwa exposed his flower-filled room, Ohira laughingly commented in a self-deprecating way “I am a flower idiot… (laughs)”.

[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.

[JO1] ELLE 221024

https://www.elle.com/jp/culture/music-art-book/g41638146/jo1-kcon-2022-japan-interview-22-1024/

A special interview with JO1 at “KCON JAPAN 2022”! Only in ELLE they tell about secret stories behind the new songs and the highlight of the performance of a new song.

We caught JO1 at the huge event taking place at Ariake Arena 14th ~16th October.

What is KCON?
The Korean culture event KCON started in 2012 and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. It has been held in the USA and all over the world to promote K-Pop and other forms of Korean culture.

Due to the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic the offline events were canceled and KCON took place online for 2 years, but this year it finally returned to shows with a live audience. As the third installment this year, after LA and Saudi Arabia, it took place over three days, from 14th to 16th October, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, being a great success. The three-day event attracted an audience of around 41,000 visitors and 8.7 million digital viewers, proving in figures that the content is popular worldwide.

JO1, who appeared on the 15th October, have participated every year since their debut in 2020. The ban on large-scale offline performances was lifted this year, and they were finally able to stand on stage alongside spectacular other artists in front of a packed audience.

ELLE held an exclusive interview with JO1 right before their performance, covering everything from the stories behind KCON to their 6th single “MIDNIGHT SUN”.

Performing SuperCali Korean Ver. and a new song

There will be many highlights at this year's KCON 2022 JAPAN, but what are the most important points of interest for you personally?
Keigo: Sure enough, it is the first performance of the B-side “Rose” of our new single here. It will surely be a performance that will drive the audience crazy so much to the point that they will turn into roses!

Who is the member that drives you especially crazy?
Keigo: No one but Kawanishi Takumi-kun! His facial expressions are amazing.
Takumi: Eh? Me? I just do a cool expression that was advised, that’s all (laughs). Like this.
The rest: (laughs)
Junki: You just recreated what the teacher did! (Laughs)

Furthermore, since you will perform the Korean version of “SuperCali”, isn’t it hard to sing such a speedy song in Korean?
Takumi: The words in the rap before the last chorus are even more than in the Japanese version and there is a lot in the verse and very face paced. Also, the pronunciation is difficult, so I struggled a lot. I practiced hard.
Keigo: There are two parts where I can shine, but when we recorded it in Korea, it was pointed out that my original pitch was off more than my Korean pronunciation. Because after all, the number of words is different, so it was difficult to get the pitch right… It struck me that they said this seemed worse than my Korean pronunciation.

A secret story of the MV filming of their big hit “SuperCali”

It became a hot topic that both the PV and MV of “SuperCali” got your biggest view count in history, but please tell us an episode from the filming of the MV.
Issei: Except for the dance scenes where everyone was present, I was only at the same location as Takumi-kun, so I didn’t see what the other members were filming, making me able to see their sets for the first time in the MV itself, something that felt really new to me. I thought “So they filmed it like that!”. It was fun to watch the MV as it has a storyline and made me think about various things.
Takumi: I felt that was amazing. There is a shot where the members rotate in a circle and get further away from each other in a photo-like still image. I wondered how that was filmed.
Keigo: I just stood there. The cameraman was going round and around on something like a crane.

“MIDNIGHT SUN” that you have just released the other day has 4 songs all together, but please tell us the key point of the part you are in charge of in your recommended song.
Ren: For “Phobia”, I studied the emotional atmosphere of the song in order to bring out the song’s very own world. I tried to create an atmosphere in my own way, making it sound like it was going to disappear, like with the amount of breath I was using, so I hope lots of people will be impressed when they hear that part.
Junki: The start of the song “16(Sixteen). From the very first note, I sang the song with the intention of conveying the song's atmosphere 100%.

Of the four songs in this album, which one made you think intuitively "I might like it!" when you first heard it?
Junki: I think it was "Phobia". It is fully balanced, still there are a lot of surprises in the song, and the sound represents an atmosphere that hasn't really existed in JO1 songs up until now. I like it a lot, it's fragile and powerful at the same time.
Ren: For me it is also “Phobia” and the leadtrack “SuperCali”. I tend to like songs that have an easy to understand concept, so especially in “SuperCali”’s case the concept is easy to understand and it well expresses the strange world.

Yonashiro-san, what is your favorite song and to which one of your parts do you have a special attachment to?
Junki: He kinda looks as if he is going to say something interesting! (laughs)
Ruki: Didn’t he get an unusual part this time?
Keigo: A SHO with a threatening aura, right?
Ruki: You know, that bridge part.
Sho: Ah… It’s actually “16(Sixteen)”.
Ruki: What? You are not gonna talk about “Phobia”?
Sho: Ah, right. I guess it’s “Phobia” (laughs).
Ren: I guess, you say! (laughs)
Sho: The bridge “I am here, I only see you~”. When I heard the demo before the recording, I thought “I want to sing this part”, so I remember being really happy (when my parts were decided). So I decided to give my all for this! But I went a bit over the top and got scolded (laughs).
Ren: Yes, you were (laughs).
Sho: I tried to make it sound a lot like the way the Korean person sang the demo, but I was too enthusiastic and overdid it, and I heard how Ren was laughing a lot about it in the back (laughs).
Ruki: I received a lot of memorable parts this time and a lot of people praised my rap in the second verse of “SuperCali”, but I chose the first verse of “Phobia”.
Junki: The part “Vanished feelings~”? It’s so good.
Ruki: Because I haven’t sung like that before, and it was the first time I used this new singing style. “Phobia” is something I have never done before and it felt new to me, too.

“Phobia” seems widely popular with the members.
Ruki: It's a good song, and indeed quite popular with the members. Also,I especially like my part in it. I like the way it's well structured from the very beginning, and I like its fragile atmosphere.

Speaking of KCON, their recent favorite Korean culture thing is?

Since KCON is an event that spreads Korean culture, we would like to know about your recommendations for places in Seoul or Korean food that you have recently discovered.
Syoya: I have a dish. Because I love Korean food! Lately I love the dish Sundae. I've always liked appetizers, and as you probably know (from the Elle Gourmet series)… It's quite a unique dish, and I hear that even many Koreans don't like it, but I'm addicted to it!
TN: Sundae is a Korean sausage.
Junki: You ordered it so often from the delivery.
Syoya: There was barely anyone who ate those with me, so if we ate at a restaurant, we would go to a place where there were various menus, and I would order the sundae and the other members would order something else. I asked Shion, "Do you want some sundae?" But he refused, saying, "I don't want it" (laughs). I think it’s very tasty good for your health!
Shosei: I chose Lotte World. I went with Sukai and Syoya and it was so much fun. There is also a shopping mall close by and the food we ate there was delicious. We had a great time.
Syoya: Back then we didn’t eat Korean cuisine but Italian one.
Did you ride the thrilling attractions there?
Shosei: No, we rather enjoyed the park itself.
Sukai: There was an insane one. That free fall one.
Syoya: Yes, that was the scariest!

You spent a long time in South Korea this summer for production, what are some of your favorite new Korean words you learnt there? Or any words that became popular within the group?
Sukai: Photos are called “사진 (sajinh)”, and I really liked the term “life photo” that came up as part of the “HELL?O TOUR” programme on YouTube in Korea, where we were instructed to “take photos like this”. In Korean, it's called ”인생 사진 (Insensa-jin)”, and every time we took a photo, I kept on saying “Insensa-jin! Insensa-jin!”.
Syoya: Ah yes, you did that ~
Sukai: But it seemed to have become absorbed by the members, and it's probably not an exaggeration to say that I popularized it after that.
Syoya: It is one. It's not popular (among us)!
Shion: During the "HELL?O TOUR", Ren-kun, me and Keigo-kun helped with the preparation of moon shells, and I really liked the word "골뱅이 (golpenyi)" which we used a lot at that time. I kept wanting to say it.
Shosei: There is a word I learnt from the dance instructor! I first heard there of the word “chinma” which is the short form of “진짜 마지막' (chinchmajima = really last one). I realized that, "Korean language also has abbreviations", which I would never have understood unless I had a local person teach me.
TN: As I don’t understand Korean, I went with the katakana transcription from the original article, unless I found by chance a better one.

What do they want to do in 2022?

Only 2 months are left for 2022, but please tell us something you want to do this year!
Takumi: I would like to eat lots of food/rice.
Ren: Ah, this is important! Because fall has come.
Junki: I also want to eat (lots of) food/rice.
Keigo: I will be “Japan’s number 1 Sato” !
Everyone: (laughs)

[JO1] JA Kyosai campaign interview 220921

Note: The same interview was published by various news pages

Please tell us your thoughts on being appointed as the ambassadors of the “JA Kyosai Fall Traffic Safety campaign”.
Sho: JA Kyosai-san values the bonds between people, or in other words their “Kizuna” (bonds) and the concept of the tour that we as JO1 are currently holding is also “KIZUNA”, so we feel a strong bond with them.
Takumi: Traffic safety is not just important for us but for everyone going on with their daily lives, so I hope that through this campaign as many people as possible will think about road safety.

Please tell us an old memory or an incident related to road safety.
Ruki: I love driving a car so I often go for a drive but I drive extra carefully and with lots of caution on narrow roads or at night when it is hard to see others such as pedestrians.
Issei: I was once nearly run over by a car coming in my direction, and it made me think I should have been more careful.
Shosei: Me and Mame-chan go for night walks, but sure enough we are hard to see from the perspective of drivers and I thought we need to be creative by wearing reflective and bright (noticeable) materials, so that we can be seen.

As “JO1” what is a traffic safety message you want everyone to keep in mind?
Junki: I think everyone understands the necessity of traffic safety rules, but I also think that it is quite difficult to constantly stay conscious of traffic safety. Hence, I hope you will take this opportunity to strongly increase your traffic safety awareness.
Sukai: I think it is important to be mindful for everyone, people driving a car, people riding a bike and people walking.
Keigo: Traffic safety is something that is created by everyone together, so I hope that this campaign will be a good opportunity for all of us to pay more attention to the traffic rules.

Please give a message to everyone who watched the videos.
Sho: Everyone, 1-2…
Everyone: Go to the TOP, we are JO1!
Ren: We, as JO1, were appointed as ambassadors for the “JA Kyosai Fall Traffic Safety campaign”. JA Kyosai encourages road safety everywhere through traffic safety classes and traffic safety poster contests for elementary and junior high school students.
Shion: Through this campaign which starts on 21st September, we want everyone to think once again about traffic rules and safety.
Syoya: Starting today, we, as JO1, will learn more about traffic safety in a fun way in web limited videos, so please make sure to check them out!
Sho: This is all from the ambassadors for the “JA Kyosai Fall Traffic Safety campaign”…
Everyone: JO1!

The reason why the JA Kyosai federation appointed JO1 as campaign ambassadors:
The JA Kyosai federation values the bonds between people. All JO1 members have a strong bond with each other because they struggled through a hard audition together. Furthermore, we felt an affinity with them as they value their bond with their fans and hence we asked them to become the ambassadors. JO1 has a wide following, especially among teenagers and it is said that they have the No.1 spreading power on SNS. We think that if we convey our message by using the power of JO1’s words people of all ages, and not just young people, will think of traffic safety in a familiar and friendly way.

[JO1] Nippon Housou News Online 220713

https://news.1242.com/article/372960

JO1’s Kinjo Sukai “Today, well, I will talk about ‘U-kun’ and ‘Mi-chan’” - the latest news about his beloved pets

On the night of the 6th July (Wednesday), the radio program ‘JO1 All Night Nippon X’ (every Wednesday at 24~24:58 on Nippon Housou) aired in which Shiroiwa Ruki of the 11 member global boy group JO1 acts as the main personality. As the weekly changing personalities Ohira Shosei and Kinjo Sukai appeared in this episode. He reported the latest news of his pets, Hercules beetles, which are the world's largest beetles.

Kinjo had also appeared on the 8th June episode and back then he revealed that he keeps two Hercules beetles as pets. He gave them the names “U-kun” and “Mi-chan” and happily talked about how he carefully raises them.

Ruki: Sukai, have you anything interesting recently?

Sukai: Rather than something interesting, I think I have “a story everyone is interested in”.

Ruki: Well, okay (laughs)

Sukai: Today I would like to delve deeply into the talk about “U-kun” and “Mi-chan”.

Ruki: Please do so.

Sukai: My “U-kun” and “Mi-chan” are larvae of Hercules beetles, the world's largest beetles, and I am raising them now.

Ruki: I see.

Sukai: When I talked about them the last time (during the broadcast on 8th June), I had just started keeping them and they still felt like babies, but recently they have grown a lot. I said that before, too, but I diligently control the temperature because I want to raise them in a very good environment. They eat a lot of soil.

Shosei: oh!

Sukai: Their weight quite increased a lot, too, but the bigger the weight of the larva, the bigger it will be when it becomes a beetle.

Shosei: Yes yes.

Sukai: So, I am aiming for 200 grams! But, I know that’s absolutely impossible. Still, they have grown so much that it really surprised me.

Shosei: So amazing~!

Ruki: You keep two beetles, right?

Sukai: Right. A male and a female one.

Afterwards, Kinjo’s beetle talk continued and he passionately spoke about the troubles of breeding and his feelings for the two. By the way, “U-kun” and “Mi-chan” also live in Kinjo’s bedroom and he softly said “Somehow, I feel that I want to be with them and that I am raising children.”.

[JO1] AR 220712

Talk theme:
The whereabouts of passion

What is the power source of the artist and the voice actor, each one shining in their respective fields?
We asked the uncompromising powerful two about their driving force that keeps moving forward, how they face each of their works, the feelings that inspired them and their determinations.

Shosei -> Yuki
I have loved anime for a long time and since I was a child I listened to Kaji-san’s voice. When this crosstalk had been decided I was so happy that I could not even believe it was happening… I have been fidgeting with anticipation and excitement until today! This talk is really like a dream. Also during the shooting, I thought “His voice is like ‘Meliodas’ from ‘Seven Deadly Sins’.” or “That’s ‘Mikumo-kun’ from ‘World Trigger’ now!” which left quite some impression on me. I will be happy if we can talk a lot during this opportunity.

Yuki -> Shosei
I was really happy to hear that you watched a lot of anime I was involved with and that you have supported me for a long time. Let’s talk about what we like about anime! There are rarely chances for artists of different generations to talk with each other, so I also hope to receive new motivation from JO1-san. I feel this is a place for me to learn something new. I also would like to see one of your concerts.

The “voice” is the treasure trove of one’s personality

Ohira: Thank you very much for today! The first time I came across your works was “Magi” and I can’t count how many animes with you I watched! I especially liked you as ‘Meliodas’ in ‘Seven Deadly Sins’!!
Kaji: Thank you very much. This means you know me for more than 10 years, right? Manga and anime are something familiar that transcends ages and generations. In fact, I am very happy that after all these years I am able to meet you on this schedule and share my thoughts with you.
Ohira: It is embarrassing to say this right in front of you, but I like your voice too much, so sometimes I rewatch just my favorite scenes or the ones with “sweet talk” from your anime on streaming services (embarrassed). I am practicing to sound like this, but sure enough it is difficult.
Kaji: The sweet talk! That makes me a little embarrassed (laughs). You mentioned practice, do you also have voice actor jobs?
Ohira: I participated in the movie “Poupelle of Chimney Town” and the anime “Gunjou no Fanfare” as a voice actor. I admired the work of the voice actors, but it is so difficult… I struggled a lot to create a voicetone that fits anime.
Kaji: I also kept in mind that I have to do this so-called “anime-like voice” in the past. However, even if I was only vaguely aiming for this “so-called” atmosphere, I felt something was off and I worried a lot about how to reach a 120% performance. And, after being a part of countless anime.. At some point I realized that acting is about “faithfully reproducing the real emotions that flow throughout your role”. I am sorry for being so abstract, but.. Well,I believe it is best not to get caught up in the so-called voice actor techniques and bring out your very own “character” through your role, Ohira-kun.
Ohira: I learnt something new from you! By the way, are you taking special care of your throat? I keep in mind to sleep well for my voice.
Kaji: Indeed! Sleeping is important. But I am the type of person who has a hard time falling asleep (laughs). In the past, there was a time when I took medicine out of worry once I felt the slightest discomfort in my throat. But nowadays, instead of such temporary measures, I try to be careful on a daily basis so that it doesn’t get into a bad condition. Besides, your mental state is also very important. Do you take special care of your throat, Ohira-kun?
Ohira: When I feel that my throat is dry on set for example, I make sure to eat candies with Manuka honey. Also, I make sure to drink “Throat Coat”, a herbal tea that is good for your throat!
Kaji: Ah! I have drank that one too! There are also people who say that apple juice is good for the throat and I guess everyone is looking for the best care for their throats.

Thinking of their dream collaboration

Ohira: As there was this wonderful opportunity, I would be happy if we could work on something together again!
Kaji: I could say the same! Let’s meet again. What should we do next time?
Ohira: Some time ago we performed the song “YOLO-konde” with makeup I made matching to each member and actually I am the one in charge of beauty in the group.
Kaji: Well… How about you do my makeup? (laughs)
Ohira: Yes! Please let me give you a JO1 makeup!
Kaji: Please do so (laughs). And now… Actually, since you also worked as a voice actor, what do you think about reciting something together? As recitating has no pictures or video footage, I think you can express everything just as you feel it in your heart, you can listen to your partner's lines, think about how to respond to them and you can do voice acting naturally by catching up with each other’s feelings. Perhaps this experience will help you in your future voice acting career.
Ohira: (with his eyes shining): This is just too awesome… 🤍 I will train even more! I am really happy when I am watching anime, so I was really happy to be able to talk with Kaji-san who gives me this happy feeling. Thank you very much for today!!
Kaji: Let’s go for dinner next time. Just tell me what you want to eat.
Ohira: Ah! This is really… Something that makes me beyond excited (moved). Please let me contact you about this!

I am happy when you start to like some anime because of me.
Apart from my own being, I put my heart and soul into “voice acting”, so I would be more than happy if someone gets more into an anime by the voice of the character I am voicing. Or to put it another way, it is also fine when someone thinks “He is an actor who makes a good work” even when they dislike me for example. The messages from the fans of the anime who support and love the characters I am voicing, are truly the source of my strength.

My current me exists thanks to the fans.
My current self exists exactly because the fans voted for me during “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN” and supported me the whole time. I feel nothing but gratitude. Even though we were unable to meet in person because of the corona pandemic, I felt supported the whole time. There are still a lot of people I was unable to meet, so I want to continue to convey our feelings through our songs and performances. I want to hear everyone’s voices when we can do call & response games during our lives one day again!

Bitter experiences and frustration lead to inspirations

Ohira: It is the third year since we as JO1 made our debut, but how was your third year?
Kaji: My third year was a period of “Being able to take a step out of the days filled with nothing but part time jobs”. After years of failing auditions, I made it to the final list for the role of the protagonist of a new anime and it was the extreme situation that either me or someone else would get the role (laughs). I waited for them to contact me with the anticipation of “Finally my dream might come true” as it was my first big chance. It was right at the end of the year, so right in the moment I thought “I guess they won’t tell me this year, so I will wait for the next year to start.”... the rejection came to the answering machine of my phone. This made me beyond frustrated. I was at rock bottom. I thought “Doing it like now does not work, I have to change myself completely” and I started smoking despite not doing so before and I styled my hair in a Mohawk even though that did not suit me at all (laughs). That the winds suddenly changed… was surely not because of that (laughs), but somehow I was able to pass the audition I took right after! It was my first time as a main character, my first regular role and I remember the happiness I felt by going to the set every week for half a year and I was just happy.
Ohira: I understand this! Before becoming a member of JO1 I was a trainee at another agency, but when my contract ended, my schedules became empty, but from the feeling “I don’t wanna lose here!” I took the audition for JO1. Because of the frustration back then, I want to work hard to make it better now!
Kaji: The more you want to do something, the bigger the shock is when you lose it, right? But because I made the experience of “I want this job so bad”, I never had the feeling of “I hate my job” even when the stressful days continue. I am just grateful for this.
Ohira: You are one of the top leaders of the voice acting world and yet you are always humble and full of ambitions, which makes me respect you more and more.

When you are busy, stay in a fighting stance

Ohira: What are you doing on your free days? I play games with the other members and watch anime. Also, I would like to go camping or to an outdoor sauna.
Kaji: You are really close, as you are always with your members during the day and have fun with them after work, too. It seems fun because you seem like a family! I also love games and I guess I travel if I have the time for it.
Ohira: I watched you playing games on YouTube!
Kaji: You watch my content a lot, don’t you (laughs). Thank you! Also, while I have fun and rest, I actually think a lot about work also on my free days. My hobbies are like my job nowadays (laughs).
Ohira: But is it okay not to rest your throat and body?
Kaji: I don’t like losing my sensation by taking a break. Isn’t it the same for your throat? If you take a break too long, it is like your vocal cords will fall asleep and your voice cannot sound well anymore. Hence, when I am busy, I try to keep my schedule as tight as possible so there are as few gaps as possible and try to keep myself in a fighting stance. And, once I finish all these jobs, I relax, letting go of the tension all at once. How do you spend your time when there are lives and such?
Ohira: Resting also makes it hard for my voice to sound well, so during the periods we have lives, I often try to talk with the members or sing lightly during the breaks, too.
Kaji: Even though our work is different, there are similar things after all. By the way, when I was in my 20s, people tended to think “Anime = otaku culture” and actually the word “otaku” had a negative connotation, but nowadays the image has made a huge change to “that person has a deep knowledge about anime”, right? I am deeply moved that an era has come in which young artists like you say “I watch anime on my free days”. I feel there was a shift in values and the fact that the art of anime has become something more ordinary and familiar makes me really really happy.

[JO1] PR Times 220616

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000027.000023089.html
TN: The same interview was published by various newsoutlets

Please tell us your thoughts after finishing the filming.
Sho: It was a new challenge or rather it was very fun for us to be able to have such a wonderful experience. Everyone, how do you feel about what you did?
Ren: There are points I really really want you to pay attention to… We filmed on the grass inside of the race course, everyone is standing in one single line as if the race is about to start and in the background footage of the anime ‘Gunjou no Fanfare’ is playing, so I want you to check this all out. Please watch it!
Everyone: Please watch it!

What do you think about filming at a horse racing course?
Shosei: As it was our first time shooting at a racing course and we came here for the first time, moreover we were allowed to stand on the grass this time, it was a highly valuable experience and we had fun.
Sho: It is so neat!
Junki: Normally you cannot go there. Really.
Ren: Only the selected few horses can run here, right?
Sho: That’s why, we are… the selected few horses (laughs).
Ruki: We were able to film inside the racing course, as well as at a lot of other places such as on the lawn or inside the buildings with the anime playing in the background, which was a fun filming while we did some amazing new things, so everyone please watch it!

Did your image of horse racing change because of the filming?
Syoya: I always had some interest in horse racing, but I never took a step towards it as I thought it was an adult’s domain, but after hearing various stories and experiencing horse racing first hand today, I would like to go and watch it in private once!
Everyone: ohh— nice!!
Takumi: There were moving stories and the bond between jockey and horse moved me, so I think next time I will also buy a horse racing betting ticket and cheer for them.
Syoya: Let’s go everyone together! Everyone together!

Please tell us about your favourite lyrics or choreography of ‘Move The Soul’.
Junki: My favourite lyrics are ‘I can make my history’ from the chorus. Also we as JO1 hope to become a group that makes history by impressing someone or remain in their hearts through our various activities. I love this song!
Ren: My favourite point of the choreography is that there is often an ‘arm turning movement’ in the chorus and other parts of the song, but personally… I thought it looked like holding the reins and when I actually saw real reins and how they look running today… I am absolutely convinced that it looked like the reins (laughs).
Sukai: Maybe there will be a jockey doing this choreography (laughs).

Who do you believe would be ‘the biggest risk taker’ of the members? Please answer by pointing at the person when given the sign.
Result:
Issei: 6 votes
Sukai: 1 vote
Keigo: 2 votes
Shosei: 1 vote
Ren: 1 vote

The reasons why they choose Mamehara:
Junki: I don’t see him as nervous outside of shootings, but I have the image of him that carries it out in one shot with all his might once the filming starts.
Sho: He takes the chance when he can!
Ren: He is a determined guy!
Issei: Thank you very much!

In the program the ‘racing uniforms’ that the jockeys use are introduced, but please tell us about your ‘racing uniforms’!
Keigo: Aren’t our costumes our racing uniforms after all? When we wear our costumes, we become cooler than normally and… but well, we are always cool (laughs).

Please give a message to the fans.
Issei: Today’s filming has been a lot of fun. I hope JAM will watch the collaboration commercial with JRA-san a lot.
Junki: The collaboration between us, JO1, and JRA-san and ‘Gunjou no Fanfare’ is also a very awesome anime… Right now, JO1 is on a roll, so please enjoy everything (laughs).
Ruki: Today I learnt that just as there is a bond between us and JAM, there is also a bond between a jockey and his horse. We will continue to entertain you, so please continue to support us.
Syoya: Please continue to support JRA-san, JO1 and ‘Gunjou no Fanfare’.
Ren: Today has been a lot of fun. JO1 will continue to run as fast as we can, so please stick to JO1.
Shion: You realised the virtues of JO1 and horse racing! Let’s work harder and harder.
Takumi: If you spot me at the horse racing course, please do not talk to me (laughs)! I am concentrating.
Shosei: Today was so much fun. I was so happy about visiting a racing course for the first time. Please make sure to watch ‘Gunjou no fanfare’ and the CM of us and JRA-san.
Keigo: panpakapanpanpanpanpanpanpaan (imitates the sound of a fanfare) … Move The Soul! Thank you very much. It was a lot of fun.
Sho: Seeing real racing horses has also made us curious. We will continue to work hard, so please continue to support us.
Sukai: This collaboration is between JRA-san and us, JO1, so let’s use it as an opportunity for JAM, us and JRA-san to rush to the world together. Let’s go—!

[JO1] BiST 220614

https://be-story.jp/article/122139

[JO1 - unreleased photos & interview] Ohira Shosei-san “I become defiant of my complexes and turn them into jokes”

JO1 is a popular global boy group born from the highly popular audition program ‘PRODUCE 101 JAPAN’. Other than charming with their highly challenging songs and choreos, they are also receiving attention from the world of beauty as they are the first male ambassador of YSL BEAUTY! Ohira Shosei, Kawashiri Ren and Kawanishi Takumi from this group made their first appearance in the July issue of BiST! We will show you beauty-related stories and special other photos that we could not include in the magazine. First one to appear is JO1’s beauty leader Ohira Shosei-san!
TN: Both parts of the interview are translated and uploaded together here.

Ohira Shosei
In charge of beauty in JO1. Quickly tries out new beauty trends and raises JO1’s beauty standard as a whole. You will fall into his swamp thanks to his gap of being an elegant beauty from Kyoto on the first glance but actually being super stoic.

First of all, please tell us your secret for beautiful skin.
Drinking 2 litres of water everyday. Skin care is of course important, but if your body is not hydrated enough, your skin will not be moisturized enough, right? First, drink lots of water frequently! Then, if you sweat a lot in the bath or in the sauna to improve your metabolism, your skin should become naturally healthier.
What kind of water am I drinking? Everything is fine for me! I think everyone’s constitution is different such as one suits hard water and others can drink a lot if it is soft water, so as long as you drink 2 litres a day every water is OK.

Do you take special care such as during the nights before a special schedule?
Special care… Every day might be (the time for) special care (laughs). I use sheet masks, and care for it with a facial care device and… (asked whether he ever fell asleep with makeup still on his face) Never! No matter how exhausted I am, I go to sleep after diligently removing my makeup and taking care of my face with a facial care device. Once a skin irritation occurs, isn’t it harder to cure it? This is more difficult for me, so I properly take special care every day!

Do you have any troubles in regard to beauty?
That my skin becomes irritated by pollen! I cannot cure the pollen allergy on my own, so I go to my regular dermatologist for medical treatment.
Other my skin troubles, my complex might be… that my eyes are too far apart (laughs). The other day, when I put on a sheet mask that Kimata gave me, it did not fit as my eyes were too far apart and the liquid stung into my eyes… (laughs). Kimata laughed so hard about it. I became defiant of it and made it into a joke (laughs).

Are there any beauty habits you have adopted recently?
I started to leave the curtains open and wake up naturally by the sunlight. One day I accidentally left the curtains open and went to sleep and the next morning I woke up with the sunlight, which felt so good! I believe that stress is the skin’s worst enemy, so… I am living a more stress free life by sweating in a morning bath, reading books and spending more quality time in the morning. I recently read the book “Love Like the Falling Petals”.
Furthermore, (I started to go to) the sauna. The gym I usually go to has one and I try to go there 2~3 times a week, or whenever I get the chance. I do about 3 sets… sweating in the sauna for 8 minutes and taking a cold water bath. That relaxed feeling, I know that! It is called detox, right? I get rid of exhaustion and it cleans my pores. I often go with the members Mame-chan and Kimata. What do we talk about in the sauna? We just have some really idle conversations like “How many minutes are left?” (laughs).

https://be-story.jp/article/122144

“I think people who enjoy coloured mascara are stylish”

What is your secret in regard to base makeup that makes beautiful skin shine even more?
I love the base called Touche Éclat Blur Primer by YSL which has gold pearls in it! In my case, if I apply regular toning primer and lay this one on top of it, it will make the unevenness or the colour irregularities of my skin super even! I can apply the foundation evenly and cleanly, so it is indispensable for cultivating my skin.

What is the key point in your makeup?
My eyes are far apart and droopy, so I am particular about my eye makeup. My key point is to make them look centripetal, I add a darker colour for the inner corners of my eyes and not to make them drop further I apply a lighter colour on the lower outer corner of my eyes (laughs). I keep in mind to apply a light colour in the center of my upper eyelids for a three-dimensional effect.
The makeup that tends to be always seen is the skin makeup. Also, eyelashes. Recently, there are people changing the colour of their eyelashes by using coloured mascara. There are barely any men enjoying coloured mascara, so I tend to look at them, thinking “so stylish~”.

Were there any small incidents related to beauty lately?
Some time ago, I produced makeup for all 11 members! I was in charge of the makeup for the song “YOLO-konde” which was produced by Stray Kids-san! I put together a makeup image for each of them and proposed it to the members. Ren-kun and Takumi-kun had a pierrot-like makeup with a slightly scary vibe. I put on freckles made of glitter and drew tattoo-like makeup on the neck. Shiroiwa Ruki-kun’s looks are gorgeous and beautiful in any case. Hence I thought it would be better not to do anything elaborate like for the other members who had various interesting makeups such as pierrot-like ones, glitter or tattoo-like ones. When I proposed to him just to use coloured contact lenses and a light eyeliner, he was a little anxious “My costume is less flashy than the one of the others and I wonder whether this is okay…” It would not have been good to say “As the only one looking simple, wouldn’t you stand out?” and just when I added a bit of eyeliner and the coloured contact lenses like I had originally planned, a glamour that does not lose to pierrots or glitter…! The material was just too good, so after all it was just right to be moderate! … This was a case of being needlessly worried (laughs).

Please recommend a song from the 2nd album ‘KIZUNA’ to the readers.
My recommendation is ‘Touch!’. It is a very cute song. If you listen to it while getting ready during a hectic morning, I’m sure you will have a good time while doing your makeup. It is also a song I love, so please give it a listen.

[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.

[JO1] SPRiNG 220622

I LOVE JAM!
A strong will that is hidden in his cuteness…! This gap does not become boring…!
Digging deeply into Ohira Shosei’s charms
The first solo appearance of Ohira Shosei, the “person in charge of beauty” in the global boy group JO1!
He told us a lot about the album “KIZUNA”, about the other members and pouch he produced ♡

PROFILE
Ohira Shosei
Made his debut in 2020 as a member of JO1, born from the survival audition program “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN”. He appears as a voice actor in the anime “Gunjou no Fanfare” along with the member Kimata Syoya.

1 Cute and ephemeral expressions as “JO1’s angel”
I think I am the strong type among the members, so you can also feel a gap in me being called “JO1’s angel”. But I am grateful that everyone calls me like this, so I will continue to be an angel! (laughs)

2 With his positive thinking he also inspires the people around him
In the last two years my personality became quite positive. Because you cannot accomplish anything if you think too much about it, I started to think that in this case I want to spend each day happily. I have also started to interact with the members in this manner.

3 You can’t stop the butterflies ♡ at his too amazing mischievousness
When I am eating with the members before the morning training, I enjoy that we report to each other what happened the day before! Also, on a free day some time ago I played games with Mame-chan and we went on a walk together… Somehow we are always together~ (laughs)

4 A beautiful face backed up by an inquisitive mind for beauty
Depending on the day I change the face lotion and I try not to keep on using the same lotion. I do this in order for my skin not to get used to it and so that it stays in a good shape. I use what is the best for my skin while researching beauty. Also, my recommendation is YSL’s “All Hours Liquid” as it makes your skin look beautiful and it doesn’t easily come off!

5 Also doing fandom activities together!? His anime fan side is also very interesting!
Anime is a part of my daily life (laughs). I even watch anime in a short pause during practice and refresh by it. My recommendation to women who are near the age of 30 is “SPY X FAMILY”! It is wonderful to watch how 3 protagonists live together as a fake family, gradually start to like each other and become more and more like a real family. Deepening the bond as if you are a family by spending time together even when you are not related by blood, is just like JO1!

When I listened to it once I was surprised what a good song it is (laughs)

What kind of album is “KIZUNA”?
This album features more mature songs, cute songs and also challenging ones. It became one that lets us feel our growth, too. So far I just rapped in a blind effort, but this time when I studied various artists by listening to their songs, recorded my voice on my smartphone and did it through trial and error, thinking “If I did it more like this it might be good”, I was able to ambitionally work hard on it and challenged it.

What exactly did you challenge?
I tried shouting and also vocal fry (a vocalization while the vocal cords are compressed). I would be happy if you paid attention to the differences in my voice. Furthermore, really good words are lined up in the lyrics of the featured songs. Among those, “With Us” has especially good lyrics! When you think the lyrics “After a long time We can finally stand here” can be placed with JO1 itself and the word “friends” in the song means “JAM”, the song becomes even more important. Since an arena tour has been decided for fall, I want to perform it in front of JAM as soon as possible. Also, after Sukai’s return we re-recorded “Dreamer” which is also featured on the album. The other day, when we sang it together for the first time in a while at the live rehearsals, I ended up overwhelmed by feelings. It is full of highlights, so I hope you listen to it a lot!

The pouch and mirror produced by Ohira Shosei is on sale now!

“Ohira Shosei from JO1 POUCH & MIRROR BOOK” on sale on 4th July 3289¥

A pouch with Ohira-san’s autograph as a 3D silver charm, and the set has a special feel with its exquisite mirror that features a hand drawn illustration (My image is that butterflies are absorbed by the captivating flowers.) of Ohira-san. “I also was particular about the dividers inside! It is very easy to use, so please love to use it!”

[JO1] 1OC 220615

Shion Tsurubo x Ren Kawashiri x Syoya Kimata

“I thought, what happened to the ‘eternal rebellious phase’? (laughs)”

Your first impression of each other?
Ren: My very very first impression was that Shion was a yankee and Syoya shy of people!
Syoya: I thought Shion was a yankee and Ren-kun was smiley!
Shion: Eh~... Ren-kun was scary and Syoya was an introvert.
Ren: (breaks out laughing)
Syoya: So we were scary and introvert~ (laughs)

And your impression now?
Ren: Shion is a courteous guy and Syoya a weird kid.
Syoya: Shion is a gentle bear and Ren-kun is a smiling face.
Shion: Hm…. wait a second…. (thinks) Sure enough Syoya is an introvert!
All: (break out laughing)
Shion: And Ren-kun is… He is a scary person who has experienced a lot (laughs)! A scary person with a high amount of experience.
Ren: A while ago, I happened to be a bit surprised by Shion’s behavior. We are riding taxis more often than before, but nowadays you can reserve a taxi via an app, right? When the taxi comes that I always enter it, cheerfully saying “Hello, I am Kawashiri”. But Shion politely greets the driver “My name is Tsurubo” when the door opens.
Shion: (laughs)
Ren: I introduce myself to the driver to make sure it is the taxi I reserved before entering it. But when I saw him I thought “What happened to the ‘eternal rebellious phase’?” (laughs). “He is such a polite kid. I am impressed”.
Shion: (while being embarrassed) I guess that might have happened.
Ren: It did~
Syoya: Ren hates eggs and milk. I was surprised that he has so many likes and dislikes regarding food.
Shion: That’s surprising? (laughs)
Syoya: I do not have any food I hate, which, I guess, is rare. Everyone got some food they hate, right? It is not just Ren-kun. I was surprised that there are even people who dislike sushi in this world!
Shion: Syoya is someone who does not change his opinion. That’s why Syoya is an introvert who has confidence in himself.
Ren: What is an introvert who has confidence in himself? (laughs)

What was the opportunity for the three of you to become friends?
Syoya: (stares into the distance) It was during a hot summer…
Shion: (ignores him) It just naturally happened!
Syoya: That’s right.
Shion: The three of us play games together, right.
Syoya: We also watch anime.
Ren: We are three people who love games and anime.
Shion: We are three people with an otaku mentality.
Ren: We tell each other about the anime we watched or recommend some.

“Maybe if I was behind you two I would not to follow you.”

If you expressed the nature of your relationship in a few words?
Ren: For me these two are my ‘observation objects’. They are funny so I always want to watch them!
Syoya: I think ‘team’ or ‘party’.
Shion: Sure, ‘party’ could fit.
Syoya: It is ‘party’ in the sense of a game party. We will walk in one vertical line. Who would be in the lead?
Ren: Wouldn’t that be you, Syoya?
Shion: Certainly, it would be Syoya.
Syoya: But I am an introvert who has confidence in himself! (laughs) But it could be that if I was behind you two I would not follow you.
Shion: hahahahaha
Ren: That’s right, you would surely not follow us (laughs).

"I understood what was ‘that thing’ that was floating through Syoya’s mind!"

An episode about the bond between you three?
Shion: Well, I will tell you about an episode about my bond with Ren-kun. Even when I ask Ren-kun ‘Can you teach me this movement’ after a dance practice when everyone is exhausted and we think ‘I guess it is about time to go home’, he never made an annoyed face and reliably teaches me. He is really kind.
Ren: Because that you come to me like this, is making me happy after all.
Shion: I am truly impressed by you. Sure enough, you are really good at dancing. When you are too good at something, I believe it makes people a little bit of a show-off. But Ren being always humble is something amazing after all.
Ren: Some time ago, Syoya and Junki talked with each other. When I was passing by, Syoya was trying to remember something, saying ‘Ah, Junki-kun, what was it again? That thing”. For some reason, I understood what was floating around in Syoya’s head. When I said “Do you mean autophagy?”, he said “Ah yes! It’s this!”.
Syoya: It is amazing what is going on in Ren-kun’s head!
Ren: I also do not know why but I just knew it. I felt “That’s our bond~”. I did not listen to what you said before and after, but it just popped into my mind.
Shion & Syoya: That’s amazing~!
Syoya: Well, then I will share an episode of the bond with Shion.
Shion: Please do so!
Syoya: Our actions are similar from time to time, and we often go out to have fun together! Like we often go out to eat together.
Shion: Well, me and Syoya always think of something funny (laughs). Like “This was a good joke”. We think of the same things as funny, so we end up doing exactly the same thing (laughs).
Syoya: That’s our bond.
Ren: Surely, your actions are always similar.
Syoya: It has been like this since the debut. Both our interests and what we think off as funny are the same.

“Because Shion is too kind, I end up wanting to care for him.”

Something you admire about each other?
Syoya: Even though Shion seems like this, he is unexpectedly calm and sees his surroundings. Well, Ren-kun is the same, however. Ren-kun is simply a super good dancer and he has a lot of ‘tactile sense’!
Ren: You always say that (laughs)
Syoya: You have your antennae up for all sorts of things, so I feel you can catch a lot of things.
Shion: We all know that Ren-kun sees his surroundings and he is also very polite. There are people who you will never meet again in your life, right? Store clerks in a combini for example are people you will most likely never meet again. He treats even these people properly. I think he is an amazing person.
Ren: Shion is even more amazing in this regard!
Shion: I try to keep this in mind, too. Syoya is very energetic! He always is. And he is really noisy (laughs). But when I do not want him to talk to me, he does understand it (laughs).
Syoya: I know this by whether you are take out your earphones or not!
Shion: When I want to talk to Syoya I take them off, when I do not want to talk to him they stay (laughs). That is how I send the message.
Ren: Shion is too kind. He is really willing to make self-sacrifices, so I ended up wanting to care for him.
Shion: This makes me happy.
Ren: Syoya has an amazing spirit of inquiry. I am also the type of person who looks up or asks if there is something I got curious about, but Syoya has the vigor to look up everything! If there is a word in a conversation he does not know, he will say “Please wait a minute” and start to look it up on his smartphone. He has a lot of knowledge and I admire his attitude of being curious about everything.
Syoya: If I stay clueless about something, I will feel hazy.

“Let’s do Syoya’s Animate tour!”

Something you want to do together in the future?
Shion: Since Ren-kun is also good at rapping, how about doing a rap song with the three of us together? Ren-kun and Syoya will rap in a high-pitched tone while I do it in a low-pitched one. Cause Ren-kun is also rapping in ‘YOLO-konde’!
Syoya: I want to rap to classical music. Singing would be okay, too!
Shion: But I also want to try a song with a sexiness. If we talk about something I want to do in private together, it would be visiting Animate! (laughs)
Ren: I haven’t been there yet~
Shion: Me too.
Syoya: You haven’t!? I did.
Ren: Let’s do Syoya’s Animate tour! I want to go to Akihabara.
Syoya: Since I am the one who takes the lead. you two are gonna follow me! But Akihabara is huge, so I fear we all end up being lost (laughs).

Takumi solo interview

I want to do everything, singing, dancing, rapping and everything with all my power.

Kawanishi Takumi
Birthday: 1999.6.23
Blood type: B type
Origin: Hyogo
Height: 170cm

Q1 About your recent solo schedules
‘THE FIRST TAKE’ had been a filming that created a lot of tension. How should I say it, it gave off a certain kind of nervous atmosphere. But I feel I was able to enjoy it. I was happy that fans said things like “This is because Takumi got sense”. But I was the one who started saying this in the first place and it ended up being like this (laughs). It’s not like “I am really working extremely hard though”… No, I guess there is nothing like that. Even so, is it not good (to say)? I am not sure in which direction (the results of hard work or sense) I want to take this conversation (laughs). Of course I train. At home after the lessons ended, I review everything, watch the videos we took, and while I do not exercise physically, I do these things in order for everything to remain in my head. I would feel gloomy if I stood on stage or performed in an ambiguous state. Hence, to prevent that from happening I want to sufficiently do the bare minimum for work and enhance it. I only do this, so I don’t think I can say I am working hard. Well, in fact, it might be just my sense (laughs). I want to do everything, singing, dancing and rapping. I do not have everything I think of as “I am really good at this”. For example in Junki-kun’s case it’s singing, in Ren-kun’s case it’s dancing and so on. I don’t have such a personal strong point, I really don’t have it. Hence, that’s why I want to do everything with my all. I can also play the guitar. It is fun! I still have a long way to go, but gradually I can play more and more. I think the first song I practised was ‘Marigold’ from Aimyon-san. If I saw the chords, I could play it right now. Recently, I don’t have a song I am practising but if there is a song I want to play I will look up the chords and practise it.

Q2 What do you think is your role in JO1 whose charm is ‘diversity’?
I am the type of person who rather calms down when he is alone, so I guess it is often that I stay alone. But this is not easy (laughs). I am right in the middle of the ages (in the group), so I really have both the feelings of an elder and a younger brother. But sure enough I think of the younger members as cute. It is really adorable that they are often attention seeking. Shosei, for example, approaches me so often to the point that it is a bit annoying already. But this is cute. In shows close to us, for example on our YouTube channel, I am close to my true self or rather I just enjoy the things as they are without thinking too much about them. Like I am a little hyper there. But in JO1 there aren’t many who do tsukkomi (make the smart comebacks), right? Hence, I try my best to be the one to do so when the time comes.

Q3 If you gave a catchphrase to yourself in summer 2022?

“Health first,
Safety first”

I really suck at this. I got no sense for it… (laughs). I get sick easily. It has always been like this, but in summer I become skinnier as I cannot eat. Yet this year I try my best to eat and stay healthy. Because after all, health is the most important thing. However, I well… I don't cook myself (laughs).

Ruki solo interview

I imagine what kind of people I would like if I were in the position of the fans

Shiroiwa Ruki
Birthday: 1997.11.19
Blood type: O type
Origin: Tokyo
Height: 175cm

Q1 About your recent solo schedules
I am the main personality of the radio “All Night Nippon X”, but when I am normally with JO1, my role is not so much the one who directs and fools around, so this change is difficult. Also, even though it is a radio show, I am able to watch the video (of the radio booth) during the commercials, something different from normal radios, so I feel more nervous. Each week different members come, but the hardest thing is the airtime between midnight and 1am. Previously, we all worked starting at 6 am, finished at about 10 pm and from there I moved over to the studio and had the live broadcast. This kind of schedule was something I had not experienced before, so I am reassured to do it while we members supported each other. In the past I heard something like “being able to be a radio personality is a sign of popularity”, so when “All Night Nippon X” was decided, I was very happy remembering these words. Moreover, it is “All Night Nippon”, a program with a history, for which a lot of famous people have been in charge of. Initially, I felt pressure about being involved like this, but now I enjoy doing it and one hour feels really short. I think there are also people listening, who do not know JO1, so it is a great opportunity for JO1.

Q2 What do you think is your role in JO1 whose charm is ‘diversity’?
This is still difficult for me~ To be honest, I believe right now is a time during which the roles inside the group change compared to the beginning. Since it is also JO1’s third year, I feel that my position is also changing bit by bit as the environment and work are changing, and I am still in the middle of trying to find my role. Our top priority is obviously wanting to make JAM and the audience happy with our performances because our main jobs are singing and dancing, but if I can expand the platform where I can give back to JO1 by, for example, doing other jobs such as radio or acting, I feel that my role will gradually become clearer. Also, it might be a bit off from the topic of roles, but from time to time people say “He has a strong pro mindset”, yet I think this is because I imagine what kind of people I would like if I were in the position of the fans, so I can naturally look at it from a ‘JAM First’ point of view. I try to think of my ideal image from the fans‘ point of view. I feel that especially because I am particular about this, I sometimes happen to push myself too far.

Q3 If you gave a catchphrase to yourself in summer 2022?

“I want to make it the most fun summer ever”

It is hot, I end up getting sunburned and I dislike places that are crowded and loud, so summer was never my forte. But this summer I want to change that. I want to proactively go outside, be active and experience a summer like never before. I guess I will try to change myself for this.

Shosei solo interview

I like to see people shining because they have confidence in their makeup!

Ohira Shosei
Birthday: 2000.4.13
Blood type: A type
Origin: Kyoto
Height: 177cm

Q1 About your recent solo schedules
I was in charge of the make-up of “YOLO-konde” and make-up is something I am confident about. We are singing and dancing, but I think makeup is another way to express ourselves and another form of art. And, more than anything I like to see people shining because they have confidence in their makeup. For “YOLO-konde”, as it were the members I am always close with, I knew what kind of makeup will look good on them and what will make them look cool and so on, so I had a lot of fun doing their makeup. I did it while looking at the balance of having everyone’s individuality be prominent and not letting one stand out too much. I was able to come up with various images for everyone and was satisfied with the outcome, but I think Takumi-kun's makeup looked the best. Of course, there are his own talents, but my image of him is him being an artist while actually being shut-in (laughs), so I thought he is like a pierrot. I used make-up to put scars on his face, and the concept of a pierrot, who used to work hard but broke down and was thrown aside before returning on stage once again, matched him so well. I guess what I want to challenge in the future is a makeup that completely changes someone. Also, I haven’t done crossdressing yet, so I guess that would be nice to try, too.

Q2 What do you think is your role in JO1 whose charm is ‘diversity’?
I think I got a lot of roles (laughs). First there is beauty, then being teased, the one who takes pictures of the members because he likes cameras. And… ah, I am also called an angel (embarrassed laughing). I don’t know what makes an angel, so I always say “That’s how I am called’. When I am with the members together, I sometimes joke around a bit to make everyone laugh and be cheerful, so that the mood does not turn heavy. I am not really the type of person who speaks up in discussions or meetings, so I listen to everyone’s opinions before saying my own one. I feel it is easier to talk like this and it balances out the 11 of us.

Q3 If you gave a catchphrase to yourself in summer 2022?

An angel who hates tan

Now I ended up calling myself like this (laughs). Because I don’t want to get tanned, a parasol is essential and I try to do my skin care properly and take Vitamin C. By the way, my recent skin care routine is to regularly add new items to it. If you keep on using the same things over a long time, your skin will get used to it, so I try to frequently change them. Just seperating what you use in the morning and in the evening already makes a huge difference.

[JO1] Nikkei Entertainment 200304

JO1 member profile
The 11 members who passed the audition and gasped their debut, when these 11 individuals, who all have different strengths and experiences, become one, an unique JO1 energy is born.
Q&A
① What do you always buy in a conbini?
② How do people call you? How do you want to be called?
③ Is there someone you want to appear together in some program?
④ Which JO1 member would you like to date?

01 Mamehara Issei
The youngest member and center of the debut song
A high schooler who won the center spot of the debut song. He grabbed the hearts of the viewers with his simple appearance of riding a bike to school through the fields and his serious attitude to tackle his tasks. His true face is quite active. He is like a younger brother who comfortably and freely behaves among his elder brothers.
Profile | born 2002.5.30 (17 years old)
from Okayama / 173 cm / O type
① Recently, I like eclairs and often buy those. I often eat them in the morning.
② It’s ‘Mame’. I want to be called ‘Mame-chan’ by everyone.
③ Hm…
④ Junki-kun (direct answer). He is funny but actually thinks of a lot of things and while he respects my opinion he tells me when I am wrong.

02 Kawashiri Ren
The dancer leader who is like a father
His highly skilled and eye-catching dancing is a huge weapon of JO1. On the one hand as someone serious and dependable he is called ‘JO1’s father’, but he loves to have fun. Also there is the side of him loving ‘HARIBO’.
Profile | born 1997.3.2 (23 years old)
from Fukuoka / 173 cm / O type
① I buy the mango salad drink from Kagome’s ‘Yasai Seikatsu’ everyday. I started to drink it for my health, but I also love the taste.
② ‘Ren-kun’. Back in high school I was also called ‘Ren-chan’ and it is nostalgic and makes me happy.
③ The people with whom I worked during my time as dancer, I would like to appear along them as JO1 once more.
④ Takumi! (direct answer) Because all his actions are cute!

03 Kawanishi Takumi
A Cinderella boy with unparalleled visuals
Regardless of him being inexperienced in both singing and dancing, he always had a spot in the upper ranking thanks to his natural sense and ‘unparalleled visuals’. He seems cool but is actually mischievous. According to the members he got the ‘Chopper position’ if you compared them to ‘ONE PIECE’. He loves junk food.
Profile | born 1999.6.23 (20 years old)
from Hyogo / 170 cm / B type
① I buy sweet bread with chocolate in it every day.
② It is ‘Takumi’ or ‘Takumi-kun’. There is not anything in particular I want to be called.
③ Some comedians because I like comedy. I am a huge fan of Kamaitachi-san and I went to watch one of their shows.
④ Kono Junki-kun. It is fun when we are together and I think I would laugh the whole time. That’s great (laughs).

04 Ohira Shosei
The No.1 member who cannot be left alone
His tears, earnest hard work and soft smile that have been aired in the audition let him soar towards the 4th place in the final ranking. The members also see him as ‘cute’, ‘like a younger brother’, ‘a worrier’ and someone who ‘tells me it’s okay’ and they cannot leave him alone. His speciality is dancing.
Profile | born 2000.4.14 (19 years old)
from Kyoto / 176 cm / A type
① As I am in the middle of a diet, I just buy salad late at night. I lost 3 kilos in one month.
② ‘Shosei’ or ‘Shose’. Also, ‘Sean’.
③ I want to meet Pompom Purin. Even though I am on a diet I ended up buying Pompom Purin bread.
④ It would be Takumi-kun. He is kind but funny. Because he is just too cool, I want to look at his side profile while being next to him.

05 Tsurubo Shion
A purehearted ‘alien’ displaying diverse charms
He was criticised for his bad attitude at the very start of the audition making him the main character all of sudden. In reality he gets along well with everyone and is someone with a pure heart who is unexpectedly serious and even a little shy. However, his true self is wrapped up in a mystery even among the members as they call him ‘mysterious’ and ‘an alien’.
Profile | born 2000.12.11 (19 years old)
from Shiga / 178 cm / A type
① ‘Lifeguard’ from CHEERIO. I like it so much that I drank 3 cans a day in high school.
② Shion.
③ It is often said that I am resembling a certain celebrity, so I would like to meet this person once.
④ Kono Junki-kun. I like that he has no hidden side and that he tells you what he thinks. I am sure everyone will answer Junki-kun!

06 Shiroiwa Ruki
The ‘comedy prince’ with orthodox visuals
While everyone recognises his looks as ‘cool’, his reputation among the members is out-and-out ‘he is really funny’. This gap and the chivalry that glimpses through every word he says are his charm. Since he got experience as an idol, he received high appreciation for his fanservice.
Profile | 1997.11.19 (22 years old)
from Tokyo / 175 cm / O type
① 500ml of Coca Cola.
② ‘Ruki-kun’ or ‘Ruki’.
③ Right now, I want to appear along Kamaitachi-san the most.
④ Keigo and Mame-chan. Because Keigo would drag me, who prefers to stay indoors, out and he is influential (laughs). Mame is simply funny and seems not to know much about love yet, so I hope to be able to experience an pure feeling (laughs).

07 Sato Keigo
The fashion leader who is ahead of the trends
He has an outstanding style and often wears luxury brands. He even says ‘One day I want to handle JO1’s costumes’. However, in the group he is a teasing character. He is an airhead and some might even say ‘his words are the ones of a problem child’. If he gets the chance, he will try to touch the butts of the members.
Profile | 1998.7.29 (21 years old)
from Aichi | 181 cm / A type
① Fruits jelly or cut fruits. I like pineapples and tangerines.
② ‘Keigo’. I am told I look like a giraffe, so I want to be called ‘Gira’ because of the English word for it.
③ With Downtown-san! I want to be teased by them.
④ It’s that guy (Tsurubo Shion). His teasing is fun and his teasing side is girlish.

08 Kimata Syoya
Once you notice his ‘appeal’ there is no way out of his swamp anymore
Attended a famous dance school and went to a fashion vocational school because of his love for clothes. His true face is loving to be mischievous, but the members know him as someone ‘who stood talking once the camera is on him’. He humbly calls himself ‘the type of person who does not stand out’ but once you notice his charms, he got the deepest swamp to fall into.
Profile | 2000.4.5 (19 years old)
from Aichi | 171 cm | A type
① ‘Kireeto Lemon’ and salad chicken. I also buy a lot of snacks such as seasoned octopus with wasabi, soused fish or raw ham.
② ‘Syoya’
④ It is Junki-kun. He is older than me, but he is easy to talk to from the same standpoint. When I say something cheeky he makes sure to pick it and make it funny. In short, he spoils me and is patient.

09 Kono Junki
An absolutely positive mood maker
He is a mood maker who is recognised as the pivot of JO1’s vocals by both others and himself. During the shooting, he clapped his hands and bursted in a sports kind of mood saying ‘Let’s get hyped up!’. He got 1st place in ‘Which member do you want to have as your boyfriend?’ chosen by the members and he was also not displeased by this.
Profile | 1998.1.20 (22 years old)
from Nara | 174 cm | O type
① ‘Meiji probiotic yogurt R-1’ and ‘C1000 vitamin lemon’.
② As I want to feel close others, I hope to be called just by my first name.
③ I would like to appear on programs like ‘Shabekuri 007’ and be teased. I want to learn more about comedy.
④ Shion. His face is really my type. He is cute as well as kind without being flirtatious with his surroundings.

10 Kinjo Sukai
The highest growth rate in singing and dancing
On the first glance he looks fierce and cool. Yet the members see him as ‘a moody person and cute’. He was inexperienced in singing and dancing but he showcased a huge growth during the audition and the trainers also often mentioned that he ‘is very obedient and passionate’. His further growth is infinite.
Profile | 2000.5.6 (19 years old)
from Osaka | 178 cm | A type
① I end up buying Coca Cola. Also, dried mangoes. I like the time when I am chewing those (laughs).
② ‘Sukai’
③ Someone like (Akashiya) Sanma-san who I watched on TV since I was a child.
④ Junki-kun. But there are times when he is kind and indecisive… I prefer to be talked to more sternly. I guess my answer is ‘myself’ (laughs).

11 Yonashiro Sho
‘The mother’ who wraps up the members
The oldest member and leader and another pivot of the vocals. He is a mother-like existence who brings the many free spirits in the group together with his natural patience and caring side. He was inexperienced in dancing during the audition, but his pride is his muscles. He tends to wear costumes that show his biceps.
Profile | 1995.10.25 (24 years old)
from Okinawa | 180 cm | O type
① I always buy coffee. I prefer black coffee.
② Since I am the oldest one, it is ‘Sho-kun’. I would like to be called by my first name because in Okinawa you rarely call people by their last names.
④ Ah, it’s Ruki! (Direct answer) He is cool and honest and his professional consciousness and seriousness in regard to performances are strong. I think if I was a woman, I would be drawn to him.

TN: Both Syoya and Sho did not answer the third question.

Kawashiri Ren
Even if I am normally a small existence I want to be ‘a king’ on stage.

Kawashiri Ren’s career as a back dancer is brilliant. Thanks to his high level pro awareness of “I am aware that I am constantly seen by other people” he had since then and his outstanding dancing skills that are both powerful and elegant, as well as his charisma, he became the center of 101 people for the theme song of ‘PRODUCE 101 JAPAN’, ‘Tsukame ~ It’s Coming~’.

That day (11th December, the day the final ranking had been announced) had been the turning point in making me a pro or rather I prepared myself to enter a world where ‘I can’t do it’ is not accepted. Since I was in 5th or 6th year of elementary school I dreamed of becoming a dancer in the future and I moved from Fukuoka to Tokyo before turning 20 years old. But when I finally worked as a dancer, I saw that the artists in front of me seemed to have more fun and the feeling of wanting to stand in their place gradually grew bigger.

During the audition it was hard when the eliminated trainees left. Especially when Sano Fumiya-kun, with whom I was in a friendly rivalry, left… It was the hardest. In other words, there were people whose path to debut was erased this time. But, believing that outside of the 11 of us a lot of more lives changed by participating, might be what kept me going.

There was some cruelty in the amounts of votes being announced, but it also made me actually feel that I am supported. When you think that JO1 was born from the support of so many people, there is a sense of responsibility, but I see it as a further expectation of us. I believe it is more fun to think like this. I hope all 11 members will not forget this as we keep on being active.

Nonetheless, that I was in second place in the final voting had been really frustrating. After all, being first is something cool. I feel that all chosen members were aiming for the first place. But from now on the battleground changes and 11 members become one team and aim for the world. In order to achieve this, we work hard on becoming the top of Japan first.

I put my state of mind into my signature. Outside of the stage I am a really small existence, I still need a lot of training and I have to be always humble. Yet, once I step on stage I am a king, have absolute confidence and want to give happiness to the people watching me. I hope to value the transition between the stage and other places. The dot on the bottom right symbolises the small me offstage and the crown on the upper left is the king I am on stage.