[OWV] Shinobi’s, room. 221102

Source: https://youtu.be/Qd07b9H7Hj0

[JO1] Shinobi’s, room. 230125

Source: https://youtu.be/kC7JRlP6iz0

[JO1] BiST editorial department livestream 220518

👩🏻: Let’s talk about the dancer leader Kawashiri Ren-san. We thought he was someone cool and sexy but actually he was smiling the whole time. […] During the interview he showed us his scalp, while parting his hair and saying that his hair had two tones, dark purple and a more pinkish one. We had the impression that he was excited about the refreshments and has a friendly side. But once the shooting started he turned into a different person and exploded with cool facial expressions and graceful and melancholic poses. His artistic beauty changed the atmosphere in the studio.
When the interview was over he greeted “thank you for your hard work today” and we were about to leave, he cutely trotted over to us to ask for the leftover fruits from the refreshments saying “Ah the fruits fruits ♪”, so we gave him all of them. He gave us a big smile in return and happily left. Isn‘t he fantastic?

👩🏻‍🦰: Yes. There is another charming scene. Right after the shooting ended, the interview started and for this, Kawashiri-san went to a table together with the staff and the staff had both of their hands full with a computer, interview materials, a recorder and so on and for this staff member Kawashiri-san quickly drew back the chair. It was really a gentleman-like behaviour and I couldn’t help but think how cool he is.
Kawashiri-san is amazing. When you see him performing, his dancing is really skilful and his expressiveness is impressive, but the real him is fluffy and soft and this might be the biggest gap I experienced in 2022.

👩🏻: oh! The comments also say “Ren-chan is too cute” or “Ren-kun loves fruits”. So everyone is impressed by this episode. But if you look at the total, he showed us a lot of different expressions and choosing pictures for the magazines became a struggle. His pictures are really good, right?

👩🏻‍🦰: That’s right. The expressiveness of all three was just too good and the cameraman also got into high spirits and took so many pictures. So when the staff chose (which ones should come into the magazines) we had a hard time. Normally, we watch the shootings commenting “so cool/cute/fantastic”, but it was such a great shooting that we were just grateful to them, saying “Thank you very much”.

[JO1] K-POP Monster 220518

https://www.kpopmonster.jp/?p=110263?p=110263
(Ren related parts only)

The pillars of the performances

Exactly because there are stable abilities, they can make the most of their ambitions and individuality. Serene performances are necessary to convey one’s passion. Let’s pay attention to the geniuses with an outstanding stability who support the talented idols JO1.

Kawashiri Ren - the pillar of dancing

Kawashiri Ren is the dance leader of JO1. He plays a huge role in the group’s performances to the point that it's not an exaggeration to say that he controls those.

After all, if he comes into the center, the whole performance will become tight. In a good way, he resets the performance from the lingering afterglow that explosions of individuality of the other members had left. When Kawashiri dances in the center, the original image of the song and its beauty come alive to the fullest. In this sense, you could say that Kawashiri is the guardian who protects JO1’s “standard”.

“Walk It Like I Talk It” starts with a formation in which Kawashiri is in the center and when you see this scene, your anticipation “that an amazing performance starts now” rises on the spot. This is because his sharp dancing foreshadows the high quality of the whole group's performance. Kawashiri’s performance attracts the viewers in an instant.

Furthermore, he also showcased his activities as one of the vocalist members. After the debut, Kawashiri is one member who made rapid growth with his singing. Impressive at this live show was his part in the chorus of “Algorithm”. This part has a quite high key, he sings it magnificently while dancing intensively. Also in other songs, Kawashiri’s overall vocal stability increased and you can listen to him with ease.

[JO1/OWV] QJWeb 220430

https://qjweb.jp/column/69979/?mode=all

JO1, OWV , Enjin & OCTPATH [The forefront of boy groups in 2022#2 ～From『PRODUCE 101 JAPAN』～]
[JO1 and OWV related parts only]

It is an era in which the various names of boy groups are lining up on top of the charts. Johnny’s entertainment, synonymous with male idols, and LDH made from various different cultures, are of course to be mentioned, as well as boy groups both old and new, stand impressively next to each other. This is the era 2022 is a part of.

If the 2010s, in which countless unique female idols were born and created a scene, were called “The Idol Sengoku Jidai” (the warring states era of the idols), then you might say we have now the “Boy Group Sengoku Jidai”. (However, you could question the expression ‘Sengoku Jidai’ in this regard).

This article is part of a series with seven installments, titled “The forefront of boy groups in 2022”, that picks up Japanese boy groups you should pay attention to which are not from Johnny’s Entertainment or LDH. It both looks back at their profiles and describes the charms of each artist.

In this second installment, we will introduce the groups JO1, OWV, Enjin and OCTPATH which all come from the survival audition program “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN”.

Numerous attention worthy groups produced by “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN”

The survival audition program “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN” created a social phenomenon. The first season in which JO1 was born was held in 2019, and SEASON 2, which gave birth to INI, was held in 2021. It should be needless to say that these two seasons had been like a dream for guys who had wished to “be worldwide active as a member of a boy group”.

The activities of JO1 and INI, formed by “the 11 final elected members” stand out, but they are not the only groups formed by former trainees of PRODUCE 101 JAPAN. Please pay attention to how each of the respective groups is shining right now.

JO1
The dance-vocal group formed by 11 members chosen during PRODUCE 101 JAPAN made their debut in March 2020. Each time they release a CD, their sales surpass more than 200.000 copies and all their 5 singles since their debut placed first in the Oricon charts.

Their activities are not limited to the music field, but they are in the focus of keen attention from various fields, such as them being the first male ambassadors for Yves Saint Laurent Beauté. This spring, along with the drama “Short Program”, starring all 11 JO1 members, which is streamed via Amazon Prime Video, the documentary movie “JO1 THE MOVIE『Mikansei』-Go to the TOP-“ was released in nationwide cinemas.

This list might give you the impression they are a group with just an amazing career. However, these achievements were only possible because of their abilities. Their synchronized dancing, cultivated under the direction of their dance leader Kawashiri Ren, becomes more precise, and you might become overwhelmed, thinking 'There is an artist in Japan who can dance like this!?'.

Furthermore, at the time for their debut there was the image that Kono Junki and Yonashiro Sho were the big two leaders in regard of singing, but nowadays each one of the members is developing their own way of singing and rapping, which makes the most of the colour of their voices. Yet they don’t become haughty with pride in themselves, instead they calmly analyse themselves as “Not at the top of Japan yet”, so there is no reason not to anticipate their future.

OWV
A four member boys group formed by former trainees of PRODUCE 101 JAPAN who made their debut in September 2020. OWV stands for “Our only Way to get Victory” and in this group name the members’ strong will to “become an unique existence and seize the victory in this world” is included.

Although the group is made of just four members, their impressive and dynamic performances are their distinct feature. Part of the highlights of the group are the choreographies by Sano Fumiya and Honda Kosuke who both have experience as back up dancers for well known artists, and the choreographies that make the most of each member’s individuality. They also have a high skill in talking and they also showcase perfect talks at, of course, the MCs at their live shows, but also in their own variety program or in their YouTube videos.

It is not wrong to say that they are “the funny big brothers with outstanding variety skills”, but since they have the experience of going through times of bad luck and failing the audition, they are always tenacious and serious. They are actively involved in the choice of their songs and choreographers and they create their live performances on their own initiative. Please make sure to experience their serious entertainment in which they put their heart and soul in and their warm personalities.

[JO1] with online 220412

https://withonline.jp/people/ent-osyareol/FXfwu

Interview with Yahagi Honoka, who plays Tanimura Nao in the episode “Spring Call” (Shosei/Shinjo related parts)

On the set they passionately talked about “what acting is about”

How was the atmosphere at the set?
Yahagi: It was really harmonious and it was fun to film every day! The 3rd episode “Spring Call” in which I star is about 30 minutes long so the filming took about 3 days, but thanks to this drama at the end of the filming I felt a sense of comradeship with everyone who starred along with me as if we had spent our youths together.

In this drama the main character and the heroine change with every episode. What kind of conversations did you have with your co-stars such as Ohira Shosei-san from JO1, with whom you made a team?
Yahagi: As it was Ohira-san’s first time to act, it was impressive that he actively communicated with the director. Both me and Ikeda Junya, who played the role of drama club member Akahori, are acting for several years, so we passionately talked about “what acting is about” (laughs)

Did you also give him some advice?
Yahagi: For example, in regard to Ohira-san’s worry of “I can’t talk well”, I would give him advice based on my own experiences, like “If you do it like this, you will talk more smoothly”. While I remembered how I was guided as an actress by a lot of people, we talked about the basics such as the know-how of acting.

Please tell us your frank opinion after you actually watched the finished episode.
Yahagi: In the story of “Spring Call” the main character, Kohei Shinjo, and the heroine Tanimura Nao, played by me, are both members of the drama club of their university. They are troubled with the thoughts of “Is this script really okay?” “Can I face the end without saying my opinion?” before their last performance as students, while at the same time Tanimura tries her best to bring out Shinjo’s hidden inner feelings. Shinjo who can’t say what he wants to say, Tanimura who begins to have all sorts of feelings for Shinjo and Akahori of the drama club who is full of confidence in regard to his own script… Everything in this episode, including the characters, is so innocent!

[…]

Lastly, what kind of message do you hope will the viewers of “Spring Call” take from it?
Yahagi: People who are worried about love, people who keep on moving forward to fulfil their dreams, people who want to challenge something new… I think there are a lot of people who carry troubles in their hearts. I hope that those people will think “I think I will take another step forward” through this episode. The main character Shinjo actually hides a wonderful talent and passionate feelings on his inside, but he ends up being frustrated because he is unable to let those feelings out. However, as a result of him trying “to do it” “to say it” “to change oneself”, the situation changes for the better. I hope that through this work people will realise that “a little courage can change your life”.

[JO1] JJ 220306 (partly)

https://jj-jj.net/lifestyle/155238/

Is there a memorable episode from the filming?
Kijima Asuka: The filming was in Shizuoka and took about a week, but I commuted there from Tokyo everyday which was a little hard. But Kawashiri-san and Sakuragi-san and all other actors got along well and the good atmosphere at the filming site had been fun 🤍Kawashiri-san and Sakuragi-san especially seemed to have found a kindred spirit in each other… (laughs) Also, I was happy about the filming style since the director was very kind and listened to my ideas and the ones of the other actors as we proceed, which made me feel we had made this episode together.

[…]

What was your impression of JO1’s Kawashiri-san who acted for the first time?
Kijima: It is “Soft, sensitive & serious!” He seems cool when he sings and dances during his activities with JO1, but when you actually meet him he is someone really soft which honestly surprised me.
What’s more, at the first rehearsal, besides that the script was still temporary, Kawashiri-san had all his lines memorised! Hence, I felt that he is someone who is very sincere regarding this work. Kazuhiko, who he played, is also very sensitive and serious. It was indeed a perfect match to Kawashiri-san’s personality.
It was interesting to think how hard he worked on it and when I looked over to him during the breaks of the filming, it was like his body was moving on its own and he was dancing, which was interesting. It was fun to watch somehow♪ I thought “Ah, he is dancing” while sneakingly watching him. He also got along well with Sakuragi Nachi-san who played Toshio-kun and they also exchanged their contact details. They even promised “Once the situation has settled down (TN: the pandemic has ended) , let’s go drinking together!” (laughs)

[JO1] Pash! 220309

Kimata Syoya (voicing Nanbara Kousei) x Ohira Shosei (voicing Azuma Masaki)

JO1’s Kimata Syoya and Ohira Shosei, who are mainly active as artists, will appear in Gunjou no Fanfare as voice actors. They will voice the members of the idol group the protagonist, Yuu, used to be a part of. PASH! hit these two directly with an exclusive interview. We also asked them about the interesting theme song.

JO1 PROFILE
JO1 is an 11 member global boygroup chosen by about 65 million votes from the viewers of “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN”, a survival audition program that lasted about 3 months. Since their debut single “PROTOSTAR” all of their singles placed 1st in the Oricon weekly single ranking and their 5th single “WANDERING” surpassed half a million sales. Starting March 11 their movie JO1 THE MOVIE “Mikansei” -Go To The TOP- will be shown in the cinemas.

Ohira Shosei
Born 2000.4.13. Blood type A. From the prefecture of Kyoto. 177cm. Usually in charge of rapping in JO1.

Kimata Syoya
Born 2000.4.5. Blood type A. From the prefecture Aichi. 172 cm. JO1s subleader and in charge of rapping.

Syoya is someone who is passionate, has compassion and stays persistent until the end - Ohira

I think Shosei is the one in JO1 who is the most suited for the entertainment world - Kimata

We practiced together and were able to enjoy the actual recording.

How do you feel after finishing the recording?
Syoya: I thought I would be nervous, but the enjoyment was actually bigger. I’m already used to the recording booth, so I was able to focus at the recording site for anime, too.

Was there some advice from Ohira-san who already had voice actor experience through “Poupelle of Chimney Town”?
Syoya: He told me that “It’s better to practise saying your lines while watching the footage” or how to hold the script.
Shosei: Back during “Poupelle” this was difficult for me and I wasn’t able to do so. But Syoya was able to do that already since the rehearsals, which is really amazing.
Syoya: Oh~ (shyly laughs)
Shosei: The recording today was so much fun for me, too. Compared to “Poupelle”, my nervosity has calmed down a little and I was able to tackle it with confidence. Back then I felt like I was doing it while being lost, but this time I feel like I was able to bring out my own color.

How did you prepare for the recording?
Shosei: We went together to the lessons and practiced talking smoothly and the dialogues together.
Syoya: (There are scenes when) Shosei’s voice overlaps with Yuu-kun’s one and he has some quite difficult lines. This is difficult to practice when the other one isn't there, so we practiced the dialogue with me reading Yuu-kun’s lines.
Shosei: Also, Syoya taught me the intonation (laughs)
Syoya: Because from time to time you talked in your dialect? I had no other choice
Shosei: Fufufu because I often talk in dialect.
Syoya: Yet during the actual recording it didn’t come out even once?
Shosei: Yes.
(both nod at each other with a grin)

Was there some incident during the recording?
Syoya: There wasn’t anything, right?
Shosei: It’s rare that nothing happens.
Syoya: We were just enjoying playing these roles. I might have had some bumpers while reading the script, but… But I didn’t care much about it and enjoyed it.
Shosei: If I had to mention something, it would be the sense of speed, I guess? Like reading more slowly.
Syoya: We talked with the staff about reading our lines too fast or too slow. However, this time we were able to act while looking at the storyboard and they adjusted the pictures afterwards which made it easier in my opinion.

Is there something the directors told you after the recording?
Shosei: They praised us that we did better than they expected.
Syoya: They said that they expected us to struggle more.

I think there was quite some determination (in Yuu) to leave the group.

Please tell us how you felt when it was decided that you will join the cast.
Shosei: I always wanted to work as a voice actor, so I was really happy about this opportunity.
Syoya: I was also interested in being a voice actor, so I always wanted to try it. I was surprised that my first chance to do so is together with such an amazing cast and staff.

What is the charm of a story taking place at a horse racing school?
Shosei: The main character Yuu left his group and moves forward on his path alone now, right? If I think about leaving JO1 and working hard on my own like Yuu does, I realize how much determined he was. That’s why I think this anime encourages people who are chasing their dreams.
Syoya: If your resolve isn't strong enough, you won’t be able to do so, right?
Shosei: Yes yes. I think if your corresponding feelings are not strong enough, you won’t be able to do it.
Syoya: I feel that through this anime I was able to experience a world that I wouldn't be able to experience through my work as JO1. I also learnt new things about horse riding schools, so it was a big lesson for me.

If you would try riding a racing horse, do you think you could do that well?
Shosei: Eh~ No way! hehehe (laughs)
Syoya: I rode a horse once when I was a child, but I remember it being very difficult.
Shosei: Eh? I haven’t even rode a horse in my life, so it seems difficult.
Syoya: But you touched one some time ago?
Shosei: That’s right. When we filmed the PV for “We Alright”, there was a horse barn backstage…
Syoya: No, this could cause a misunderstanding!
Shosei: But it really looked like a horse barn (laughs) They did not appear in the PV, but the horses were quite close to the dressing room, so we were allowed to touch them.

Please tell us what is the charm of your roles and where you could relate to them.
Shosei: Azuma Masaki who I play is calm and like their leader. There is a scene when he stops a fight, but we as JO1 didn’t have such huge conflicts yet, but we sometimes argue about performances in a mild way, so in a way I could relate to him.

By the way, who in JO1 has a role like Masaki?
Syoya: Shosei is also the type of person who says “Stop it Stop it”. That’s why I think he fits that role. My role Nanbara Kousei is a character who jokes around and you can feel his youth more compared to Masaki. He has lines where he teases the main character Yuu and since I usually do such things, too, I could relate to him on this point.
Shosei: Not only their joking side, but both Syoya and Kousei are also similar in regard to them thinking about things thoroughly and being passionate.
Syoya: Yes, that’s right!
Both: (laugh)

What do you think about the character sheets?
Syoya: It was decided from the start that Shosei would play Masaki and I Kousei and I feel that they assigned us the roles fitting to us. Hence, I became even more attached to them.
Shosei: We could get into the roles more easily (because of this).

What did you keep in mind while you voiced your role?
Syoya: The director told us “I want you to voice them based on your own natural voice”. Thus, we understood our characters like this and prepared our parts, with our voices being quite close to our usual ones.
Shosei: There was the wish to bring ourselves into the characters, so instead of making a huge change in our normal voices, we tried to make our voices suited to the characters. This is what we thought about when we practiced together.
Syoya: It was difficult to act with your normal voice so that it won’t feel off in the animation.

During the interview, there was a moment when Ohira-san discovered a pen-shaped voice recorder and was surprised “You can even record with such a small thing!” Meanwhile, Kimata-san was also a moodmaker who always seemed to enjoy himself as he noticed the equipment in the recording booth and tried to imitate a robot. Seeing how Ohira-san smiled at Kimata-san shows that the two of them are close friends. The interview was a short, but heartwarming and fulfilling one, as Ohira-san made himself shorter while his make up was fixed and Kimata-san hummed something.

The opening song is a refreshing song that moves you

Congratulations on half a million sales for your 5th single “WANDERING”!
Syoya & Shosei: Thank you very much!
Shosei: This was truly thanks to all JAM!

I’m looking forward to JO1’s future activities. You are in charge of the opening song “Move The Soul”, What kind of song is it?
Syoya: When I first got the demo, I felt it’s a really mature song. There is a point when you have to breathe in while singing “eh” (*in this moment Kimata-san actually showcased this). This time I’m not in charge of the vocals, but our vocalists struggled to complete it. I recently listened to the completed sound and I feel it turned out to be a stylish song with a high quality. It’s a song that makes people excited, passionate and moves them.
Shosei: It’s a song with a dashing feeling. And for the first time, the parts change line by line. That’s why it felt new to me. I’m sure that the listeners will enjoy this But I feel it’s going to be a song that’s difficult to sing alone at Karaoke (laughs)
Syoya: At least sing it with two people (laughs)
Shosei: I think it’s even better to gather 11 people to sing it.
Syoya: For the ending song Sho-kun and Junki-kun are in charge, but we haven’t been able to listen to the demo yet. It seems like they prepared it in secret.
Shosei: We are also looking forward to listening to it.

Both being jockeys and idols require to have unique weapons and skills, but where do you see those in each other?
Shosei: Syoya has a young side fitting to his age, but he is passionate in what he does, he has compassion and stays persistent until the very end.

Kimata-san declared himself as the subleader, but is there some episode that makes him feel like one?
Shosei: Ah… Please let me think of that for a bit (laughs)
Syoya: There is none?
Shosei: No no! (directly) There is one, I’m sure! Kimata has a wide knowledge of music, so during the directing… how to say it…
Syoya: No, according to my memories, I might have called myself the subleader, but I haven’t done anything subleader like (laughs)
Shosei: But when there is something on everyone’s mind, Syoya makes sure to speak up about it.
Syoya: Sure, I might do that. I think Shosei is the one who is the most suitable for the entertainment industry out of JO1. I have been saying that quite often, but it’s the first time I said it while Shosei is present.
Shosei: Wow! (laughs)
Syoya: When I thought who could be that in JO1, Shosei was the one coming into my mind.
Shosei: Why?
Syoya: I’m not sure…?
Shosei: Everything is fine.
Syoya: What I just wanted to say disappeared from my mind.
Shosei: Fufufu (laughs) If you remember them, please.. I’m curious!
Syoya: Right, Shosei knows how to show himself. Like the way he shows his performances, the way he responds well to the staff, the way he easily gets along with co-stars including comedians and so on. He is someone who can gain the trust of others well.
Shosei: Fufufu, oh!
Syoya: I think this is something really important. Since about the time of our 2nd single “STARGAZER” I think Shosei is the most skilled one in JO1 in this regard.
Shosei: Since so long! Eh~ Thank you so much!

It was their first appearance in this magazine. Despite their extremely tight schedule for the recording and the interviews with various companies, they always looked each interviewer in the eyes and greeted and exchanged a few words with them. They made truly incredible responses. PASH! would like to cheer for JO1-san’s future activities.

Kataoka PD speaks:
A secret story from the recording
When it was decided that JO1 will be in charge of the opening track, it was also the time when we thought about the casting for the idol group Yuu used to be a part of. Then I throw out the question “Are there any JO1 members who can be voice actors?”, I received the names of both Ohira-san, who had experience already, and Kimata-san, who didn’t have any yet, but who was willing to practice and take on the challenge. However, their roles have appearances after the first episode, too, and their lines are quite a lot. Hence, I was worried it would put a burden on them, but both of them practiced with a huge enthusiasm and they did so well in the recording that we finished it before the scheduled time. I’m looking forward to them going out into the world also as voice actors! (By the producer Kataoka Yuki)

[OWV] Music Natalie 220218

https://natalie.mu/music/news/466159

OWV’s one man live at Nakano Sunplaza Hall, the place where it all began, was created with the fans

OWV held two performances of “OWV ONEMAN LIVE 2022 -and I- '' at the Nakano Sunplaza Hall in Tokyo on 12th February. This article will be a report of the evening performance.

The Nakano Sunplaza Hall is the place where OWV’s first fanmeeting after their debut OWV OFFICIAL FANMEETING～ROUTE I～ was held without an audience in December 2020. This time in order to celebrate the release of the 5th single “You” on 9th March, they unfolded their performance in front of QWV (as OWV’s fans are called) on a stage that they feel attached to.

After the member introduction movie played, the doors opened and from behind the four silhouettes of the members appeared against the dazzling light. With their eyes on the audience, they quietly moved forward. Then, when an explosive sound started along with Honda Kosuke’s shout “Let’s go, Tokyo-!”, the lights revealed the four members and the live started with “Here & Now”. The four colors of the penlights were waved beautifully from side to side in the audience as the four singers’ natural voice left an impression with this song which has a four-beat refreshing melody that immediately brought a pleasant atmosphere to the venue. “PARTY” , which is a popular song at lives, followed as the second song. The party tune in which the four members move around on stage with a relaxed expression, smile and joke with each other livened up the mood of the venue. After the performance of “My Flow” which goes from a powerful rap to a catchy chorus, the venue was suddenly filled with the sound of sirens. “Sound The Alarm” from the new single started off with a heavy bass sound. A song with a heated rap and a noticeable core was unleashed and in the chorus the urge to “Unleash your passion and make your own way” was sung with power.

In “Na Na Na” they completely charmed the audience with clean dancing and a singing that let you feel their sexiness. They ended this song with turning their backs to the audience and after a short pause when they turned around again in their eyes a spark was shining. After a perfectly coordinated dance of them together to a beat with a strong core, Honda, Nakagawa Katsunari, Urano Shuta and Sano Fumiya performed solo dances after another. They showed their individuality, high skills and their overflowing emotions in the dance, leading to the hip hop tine “Slam Dog”. With earth crawling raps, they release the message “No matter the situation, we will not yield, but survive”. Then, the performance of “CHASER”, the lead track of their first album, followed. Through the impactful sound, provocative lyrics and powerful dancing they once more majestically propagated OWV’s path of “We will become a one and only group that can’t be imitated and take the victory in this world”.

Then, the members left the stage and the screen calmly showed footage of the vast sea and forests. And, after one huge tree was shown, the stage of lit up again and the members appeared wearing white costumes. With the images of blooming flowers in the background the performance of the lead track of their new single “You” started. It is is the first time for OWV to a medium tempo ballad as their lead track and it’s a number that portrays of the begin of spring under the motive of “buds”. The 4 members showed a new side of OWV with their soft singing and subtle dancing and received a lot of applause from the audience. Afterwards, OWV’s wide range of potential exploded on stage with the R&B style emotional number “Question” and “Scattered” in which OWV’s delicate singing expresses the feelings of being confronted with a sad parting. In “Fifth Season” which depicted the 4 seasons with “you”, with a gentle gaze the four of them mellowly sang to the venue.

The “USa-unit” made of Urano and Sano who stayed on stage, started their own “clapping game”, listening to the various patterns of applause from QWV. When Sano asked QWV to “Please clap as if all 4 of us came on stage”, the venue was filled with a big applause. When Sano continued with “Please clap as if Urano Shuta-kun said something which wasn’t funny at all”, the applause was slightly more subdued which led Urano to ask them for help, “This is less than the applause when we appear on stage. You need to cover me up more!”. When in response to this Urano asked “An applause so that Fumiya grows taller”, the audience applauded loudly without hesitation. Receiving this applause, Sano mischievously played with his height by standing on his tiptoes as if he had grown taller. Changing positions with them, the “HoNa unit” made of Honda and Nakagawa introduced the merchandise. Honda innocently waved the members’ fan, while Nakagawa hung an acrylic photo prop on his belt, saying “It’s an example of how you can use the merchandise.”, showing an unusual way of using it.

Reaching the final part of the live, OWV raised up the gears with their killer tune “Roar”. The four expressed their determination and burning fighting spirit with their wild dance moves. The final song was their first single “UBA UBA”. They showed a performance that has evolved over and over in the one year and a half since their debut before leaving the stage.

The four members once more returned on stage in response to the clapping that asked for an encore and performed the EDM tune “What you waitin' for”. They casually sang and danced to the song, looking over OWV who happily waved their penlights. Honda mentioned “We performed this song for the first time during the encore (back then called “After Party”) of our first fanmeeting, but I’m really happy to be able to come back to this venue and perform it once more as an encore. Thank you so much for giving us this opportunity”.Urano added with shining eyes “QWV are right in front of us! I’m so happy to perform at this venue again”.

From then on one member after another made their greetings to QWV. Nakagawa, who was among the three members who had gotten a covid infection in January, expressed his feelings about the show: “We have caused a lot of trouble and worry to you because we had gotten Covid, but we have been working hard to make sure to come back properly at this live and make you smile and forget about that” and told them “In this period, there are also a lot of people unable to come to the venue. Thus, I hope that the four of us as OWV will be able to walk through this period together with OWV and smiles on our faces until one day we meet. In 2022, in the next 10 months, let’s create a lot of fun memories and days of smiling! I love you!”. Urano spoke with certainty: “I think that even happy people like me have things they dislike or depressing times. But I thought again that I want to create a space where even those people will only think about OWV when they come to our live. For this I feel we have to give the very best performance and make the best possible OWV-like talk”.

Sano thought back to the time of the debut, saying “We did our first fan meeting “Route I” here without an audience when he only had 4 songs, and I often mentioned in magazine interviews that the fanmeeting was the most memorable stage for me, so for me it has a special place in my heart”. He expressed his happiness to meet QWV in this venue, mentioning “The days have passed and when talking to you like this, I can see the scenery of blue penlights and I wonder whether the four of us have become a little more mature since then? Has my height grown a bit since then? In such a period, I think there are a lot of days when you don’t feel good today, or you feel irritated for no particular reason, but I hope that we, as OWV, can be a source of comfort for you in such times, so that we can continue to push forward together”. When Honda said “I had a period of self-reflection over the last few weeks. When I was unable to go out, the time when I was with just myself stretched, but I really felt that it was thanks to QWV after all that I was able to get well as quickly as I did. That’s why we made “and I”, because I wanted to meet everyone after getting well quickly and give you a great concert so that you wouldn’t worry even the smallest bit. I hope we could reach everyone even a bit!”, a heartfelt applause from QWV came from the audience. Honda’s face beamed with happiness and he said: “I really felt that ‘and I’ is a live that was created together with you. I think it is a live show that was made by everyone no matter if you have come to the venue or watched it online“. He continued “We started the live with “Here & Now” which I feel is a perfect song for us who are chasing our dreams. OWV began the first live of 2022 with such a song. We will walk together with you in 2022 and beyond, so please don’t stray away from us”. As the final song they performed “TALK TALK TALK" from OWV’s new single. Backed by the memorable sound of acoustic guitars, the four delivered the song gently to QWV and left the stage with smiles and the vow to meet again.

[JO1] Real Sound 220222

https://realsound.jp/2022/02/post-972526_2.html

JO1 Kinjo Sukai - a sincere singing voice that is essential to the group’s leaping progress & a brilliance that is more than just a “spice”

JO1’s Kinjo Sukai has resumed his activities with the group after taking a hiatus since October 2021 due being diagnosed with an adjustment disorder. His return was on 14th February. This might be the biggest Valentine’s Day present for JAM (as JO1’s fans are called). A video announcing his return was published and he showed a healthy self. It is beyond delightful to see all 11 members together again, “within a reasonable frame” of course.

Kinjo is 21 years old and from the prefecture of Osaka. When he participated in “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN” he had been inexperienced in singing and dancing and was assigned to the lowest class, F in the first class evaluation. However, he continuously worked hard and rapidly made progress. I also remember the remarkably loud cheering for him when I was covering the National Producers (as the viewers were called) at the recording site. He is “a hard worker” who showed his various charms such as his cool visuals, his outstanding style, his memorable voice, his hungry attitude and his caring side to his friends during the audition, and in turn managed to gain one of the debut seats in the end.

Just like his catchphrase “saredo poker face” (even so keeping the poker face), he seems like the cool type on the first glance. However, inside of him boils the blood of someone from Kansai and when the talks of all members unfold, it is not rare that he shows mischief and livens up the place. Also, he is a passionate person with a hidden fighting spirit and his serious personality peeks through here and there. Also in the announcement video of his return, his sincere words of “I’m truly sorry for letting you wait so long, but from the bottom of my heart I really really wanted to meet JAM.” “From now on, all 11 of us have started anew and we are going to work hard to make our way to JAM. By all means please continue to support all 11 members of JO1.” were impressive. Also when he appeared on “Odoru! Sanma Goten!!”, which was broadcasted on 13th July 2021, he carefully listened to Akashiya Sanma’s talk and made proper responses. Looking at various interviews, his talking has a good balance of answering frankly and precisely which conveys his integrity.

This sincere personality is essential for the group to make further progress. Furthermore, Kinjo‘s singing is also indispensable for JO1 after all. With no experience he joined “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN”, but he steadily achieved success in the vocal position. His development never stopped since he became a part of JO1 and now he displays a strong presence as part of the “vocal line” along with the main vocals Kono Junki and Yonashiro Sho. He also made a solo appearance in the “ATELIER” series that was uploaded in March last year, performing a Korean version of JO1’s song “GO”. In his gentle and soft singing, in which a slightly sexy bass sounds, you can feel a different virtue compared to both Kono and Yonashiro. In a previous interview he called his own role “ a spice like black pepper”, but you end up feeling his brilliance is more than just a “spice”.

Kinjo is still 21 years old. His future is infinite and his characteristic hard working side will allow him to grow even further. I wish for him to be active as an artist for a long time while taking good care of his own pace.

[JO1] Eiga Navi 220215

Questions to chase JO1’s true faces

Kawashiri Ren x Kawanishi Takumi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I promise to make all JAM smile and happy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When we asked him for a future promise to JAM…

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

Ohira Shosei x Shiroiwa Ruki

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just like a parent of 11 kids.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[JO1] Nikkei Entertainment 220204

Kawashiri Ren
The future challenge the dance leader has set for the team

As the performance leader Kawashiri Ren leads JO1 with his high level dance skills. He detailedly understands each member’s dancing and strives to achieve the highest synchronization level in Japan. With a smiling face that had some relief mixed into it, he said “As a group we are finally on the same page”.

We are a group born from an audition program, so we did not debut upon having a system as a team to some extent. In the beginning, there were also difficulties because we were careful of each other and there was a difference in our experiences. But, finally I feel our self consciousness as a group has solidified. I felt that the most at our lives “OPEN THE DOOR” (November ‘21). I was really happy to see that we have become one as a group and this was tangible. Finally everyone holds the same assets, so I feel like we should do everything more aggressively from now on.
Speaking from the performance side, I personally think that in addition to aligning the dancing, our task is to bring out each one’s qualities more. It’s the era of enjoying music not just with your ears but also with your eyes. Thus, I want to go to the bottom of making the dance like the 11 members are aligned from afar, but when you get closer the best of each one’s individuality stands out. So far, I had been so desperate that I had no room to think about that far ahead, but now we also have a junior group and I want to move to the next level.

I want to be a good influence to the lives of a lot of people.

I was happy that I was able to appear along with my former dance companion Kimura Masaya from INI at the Korean music awards “Mnet ASIAN MUSIC AWARDS” in December. Once, when we ate together, he said “I also want to do this” after watching my activities with JO1. Since before I was performing, hoping that someone would think “Music is so much fun. I should try it too”, after watching my performances. Thus, that someone close to me actually thinks like this makes me emotional (laughs). In the future I want to take more responsibility and change the lives of more people for the better.
Right now, Sukai is taking a break. We are in contact and also see each other from time to time. Sukai is a really kind kid and thinks a lot, so it could be that he ends up feeling guilty. Everyone also talked about how important it is for the 10 of us to work together so that Sukai can come home feeling at peace after taking his time. Moreover, if our degree of recognition or our friendships decrease during Sukai’s absence, we wouldn’t be able to face Sukai.
Our biggest strength is truly that amazing fans are at our side. No matter what we do, they support us with a huge enthusiasm. Thus, I strongly feel that “I want to surpass JAM’s expectations”. Also at the lives we noticed a lot of people crying, so we felt once more that we want to be someone who makes them think “I’m glad to be with them”.

Kawanishi Takumi
I want to seize everything positively and enjoy life

At 22 years he is in the middle of the member’s ages. He says that receives smiles and energy from the younger members and learns a lot from their high level professionalism. The days of just desperately doing what he was told have passed and nowadays his determination and hunger have come out. His goal for the third year is that no matter under which situation, he wants to have a positive mind and “enjoy life”.

In these two years, my way of approaching my work has slowly changed. In the early times, I felt like I just did what I was told without understanding what was happening. Now, my own determination has come out just as a lot of things I want to do. The hunger of wanting to become even better, of wanting to bring it to even more people has appeared. I want to improve my singing and dancing skills, and also my talking skills even more. Because in the beginning I couldn’t say anything (laughs). Compared to back then, it has become better, but I think there has to be more improvement.
I’m pretty much in the middle in terms of age in JO1, but the younger members always cheerfully make me laugh and I receive energy from them. I really respect the older members’ high level of professionalism to get things done when they have to. It made me think that I need to be more aware of what I’m doing. Originally, I treasured my time alone, but nowadays the members’ presence has become something natural, so each day is fun and no matter what happens I talk and laugh with everyone, and I’m enjoying my life.

If you want to entertain people, you have to enjoy it yourself

Additionally, my personal goal for the 3rd year is to experience various things and whatever comes, I want to seize it positively and enjoy my life. I think everyone has the feeling of not enjoying to keep looking back at the same thing, but in the midst of this, I want to focus on the small blessings and enjoyments and be active to make people feel happiness. Since starting this job, I think that if I want to entertain people, I have to enjoy it myself and I’m conscious of thinking as positively as I can. I think if you just show the same side of yourself over and over, JAM also won’t enjoy it, so also as a group we should show a completely different JO1 and raise our performance level.
A new side of JO1 is us appearing in a drama and movie, right? It was the first time to do full-scale acting in Amazon Prime Video’s “Short Program” (Stream start on March 1st). Before the acting job I used to say recklessly “I want to do acting!”, but through this job, I realized how difficult acting is and how amazing our seniors are, so I started to feel “It’s not something easy to say(laughs)”. What I need to put first, are JO1’s performances, but I think acting is the same thing in terms of conveying something to people or moving them. No matter what I do, I do not want to forget this feeling.

LAPONE ENTERTAINMENT CEO Choi Shinhwa
2 years of continuing to evolve. Challenging to strengthen the “individuality” and making a full-scale entry into the overseas market in the 3rd year.

JO1 made the record of surpassing half a million for the first time with their 5th single WANDERING. Groups born from an audition program tend to have their peak in popularity right after their debut, while JO1’s popularity and fame are soaring. How would one analyse the reasons for that?

Regarding this trait of groups from audition programs, I also felt fear the whole time. I think you can sum up the main reason for their continuous growth in sales and recognition is that each one of the 11 members is always working hard. They are really greedy. With the constant attitude of “We are not satisfied with ourselves”, they go through their practises over and over and I often have the opportunity to talk with them, but they frequently tell me their opinions and suggestions, such as “If we did it more like this, it would be better”.

I think a big factor is also that the 11 members have been unified as a team. It is a part that the members themselves, me and the staff always keep in mind. What I told the members since the moment of their formation, is that “You are one group made of 11 members“. So if someone does well, it benefits all members, and on the other hand, if someone does badly, everyone is at fault and they are jointly responsible. If there are 11 members, there might be arguments, too, but I want them to properly talk with each other and solve it. Nowadays, the atmosphere at the locations is also really good.

It was something created through the efforts of each day, but I think (Kinjo) Sukai’s hiatus is also a big factor. The mindset that when Sukai returns we want to prepare a place to properly welcome him back was born. Also at their first solo live shows “2021 JO1 LIVE ‘OPEN THE DOOR’” I said, “In reality only 10 people stand on stage, but I want you to think of it as 11 people standing there.”, but I believe that even when I didn't say so, they had exactly the same feeling. I think that the accumulation of such feelings unifies the team and leads to improving the performance, and increasing the number of fans, creating a virtuous circle.

Another thing is that there was a synergy with “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SEASON2” (from which INI was born, who debuted on 3rd November 2021). I think when SEASON2 started, the JO1 members felt anxious. However, I was clearly convinced that there will be a synergy between the two groups. Indeed, while watching SEASON2 there were quite some people who got interested in JO1 and the previous season.

Writing this, it sounds like everything went well, but in fact, right after their debut Covid-19 had a huge impact and they started with a completely different schedule. With an unclear future change after change was made, but what was the priority in this situation?

The first thing we did was to utilize SNS, including YouTube. I remember that about 130 videos were uploaded on YouTube in the first year, 2020. To say it in another way, we thought that our task was to reverse the industry wide stagnation due to Covid, and to establish JO1’s popularity as much as possible during this period, so we did a lot of video content and Instagram livestreams. This is something we are still working on with the same awareness.

Further, in order to make full use of sending out what we can, we actively work hard on TV and other broadcast appearances in addition to SNS. I think the number of programs in which the members have appeared separately has quite increased.

We wanted to provide a spectacular stage.

However, the hard thing was, besides the fact that they had achieved their dream of debuting, the members could not do any of the activities they had dreamed of. I was worried that their mood would go down, and I especially feared that not being able to perform would have a big impact on their motivation. Thus, it was really good that they were able to have lives this time, and their motivation was also raised by them, saying “I want to do it again.” or “I want to tour throughout the whole country.”.

The reason for letting them wait and limiting it to Makuhari Messe only was my desire to provide them with a proper and spectacular stage for their two years of hard work. Whether it’s better to let them stand on a half finished stage or to aim for a spectacular one even if the number is small, I think this depends on your way of thinking.

The third year of increasing challenges. Choi CEO always said “The top priority in the first two years is to strengthen the group itself and to expand the individual activities in the third year” but…

The job of us, as their agency, is to find and develop their abilities. Hence, we want to provide opportunities for the members to actively learn what they want to do.

To be concrete, a lot of them talked about wanting to learn languages. There are some members who want to do voice acting and (Kawanishi) Takumi and (Shiroiwa) Ruki said they want to try acting. There are also a lot of members who learn song and lyrics writing, but I don’t know if they will be able to immediately release it just because they made it. I’m also telling them to submit their work beforehand and that I will treat them as one of the creators and that it will be screened and decided whether it will be released.

(Kawashiri) Ren spends his time teaching the members as their dance leader, but he is thirsty to have more time and opportunities to improve his own dancing as well. Mame (Mamehara Issei) also said he wants to improve his dancing.

We are always thinking of expanding overseas. In 2022, we are advancing the strategy of using YouTube and other media to reach a certain county. There are a lot of parts that depend on Covid, but if everything goes as planned, we expect to show real performances in various countries.

Starting with JO1, a series of audition programs have started to follow and the boy group industry is prospering.

It is an interesting phenomenon that the whole industry is stirring up, isn’t it? It’s something good for the people who are aiming to become an idol or artist to have a wider range of choices and it makes it easier for new talented people to emerge. I hope that not only us, but also various other companies and groups could come together and bring it to the max.

[OWV/JO1] Honda Kosuke about Kawashiri Ren in PDJ S1

[OWV] Natalie music 211013

https://natalie.mu/music/pp/owv

Explaining their unique colours in detail. An interview that analyses all songs from their 1st album “CHASER”.

OWV’s 1st album “CHASER” was released on October 13th.
Honda Kosuke, Nakagawa Katsunari, Urano Shuta and Sano Fumiya met at “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN” that took place in 2019 and announced the formation of OWV in April last year. Based on the feeling of “becoming an incomparable group that can’t be copied and taking the victory in this world”, they impress their audience with their high quality performances in dancing, singing and rapping. They celebrated their first anniversary this September. On their album 10 songs are featured including the previously released 4 singles. This CD is a record of OWV’s growth and their strong commitment to the future.

Natalie has developed OWV goods two times, but it’s the first time for them to be featured on a special page of Music Natalie. Exactly because the 4 members of OWV deeply engage with the content of the songs while selecting the demos, and have a determination regarding their performances, we asked them to listen to each song in detail and comment on the whole album.

01. CHASER

In the album, there are songs included that you performed for the first time at the live concert in April. Is it correct to say that the songs were created early on with the album in mind and then performed some of them live?
Kosuke: That’s right. In addition to the 1st single “UBA UBA” until the latest one “Get Away”, there are 6 new songs, but among those the 3 songs “My Flow”, “Party” and “Fifth Season” were created half a year ago and those are songs that we have been developing at lives together with QWV (as the fans of OWV are called). I think it has become an album that embodies everything that has been on the road that we walked along with everyone and what is OWV now.

It’s a quite aggressive album both in terms of the genre and what you are singing about.
Kosuke: Yes, it is.

The first song, which is also the lead track “CHASER” is a song that strongly emphasizes that kind of aggressive attitude. OWV’s root of “becoming an incomparable group that can’t be copied and grabbing the victory in this world” seems once more boldly propagated.
Kosuke: At first, we wanted to showcase “this is the route we have walked on until now” once more. Together with wanting to bring out “OWV’s colour” in this album, we discussed with the staff “what could be our music?”. What came out based on this idea was the lead track “CHASER”. The lyrics have a provocative feeling and following the title “CHASER” the will of “chasing the people before us and surpassing them” is included. The song is a compilation of our first year and thought on the second year.
Katsunari: I think it’s a song that has an impact and has a contemporary sound. The song itself is the image of our colours.
Shuta: The song was written with the intention of making it the first one of the album, so an important point was the impact of the intro. Just by listening to the intro the picture of OWV coming from the bottom to the top comes to your mind.
Fumiya: When I listened to the demo for the first time, I thought about how the dance would become first. How can we express this song in dancing? This song is the perfect way to express our will in a sense and I thought it’s a track that fits to the current trend of having a drop that easily remains in your ears. Because we want to absorb the world’s trends where we can and aim to make our own unique music.

Since the debut song “UBA UBA” you show the attitude constantly that you flexibly absorb the good things regardless of the genre and you create your own music. For example, when Sano-san said about the dance of “UBA UBA”: “We mix a K-Pop like feeling of showing a clean silhouette with a J-Pop like feeling of staying close to the lyrics. This left an impression on me.
Fumiya: That’s right. I think a turning point was our 3rd single “Roar”. The 1st single “UBA UBA” felt like “Let’s start from here!”. Then with the 2nd single “Ready Set Go” we set off and with “Roar” we were able to fully express our main ambition that we have imagined from the start. While following the nuance of “Roar”, “CHASER” also includes the mind of overthrowing your uppers from “UBA UBA”. That’s how I imagine it.
Katsunari: Absolutely this.

It’s okay not to reveal it here, but there are a lot of gimmicks in the lyrics of this song, aren’t there? There are some hidden words.
Shuta: I hope that all QWV will notice “ah that’s in it!”.
Kosuke: When I saw the lyrics that were written for us, it felt pretty good to have some playfulness in such an aggressive song. Putting a lot of power into it while being playful behind the scenes is typical for OWV. We are fighting, but there is some sense of freedom. Our costumes this time were also quite sharp, but there was a soft material used for the belt.
Shuta: It’s a cummerbund.
Katsunari: Eh? Honda-kun, isn’t your costume unbuttoned?
Kosuke: Ah… It's also playful not to fasten a single button.
Fumiya: I hope that like this you will notice the gimmicks in the lyrics (laughs)

(laughs) The choreography was made by Keone Madrid who has also worked with Justin Bieber and BTS. Do the members come up with who is asked to do the choreography?
Fumiya: That’s right.
Shuta: Upon hearing the song, we consulted whether this choreographer would fit to it.
Fumiya: I feel like regarding dancing each country has its speciality. For our songs until now we asked choreographers from Japan, South Korea and the USA. For example, the work of a Japanese choreographer, there are a lot of dances that are unified but respect the individual. I also have the impression that they are good at making choreographies that allow you to communicate with fans. A choreo made by Korean choreographers has the characteristic of showing a formation in which everyone’s movements are aligned. Rather than enjoying the choreography together, the dancers show a performance and draw in the audience. American choreographers might be brilliant in balancing these two sides. If it’s an absolutely aligned choreography, it’s not something that can be freely shown individually. When we practised “CHASER”, this manner has been difficult. However, what is most important in the works of American choreographers is passion. We are only 4 members, so we are conscious of how to create a unique performance that can compete with big groups in terms of physics and passion.

02. UBA UBA

On August 31st, there was the 1st anniversary of the release of the music video for UBA UBA and I saw the Twitter trend of QWV celebrating this.
Shuta: We are really thankful for this.

I think it’s a song that is also treasured by QWV as OWV’s starting song, so once again what kind of song is “UBA UBA” for you?
Kosuke: After all, I think that the debut song is not something that will fade away for many years to come. It’s a special song that we have a lot of feelings for and it’s surely something that won’t change in the future. The debut song will be the one where we can feel our growth the most, so I think it will have some flavour when we sing a few years later.

Starting with “Tokyo Girls Collection” last year in September, it’s the song you have performed the most.
Shuta: Yes we were able to perform it a lot.
Fumiya: Even at OWV SUMMER LIVE 2021-WIND- in August, the reaction of QWV towards “UBA UBA” was huge besides the fact that they couldn’t voice it. Compared to the time of “Tokyo Girls Collection”, we sing, dance and express ourselves with facial expressions now, so I think the way we show ourselves has evolved, too. Performing the song for a year, I think our emotions and feelings towards OWV are more strongly communicated in the debut song “UBA UBA”.
Katsunari: Some time ago, I had the feeling that I wanted us, who have grown, to record “UBA UBA” again.
Kosuke: That’s good. I want to do that in time for some anniversary.

03. My Flow

When you performed “My Flow” at the live in April, the catchy chorus stayed in my ears after just listening once to it.
Kosuke: Just like we wanted it (laughs).
Shuta: From the start “My Flow” is a song that was created with having lives in mind, so it is a song that has an element of having fun with the fans in a call & response manner, and that perfectly hits a coolness that’s typical for OWV.

It’s a song that has both catchiness and also a core of strength saying “I continue to move forward on my way”, isn’t it? The rapping that hits that feeling is also very powerful.
Katsunari: The track itself has an up tempo feeling and especially the chorus feels catchy and popish, but in the lyrics there are exactly the feelings that we want to convey.

The words “So shining with you” are in it, so you can also feel the message that you want to move forward with the fans together.
Fumiya: For example, “PARTY” or “What you waitin’ for” (featured on the 3rd single “Roar”) are songs in which we can enjoy the music together with the fans and on the other hand, songs like “Roar" are meant to show the performance. Yet, I think “My Flow” is a song that has both aspects, so you can enjoy it together while showing the performance. If you compare it to baseball positions, among the 10 songs of the album, it’s like the shortstop.

Of course. “My Flow” ranked on the top in the fan voting of “Songs you want to hear at a live” that took place for the lives in August.
Fumiya: “My Flow” was written with lives in mind, thinking “if there is this kind of song, everyone will be excited”, so we were happy that it ranked at the top of the voting. I felt that our mindset and the one of QWV are on the same vector.

I think also the choreography, which is a combination of cool and cute, might be a reason for its popularity. For this song and the 4th single “Get Away” which is also featured on the album, ReiNa-san was in charge of the choreo, but did you have the chance to talk to her directly?
Fumiya: Yes. It was made while we communicated with each other. For “Get Away” we asked her to emphasize on the rhythm and groove, so that there is an atmosphere of having fun with QWV.
Shuta: It seems like everyone can imitate the choreography of this song.
Fumiya: There is a turmolish part after the chorus. so once the pandemic is over. it would be nice to dance around with everyone (laughs)

04. Get Away

The 4th single “Get Away” has a new taste that has never been seen before for OWV. It’s a fresh summer song that you can listen casually to.
Shuta: We got quite the response for this song. Since the release of the teaser,I felt that the fans like it. We also had the new discovery that “They also like this kind of OWV”.

It might be because the impact of “PARTY” and “What you waitin’ for” at the 1st live was quite strong that when the theme “OWV’s summer” was announced, I actually expected some bouncy EDM like party tunes.
Shuta: You could think so (laughs)
Kosuke: But when we discussed “If OWV sang a summer song, what kind of song would it be?”. our unanimous image was a relaxed and fun song rather than a noisy one.

I think the message of “no matter if you are inside or outside, you can enjoy the summer” moved a lot of people this summer. Have you had the chance to talk with Lauren Kaori-san who writes the lyrics for OWV’s releases since the debut?
Shuta: We haven’t been able to talk with her directly yet.
Fumiya: We communicate with her through the staff of Universal.
Shuta: Regarding “Get Away” we were told that the theme is “Because of this time, you can’t go out and have fun, but you can enjoy a vacation at home, too.”
Fumiya: In the demo we got, the temporary lyrics were in English, and when we heard it we vividly felt “We want to bring it to QWVs” and choose the song. We wanted to make sure that in Japanese there is no discrepancy of the atmosphere we wanted to convey, so we let the lyricist know our requests including this.

05. Ready Set Go

The 2nd single “Ready Set Go” is a song that sings of a passionate love. During the interview for the 1st single “UBA UBA” you said “we were unsure whether it would have been better to do a mature song, but this time we made an aggressive song”, but I remember being blown away by the fact that the 2nd single was such a seductive song!
Kosuke: We quite showed our strong will with the 1st single and I think with “Ready Set Go” we showed OWV’s sexiness. We thought that “Ready Set Go” is an example of “mature sexiness”.
Shuta: It’s one of the most precious and romantic songs of OWV.
Fumiya: Also, regarding the dance, back then we entrusted the Korean LOOK-san with the choreography for the first time. With this song, we discovered the range of set ups and possibilities that only a Korean choreographer can offer for 4 members.

Of course, even when watching your lives or dance videos, I strongly felt that the formation and dynamic of this song is exactly because there are 4 members.
Fumiya: Right after our formation we thought that if people, who didn’t know us happen to see our performances, would feel that it looked better if we had an uneven number and a center, but at the time of “Ready Set Go”, we felt a response of “the four of us can do a performance that is as good as anyone else!” Rather (we think) it’s interesting that there is no center. Everyone feels like the center, so once someone goes into the center position, the vibe changes. For example, in a diamond shaped formation, the atmosphere is completely different depending whether Honda-kun or Shuta stands in the center.

06. Slam Dog

The song “Slam Dog” a strong hip hop song. The lyrics feel also provocative. You could say that OWV is referred to as “dogs”, right?
Shuta: Yes. In the song there is the desire that OWV stays strong in a rough slum.
Katsunari: It’s stuffed with the feeling “Without even slightly shifting we work hard and pursue the things we believe in.” Each time we release a new single, one of the featured songs is something we haven’t done before, something we think of “this seems a bit difficult” and a challenge. There is the determination that we want to grow as a group and also that we want to bring a new side of OWV to QWV. I think this time this challenge song is “Slam Dog”. Unexpectedly, we haven’t done this kind of intense rap song before. For example, Shuta, who is always our main vocalist, is in charge of rapping in this song. The 4 of us did a lot of research on how to express the lyrics and what we wanted to convey and challenged the recording.
Shuta: Just like Katsu-kun just said, so far I often sang melodious vocal lines, so “Slam Dog” was a new challenge. During the recording I got advice from Katsu-kun who is good at rapping and I did my best so that I won’t lose to the others.

Urano-san’s rapping was really cool.
Shuta: You listened to it?
Katsunari: You can’t do this interview, if you haven’t listened (laughs)
Shuta: Well, I’m embarrassed when people listen to it (laughs)

(laughs) I got chills at the end of the D melody, there is no sound for a moment and then Honda-san says “It’s not enough yet Gotta take all”
Shuta: It’s a song that makes the most of Honda’s deep voice, isn’t it? That’s really cool.
Kosuke: The time of figuring out how to use our voices and the flow of the rap in a trial and error manner has been a lot of fun. The practise was also fun. We all worked together and got to know that OWV can do this can of songs too.

07. Roar

You said that the 3rd single “Roar” was a turning point.
Shuta: I can clearly remember the time when this song was chosen.
Katsunari: The decision happened quite fast?
Shuta: Yes. “That’s it!”
Fumiya: It’s different for each one of us what we feel when we listen to the demos and based on the first impression we decide which one is good. From then on we discuss it and in the end we align our directions and release it. But for “Roar”, we unanimously agreed on it when we first heard it.
Kosuke: No matter when I hear it, it’s cool-
Shuta: It is really cool.
Katsunari: When I listen to it, I get into it.

There was a huge impact of the “wild noble men”, a combination of the “wild” and “young nobles”. The track, the message of the lyrics, the performance… All together I had the impression that this song established one of the shades that would become the core of OWV.
Kosuke: If I’m asked what song should first time OWV-listeners listen to, I would recommend “Roar”. It's a song that has OWV’s color. The current musical taste of OWV also largely comes from “Roar”.
Fumiya: It’s the cleanup hitter of the album!

08. Question

If songs like “Roar” which reflect a rough and straight forward attitude are OWV’s royal road, then the 8th song of the album, “Question” shows another new side. As expected I was surprised by the gloomy, R&B-tinged track, but also by the content of lyrics which keep on asking questions themselves.
Shuta: That’s right.
Katsunari: It was also new for us.
Kosuke: Until now, OWV didn’t dare to make R&B like songs on our royal road. In our first year since debuting there was the desire that we first wanted to deepen OWV’s own colour. It was a bit hard to try this with a single, but we thought it would be good to put an emotional song on the album that lets us take another look at ourselves. It was also a throwback like “We can also do this kind of song”.

What did you think about when you sang it during the recording?
Fumiya: So far OWV only looked ahead and sang daredevilish. bold, confident and challenging songs, but this song follows our paths closely. Our unique background is that we appeared on an audition program, were eliminated, came together as a group and started. For this we looked back on this way. While remembering our feelings and choices from back then, the troubles we used to have and also what happened last year which turned out differently because of the pandemic, we sang the song with the strong will of “We won’t lose for sure”. It’s about looking back at the past, (realising) that your chosen path was no mistake and this group will aim for the top!
Kosuke: It is reaffirmation, isn’t it?
Katsunari: Humans are not perfect beings, so I felt that by showing hesitation and conflicts, the charm of OWV becomes more profound.

It’s really a song that is true to life and makes you feel human. The listeners will be able to relate to your emotions.
Kosuke: That’s right.
Katsunari: It’s a tale of conflict, but in the end you move forward without giving up, so I think it’s something you can feel if you listen to it when you feel down.

Especially because it’s a song with an emotional atmosphere, you can feel the deepness of the expressions in OWV’s songs more. Through this year, I think that there was quite some effect on each one of your expressions in singing, but what do you think?
Kosuke: There is. I think the biggest thing is that I got a fundamental knowledge of music.
Fumiya: I think my singing has become distinctive.
Shuta: I got the role of the main vocalist and I think in any case you have to put strength into the songs. I’m trying to broaden my musical horizons by absorbing things from the other three members and by listening to western music which I barely listened to in the past.

Your acapella in “Scattered” which you did at the first oneman was amazing.
Shuta: Thank you very much. It was one challenge, but for me it was that I discovered a task, so I want those occasions to steadily increase and that I become stronger regarding my artistic and also my mental side.

During the “UBA UBA” interview, Nakagawa-san said that “Originally I wanted to be a vocalist when I decided to enter this world” and after this you were also quite often in charge of the vocals.
Katsunari: I’m really happy that I got the chance to be part of OWV’s vocal line and that those parts were given to me. I think I need to learn more and I want to research my own voice. I did it with a feeling that “So that I can bring even better music to QWV” and I think I made quite some progress in one year.

09. Party

On the contrary of the serious “Question”, there is the pop EDM-tune “PARTY”. That is a song made for lives, isn’t it?
Katsunari: Yes. That’s easy to understand, isn’t it?
Shuta: Cause we say “Make it big Are the preparations Alright?” It’s about after looking at your past one more time in “Question”, your troubles have been solved. Because “PARTY” is a positive song that says “Let’s go like this!”

“PARTY” is the song that ranked 2nd in the fan voting of the songs that they want to hear at a live concert and that’s exactly the role it is supposed to play at lives.
Katsunari: A well done one.
Shuta: It also seems like that it’s a song liked by a lot of people.
Kosuke: “PARTY” has made me realise a lot of things. When there is such a song, the variety in our lives broadens. I think it’s a song that adds some accent colour to the show. It’s like silver in Sentai. For me it was a new song and I enjoy performing it live.
Shuta: It’s a song that fans can enjoy at a live while it also feels like OWV has some kind of conversation with them. For example “It doesn’t matter what time it is Let it out Go outside” or “Like this for years to come Let’s laugh Side by Side”. It’s a song that makes you feel really good when you sing it because it’s about having fun with OWV and making each other laugh even when we are old men.
TN: In the Super Sentai series, each hero is assigned a colour and silver seems to be quite rare cause I didn’t even find a definition for it in wikipedia.

With “PARTY” and “What you waitin’ for” it feels like “OWV’s EDM” has been established. I think it has also become one of OWV’s colours.
Kosuke: That’s right.
Fumiya: But this colour is… like having drawn a circle with a pen just now.

What do you mean?
Fumiya: The inside isn’t coloured yet. Only the frame has been finished.

So there is still a lot more about OWV’s EDM.
Shuta: fufufu. I hope you look forward to OWV’s future EDM.
Kosuke: But we also often talk about “How is OWV’s EDM”, so it’s still our secret for now (laughs)
Katsunari: To make it short, you won’t be bored! Please anticipate it.

10. Fifth Season

Lastly, we come to the warm medium ballad “Fifth Season”. In the case of “Fifth Season”, Honda-san’s MC before performing it as the last song of your 1st live which celebrated the first anniversary of your formation was very impressive. “Please continue to be together with OWV in some way or another in spring, summer, fall and winter”.
Shuta: With what kind of feeling did you say it?
Fumiya: Can you say it again?
Kosuke: No, I can’t say it anymore (laughs).
Shuta: Because if you could say it smoothly, it would be like scripted (laughs)
Kosuke: However back then, even though we could barely meet because of the pandemic, all QWV have supported us in the one year since formation, and I compared the moment of us together to a “fifth season”. For us this song is a message song for all QWV and a song that has a lot of feelings. There are a lot of heartfelt words, so I feel it’s a song that the listeners can relate to in their daily lives. I would be very happy if everyone had their own emotional attachments to it.

In the lyrics there are the traditional Japanese aesthetics (Flower, bird, wind and moon) “The crimson flower blooms The bluebird sings The nostalgic wind blows Intoxicated by the crescent moon” and overall you feel the scenery of Japan’s four seasons. There are also the member colours.
Shuta: That’s right. In the chorus, (the lyrics) “the flower road where we hold hands” or “you wearing a yukata at the fireworks” gives you the simple feeling of going on a date. It’s a song about moving forward hand in hand.
Fumiya: If you look at it from our world, I think there is a perfect line between J-POP and K-POP. Yet, for us the stance is not to aim for one, but “we take up what is good”, so we felt it was good to sing about Japan’s four seasons here. I think the idea that we are not restricted by genre is connected to the unique kind of music that we aim for.

It’s wonderful to end the album with a medium ballad that is about OWV’s past and future.
Shuta: I think it’s a worthy song to end the album.
Katsunari: It has a warm feeling, right?
Fumiya: OWV don’t have many ballads or medium ballads. But I noticed that also in this song we were able to convey our positive attitude and message without a change. It is a song that has the message “We will wrap everyone up in your huge love and make you happy for a long time to come!”, so I feel that also in a medium ballad OWV’s core can be expressed without blurring it.

It was made as a message song for all QWV and even when watching from the sidelines, I think that OWV’s fans are truly lovely. Natalie had been developing goods for you, so via SNS we thankfully often received words of appreciation from QWV. People from the outside strongly feel that OWV is really loved, so I’m sure that four of you on the side feel that love very much.
Shuta: It’s really like that. We feel it and exactly because of this, the feeling of wanting to bring even better music grows stronger.
Fumiya: We made our debut from the position of trainees from an audition program and luckily there are a lot of people who supported us the whole time from back then until now. They saw our growth process the whole time so I think when we came to the surface, they watched over us like over their children and ended up worrying “Are you okay? Do your best”, but from now on we want to be a group about which everyone has no anxiety, feels confident and say “This is OWV!”.
Shuta: We want to be the kind of group that people are not ashamed to brag about to everyone around them.

One and a half years since the formation and one year since your debut has passed and now you are walking through the fifth season ahead of you, but how do you want to spend your second year?
Kosuke: In the first year there were a lot of things left and right that we didn’t understand, but we had a lot of our own discussions and we came to see a very clear vision for OWV. I think that the second year is going to be the year in which we make the most of it and take a step up, and I hope that everyone will follow us with anticipation. I want to say that just by following us, you make us happy.
Shuta: There is of course pressure in surpassing expectations, but OWV wants to overcome this pressure and we always want to betray QWV’s expectations in a good sense. Thus, showing that OWV truly loves QWV!
Katsunari: When I think about what kind of artists can attract people, I think about people who I always admired and I feel that humanity is important. Is there some kind of charm that oozes out from such people? For the activities in the next year, I want to work hard on becoming more charming as a human. I think that is also connected in making a step up as OWV.
Fumiya: Even during the one year when we were active, I felt that steadily more boys groups were born.
Kosuke: True.
Shuta: Because it’s the sengoku jidai.
Fumiya: Now we live in a world where being from an audition program is no longer a special title. It means that people who chase the same dream as us have increased opportunities to challenge themselves, so it’s something really good. We keep in mind that there are rivals in a good way and I hope that we can work hand in hand to make this generation’s scene more exciting from our second year on and beyond.
TN: sengoku jidai = The period of warring states from 1467-1615. A nearly constant period of civil war in Japan. In the case of boy groups, this term is also often used since the start of PDJ S1 since more and more groups from different backgrounds come into the market which used to be more or less dominated by 2-3 agencies.

Comments from creators involved in OWV’s music

ReiNA (choreographer)
• My Flow
• Get Away

Your impression of OWV
I felt that each one of them has his own colour and they are a group that has individuality. During the training, I thought it was great that all four of them worked so hard, actively asked questions and so on.

What you imagined when making the choreo, and what you focused on
The choreography for “My Flow” is intense, powerful and energetic.
Also, I made it a dance that is slow and wavy by letting go of the intensity in the song and by adding groove to it!
I made “Get Away” with the image of a refreshing summer! I especially like the movements of the chorus and it’s a choreography so that fans, friends and everyone can have fun together.

Show-hey (choreographer)
• Party

Your impression of OWV
All four of them have their own personalities, which makes it difficult.
Their relationship of them that consists of the coexistence of cuteness and coolness, seriousness and comedy and their team power of transforming a performance that diligently captivates the choreography and the song is amazing.
Simply, the range of their expressive power is wide.
Also, they are handsome.
That’s not fair.

What you imagined when making the choreo, and what you focused on
First of all, I imagined the whole song having a sense of being intertwined and each one having fun.
Then I made the form of four people who host PARTY gathering and scattering away, entertaining everyone and having fun, and in the chorus, I tried to bring a groove and catchiness into the intense movements, so that it feels more like a PARTY and the four of them are the main actors of it.
I also like the party sign that the four make at the beginning.

Lauren Kaori (Lyricist)
• Roar
• Get Away

Your impression of OWV
OWV who combine a prince-like feeling and a Boy Next Door one are cool of course, but I feel the affection from all the members as if they were close to me. Each one’s voice, dancing and also personality is wonderful and I think they are a group that makes you naturally want to support them.

What you imagined when writing the lyrics, and what you focused on
I kept in mind to make word choices that both songs flow smoothly when you take words as sounds. In “Roar” there are the feelings of the preciousness of each one’s difference and continue to aim high that these four can express. These are incorporated. “Get Away” has a cheerfulness that makes you forget your worries and it’s a reminder that even in this situation where the future is uncertain you can drop the burden and enjoy yourself.