All Eyes On JO1 as They Join Fans at The GRAMMY Museum to Discuss Their Global Success

Japanese group JO1 most recently completed three stops in North America during ‘JO1 World Tour - WHEREVER WE ARE’, visiting Los Angeles on March 1st, followed by New York on March 3rd and 4th. They followed the success of their three sold-out performances with a special visit to The GRAMMY Museum on March 10th, participating in the Museum’s Global Spin Live. Taking place in the Clive Davis Theatre, JAM, JO1 fanbase meaning ‘JO1 and Me,’ were treated to a intimate Q&A session, moderated by Lyndsey Parker, followed by a live performance.

Photo Rebecca R

The eleven members Yonashiro Sho (與那城 奨), Kawanishi Takumi (川西 拓実), Kawashiri Ren (川尻 蓮), Kimata Syoya (木全 翔也), Kinjo Sukai (金城 碧海), Kono Junki (河野 純喜), Mamehara Issei (豆原 一成), Ohira Shosei (大平 祥生), Sato Keigo (佐藤 景瑚,), Shiroiwa Ruki (白岩 瑠姫), and Tsurubo Shion (鶴房 汐恩), debuted on March 4th, 2020 with single “Protostar” after the members received an impressive 65 million votes to win Japanese reality show Produce 101. They have since gone on to achieve global success, and have produced eight #1 songs on Billboard Japan, along with receiving three MAMA Awards, including Favorite Asian Artist in 2022.

The group discussed their many challenges they faced debuting just shy of the Covid 19 Pandemic, the impact their music has had not only in Japan but amongst their global audiences, and how their relationships as a team has grown amidst their success. The night was also filled with laughs, as members playfully poked fun at one another, declared who would survive a zombie apocalypse and Keigo’s unwavering love of solo song “Banana.” Lighting up the small theatre, wearing black jackets dripping in reflective crystals strategically placed in various designs and denim pants embellished with matching stones, the eleven members filled the stage.

Starting on Produce 101 Japan, the members were chosen by a voting system after competing in various performance based challenges. Syoya joked in sincerity that the members were at first rivals competing for positions, but having gone through the process together they became a family. Fans and members erupting in laughter at Mame(Issei) admitting he at first did not like Shion, which only highlighted the members current closeness and fondness for one another. 

Photo Rebecca R

With the sudden onset of Covid 19 as the group was debuting they were asked whether those challenges slowed the momentum of the group and how they pushed through as they were just starting out. Having to take their journey online, the members relied on at home interviews and features while also creating video content for their fans. Ren stating that this only made them more hungry to perform onstage in front of fans.

In a battle of the coasts, members continued to excite Angelenos, and as fans jokingly pressured Takumi, he joyfully declared LA to be his favorite city, while Shion stated he would like to live and be born in LA. Others expressed their love for fast paced New York, “I also walk fast, like a New Yorker” states Sho. Takumi and Junki also shared their tale of purchasing memorabilia at Dogers stadium; and while Takumi patiently waited his turn in line for an hour, Junki, who spotted him in the long line, hopped the line to stand beside him, waiting just two minutes. 

Photo Rebecca R

During audience Q&A one fan asked who would survive a zombie apocalypse, the members quick to say Sukai, adding Ren and “muscle boy” Sho to the list of survivors. When a fan asked how to achieve more self confidence Shion proudly stated “Your life is so great. Take all that negative thinking and replace it with positive thinking. If you still need help, give me a call.” Fans quickly shouting for the artist to give them his number.

Currently on ‘JO1 World Tour - WHEREVER WE ARE’, members discussed preparations for bringing their show to life. Following four stops in Japan late last year, the members put together songs that were loved through each city, making each setlist a little different, catered to fans throughout the world. Shosei expressed that the group worried they may not have any fans in America, later sharing his thanks to those fans for providing them with energy at their shows.

While some fans may speak a different language Sukai emphasizes their passion in their performances and music, “we communicate through music, we use music to express [our] feelings to everyone.” Keigo shared the heartfelt sentiment that while the vibes differ in the US and Japan, the love the audiences share is the same.

Five years following their debut JO1 will release their first greatest hits album, BE CLASSIC, on April 1st. This album is a testament to the group's growth, as it is the first album where each member has had their hand in it's curation- contributing to the lyrics, themes and tones. Continuing to show their devotion to fans the BE CLASSIC track list will also feature songs selected by JAM, Keigo showing his disappointment in one selection not chosen, “Why not “Banana”?” he asks the crowd. To fans surprise the group announced title track “BE CLASSIC” will also be released in English, Mame expressing “we want to be more active globally," before joining in with the crowd as they erupted in roaring barks. 

The group completed the night delivering a booming performance, their energy exploding through the small theatre. Starting with 2024's “Icy,” JO1 went on to perform intricate dance number “Trigger”. The crowd waved along with the group to “Hideout,” before JO1 completed their set with booty bouncin’ “Eyes On Me.” 

Photo Rebecca R

JO1, a group formed by fans, continues to keep them included in their success. From catering tour setlists in each city and crafting an album around what fans want to hear, JO1 shows their love and dedication to JAM. In just five years the group has made their mark as a global success, only continuing to project upwards. We can't wait to see what the group will bring in the next five years, we hope to see them fulfill their wish of performing on the Coachella stage, and we will be right alongside as they continue their journey brining their passion and music to global audiences.

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