JO1

Since their debut on March 4th, 2020, JO1 has dominated the charts and fans’ hearts with their smooth voices, polished dance moves, and out-of-this-world visuals.

Though it was unfortunate that the COVID-19 pandemic arrived days after their debut, halting several of their plans, the Japanese artists didn’t let that deter them. Within those five years, the 11-member group—Sho Yonashiro, Ren Kawashiri, Ruki Shiroiwa, Junki Kono, Keigo Sato, Takumi Kawanishi, Syoya Kimata, Shosei Ohira, Sukai “Sky” Kinjo, Shion Tsurubo, and Issei “Máme” Mamehara—skyrocketed to fame, with eight No. 1 singles on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart and winning numerous awards from Japan Gold Disc Award, Japan Record Award, MAMA Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards Japan. Their Greatest Hits album, BE CLASSIC, which was released on April 2nd, hit #1 on the Oricon Albums Chart, the Japanese music industry albums chart.

For their fifth anniversary last month, the group finished the North American leg of their World Tour in New York City and Los Angeles, completely selling out both venues. During their time in Los Angeles, they became the first J-pop group to perform at the Grammy Museum. Their next plans are to attend the United Nations Expo 2025 in Osaka to raise awareness for future generations on global issues and then return to Tokyo for their two sold-out concerts at the Tokyo Dome at the end of this month.

Listening to their music and watching their performances, it’s no surprise they have earned their spot in the music industry. After competing in the Japanese spin-off of the popular Korean idol competition Produce 101 Japan, these 11 members were chosen out of 101 contestants. Each brings a different style and personality to the group, yet together, they’re so in sync in their thoughts and movements. Their stage presence is filled with high-impact, razor-sharp moves, with a little edge and attitude that alludes confidence and perfection.

Following their Grammy Museum performance the night before, I met JO1 on a Tuesday afternoon in downtown Los Angeles during their day-long photoshoot. Their energy flowed differently from that of their idol personas; some came off a bit shy and quiet, and all were kind and humble. Their duality became apparent as I observed their photoshoot and interactions. The members greeted the photographer,  joking between themselves, but when the flashes began, they instantly transformed into the idols seen on their album covers and the stage. When they were done, they all relaxed and returned to their gentle state, bowing and thanking the staff.

The members made themselves comfortable in the dressing room and at the crafts tables between takes. Keigo and Shion played with their Nintendo Switches in the corner of the room, focused on the game at hand. Group leader Sho checked in on every member, from practicing English with Junki to giving Takumi a quick massage on his shoulders. Each member found a spot to decompress during their short breaks.

When it came to lunch, the group was enamored by the American food selections—grilled salmon, chicken pesto sandwiches, and a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. They seemed to enjoy the food, searching the vendor online with hopes of ordering from them again in the future. Syoya, the foodie of the group, recalled eating out often while in the States, saying it was one of his favorite moments on tour.

When they were given their drinks, Sho and Ruki commented on how different the ice in the US is from that in Japan. In Japan, the ice is crystal clear—as the filtering system differs greatly—while the US water has a cloudy white appearance. They observed the white ice closely and chewed on it, nodding in agreement at their observations. Sho proceeded to explain, “The water is very different. It’s much softer in Japan.”

As they continued their shoot, the members exchanged friendly banter, discussing their homecoming plans or what they wanted to eat later that night. Despite their nonstop schedule of performances and press days, none of the members showed any ounce of exhaustion or made any complaints. They seemed rather excited to continue as they prepared for our interview.

“We are not tired,” Sho tells Timid. “This is our first tour in LA and New York. Every new experience has been amazing. Our fans—[called] JAM—have always supported us.”

During our chat, the group was excited to talk about their first World Tour, their Grammy Museum experience, what they learned within these five years as a group, and the legacy they want to leave behind.

Timid Magazine: You’ve been to the US before for KCON and other festivals, but last month marked your first full concert tour in New York and California. What was it like to do your first world tour for American JAM, especially since we saw a snippet of you guys from KCON?

Keigo: It felt like we were keeping everyone waiting all this time. We are really happy we were able to accomplish this. We hope we can come more often as well.

TM: The Grammy Museum is such a big moment for many international stars—to be recognized by this organization. What does it mean to you being one of the first J-Pop groups to perform at the Grammy museum?

Ren: We’re so happy to see the fans at the Grammy Museum. Personally, we got to see the actual outfits that Michael Jackson wore. It was so nice to see them. We hope that in the next few years or so, our outfits will be shown at the Grammy Museum.

TM: Besides seeing JAM, what has been your favorite thing about touring the US?

Syoya: Shopping and eating out. I ate lobster rolls three times! It was very delicious.

Shosei: I liked [my time] at the hotel. I spent my time watching movies and anime.

TM: It has been five years since your debut. What have you learned in these years as an artist and group?

Máme: The importance of friends. We all feel the importance of friendship as a group. It’s the biggest lesson learned.

Ruki: I have learned the importance of human relations and experience, not to mention performance, and how to grow as a person.

Sky: I realized that having a place to stay after entering the dressing room is important.

TM: Your Greatest Hits album, BE CLASSIC, releases on April 2nd. What are you most excited to share from this release?  

Junki: The title song “BE CLASSIC” is sampled with Beethoven’s Symphony #5. People know [the music]. If you listen to the intro, people [will recognize it] and be drawn to the song. We also released an English version for the first time. It’s [so] exciting [for me].

Takumi: This is JO1's first best album, so I hope fans will enjoy it a lot.

Shion: The reaction of JAM when they hear the unit songs.

Máme: I think we can show you the growth of JO1 over the past five years with the best album to be released on April 2. I hope many people will listen to this album as it is filled with the best of JO1 up to now.

TM: You’re working with the United Nations to raise youth awareness about sustainable development goals, climate change, and many other issues. What was it like to be asked this? How excited are you to attend Expo 2025 in Osaka in April?

Sho: This is a big opportunity for us [to speak to] the younger generation. [The younger generation] are aware of the problems in the world. We wanted to do something creative and help everyone. We went to the corporation together and told them we wanted to approach younger generations because we are part of that generation. We [wanted] to communicate that through our performance, music, energy, and feelings. The UN opportunity was nice for us because we should be informed as young people in the world.

TM: With the release of your first Greatest Hits album and your work with the United Nations, what kind of lasting legacy do you want to leave as JO1?

Sho: Beyond the fans, the legacy [we want to leave] is very simple—love. JAMs have always supported us, and we give them the same love. Love changes the world, so we need more love [in the world]. We want our message to reach more people. We love JAM.

TM: What would you like to do as a group that you guys have not done yet? What’s a goal you’d like to do as a group?

Syoya: We’d like more people around the world, especially in other countries, to hear about us and learn about JO1.

Sho: We hope to perform on the stage of Coachella next year—2026. We hope! Of course, we want to perform at the Grammys.

Ruki: A five major Dome Tour in Japan.

Sky: I would like to perform with the Statue of Liberty in the background.

TM: What was your most memorable moment during this tour?

Sho: The most memorable moment was when I ate New York pizza. I think it was the cheapest New York pizza—99 cent pizza! But it wasn’t exactly 99 cents. It was $1.05 for one piece. So cheap, but so good. That was memorable.

Junki: My most memorable was at the Grammy Museum when I heard JAMs’ voices and screams. It was so [loud] that I couldn’t hear the music from my earphones. It was so crazy but I was so touched.

Takumi: It’s a difficult question. I went to a vintage clothing store and bought a vintage bag. [points to Sho] We bought it. It was a little expensive.

Sho: Just a little bit.

Takumi: It was super good.

Ruki: The performances were all amazing, but I got to go to Universal Studios Hollywood for the first time. That was something I enjoyed a lot.

Syoya: I know I mentioned lobster rolls earlier, but I actually [met up with] a friend from high school who lives in LA, and we [went] shopping. They even came to the live [show], which was really nice. So I really felt nostalgic, and it made me happy.

Keigo: At the Grammy Museum—out of pure coincidence—I was able to meet one of my favorite Krump dancers—the person that made me want to do that kind of dance. It was really the most exciting thing for me.

Shion: LA JAMs and New York JAMs. The JAMS gave the most energy.

TM: But you like the LA JAMs better, right? [Egging Shion on]

Shion: [pauses for a few seconds]  JAPAN! [pauses again for a few seconds, smiles] LA!!!

Shosei: I was able to see Times Square in New York. It was my first time, so I was happy to see it.

Máme: I ate a T-bone steak in New York, and I worked out every day. I was [also] able to try many things, but the most memorable was the live concert. I was happy to be able to feel the passion of the American fans again. It was impressive to see how they simply enjoyed the music as much as we did. Also, the nachos I had in New York were very delicious.

Ren: We had a concert on my birthday—March 2nd. We were able to have a performance on my birthday and I got to hear the fans and be with the group. It was a wonderful experience and a memory for myself.

Sky: I ate tacos with Syoya. It tasted so good. But, after eating tacos, I lost my phone twice. I panicked and ran around looking for my phone. I couldn’t find it. But then, I found it. For better or worse, I’ll never forget the taste of those tacos because of that experience.