More and more, we’re seeing a surge in popularity of Japanese music groups in the states and beyond, but among them, ONE OR EIGHT stands out from the crowd.
Since their debut in August of 2024, they’ve enchanted international audiences with their captivating sound and high-energy performances, and even made in history in September when they became the first Japanese group to ever walk the red carpet at the VMAs. Now, the eight-member ensemble—consisting of MIZUKI, NEO, REIA, RYOTA, SOUMA, TAKERU, TSUBASA and YUGA—is poised to make 2026 their biggest year yet.
They released a high-voltage new single, “POWER” on Jan. 7 leading into the drop of their mini-album, GATHER, out today, Jan. 28. Its lead single is the exciting “TOKYO DRIFT,” alluding to the beloved Fast & Furious series. Then, in starting April, they’ll tour across North and South America through May, bringing their iconic sound to new venues. It’s a super exciting time for the group and their fans, 1DERZ, and we got the chance to chat with them about recent achivements and what’s to come in the interview below.
(Photo credit: Avex Music Creative Inc.)
Sweety High: Can you each introduce yourselves and what you see as your roles in the group?
NEO: I’m NEO, and I’m a rapper in the group. Within the group, I focus on refining subtle nuances of expression and shaping our overall worldview. Beyond singing and dancing, I place importance on how we are seen and how our message is conveyed.
SOUMA: I’m SOUMA, and I’m a rapper in the group. I’m the youngest member!
TSUBASA: I’m TSUBASA from ONE OR EIGHT. I’m a vocalist and handle the high notes. I aim to be like the “accelerator” of the group—someone who pushes the overall momentum forward through performance.
YUGA: I’m YUGA, known for my profile and signature beauty mark. I handle the group’s sensual vocals.
REIA: I’m REIA, a vocalist, and the tallest member of the group. I may come across as easygoing, but I’m actually very thoughtful about the group and each member. I enjoy thinking about how we can improve and what kind of environment allows everyone to perform at their best. I’m good at reading the room, so I see my role as quietly maintaining balance within the group.
RYOTA: I’m RYOTA, please call me Lee. I’m a rapper, and I love bad-boy expressions. On stage, my role is to bring out rawness, impulse, and aggressive energy.
(Photo credit: Avex Music Creative Inc.)
TAKERU: I’m TAKERU from ONE OR EIGHT. I’m a vocalist and also serve as the dance leader.
MIZUKI: I’m MIZUKI. In ONE OR EIGHT, I’m a rapper, and I’m kind of like the group’s dad.
SH: Tell us about the GATHER mini-album. What are the prevalent themes across the mini-album, and why does the title GATHER represent them as a whole?
SOUMA: “Betting a lifetime on a single, real moment.” That idea lies at the heart of the title GATHER. It represents different lives coming together in one place. We believe there is meaning in coming together while supporting each other’s weaknesses and imperfections. This album is our declaration of intent—to move forward as eight, united.
TSUBASA: The title GATHER reflects the idea of coming together. Each member of ONE OR EIGHT has their own thoughts, ideals and vision of who they want to become, and this album brings all of those elements together with care. Including our weaknesses and unfinished sides, we move forward by supporting one another as eight. Through this album, we wanted to convey that mindset and determination.
(Photo credit: Avex Music Creative Inc.)
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SH: What new ideas or sounds do you feel you explored with the mini-album? What was the most challenging, and what was the most fun?
NEO: This was my first time filming an MV while wearing grills. It’s an expression I’d always wanted to try, so I was excited, but lip-syncing was quite challenging. At the same time, it felt like I was able to take a step into a new form of expression.
(Photo credit: Avex Music Creative Inc.)
RYOTA: Recording was the toughest part—and at the same time, the most rewarding. Because of how passionate I am about making music, the level and quality expected of us were extremely high. There were moments when I didn’t quite fit, and as a result, my parts were cut, which was honestly very frustrating. But when things did click, and I felt that sense of certainty, it was incredibly satisfying. Including those emotional highs and lows, this project left a very strong impression on me.
SH: What are each of your favorite songs from the mini-album? Why?
SOUMA: I honestly love every track. “Bet Your Life” feels the closest to expressing what ONE OR EIGHT truly represents. “DSTM” is especially meaningful to me because it samples Michael Jackson, whom I deeply respect. “365” is ONE OR EIGHT’s first love song, and I really love its fully melodic sound, as well as the instrumental in the final chorus—it just feels amazing to listen to.
TSUBASA: My favorites are “Tokyo Drift” and “Young & Reckless.” I’ve always loved the Fast & Furious series, so the sound of “Tokyo Drift” felt very familiar to me. When I found out we would be performing this track, I was genuinely happy, and I think the finished song turned out extremely well. “Young & Reckless” is the track I personally connect with the most in terms of both lyrics and sound. I was strongly drawn to how it captures youthful recklessness and the conviction that exists within it.
REIA: My favorite is “365.” Among all the songs we’ve made so far, it feels especially unique. In our previous MVs, we often focused on dance-driven performances, but with this song, we were able to show a more natural side of ourselves that we hadn’t revealed much before. I think it delivers a different kind of charm. The MV was filmed in the U.S., and it felt so relaxed that we almost forgot we were shooting—it was like traveling together as friends. Through that experience, I was able to get to know the members even better. I hope this song helps people reflect on their important relationships and their youth.
NEO: My favorite is “POWER.” It was the first time I was able to release a song under my own writer credit, and for my own team as well, so it became a very special track for me.
RYOTA: My favorite is “DSTM.” Because of this song, I was able to appear on a Korean program for the first time, and I had so many new experiences, including training and activities in Korea. It’s a song filled with strong memories and a sense of determination for me.
YUGA: My favorite song is “365.” It contains all the feelings we’ve had over our first year since debut. It’s a straightforward love song dedicated to our fans, 1DERZ, and I think it’s the track that most directly conveys our gratitude.
TAKERU: My favorite is “Tokyo Drift.” Just having a sound that represents Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift included as an official ONE OR EIGHT track is incredibly exciting to me. I’m a huge car enthusiast and a big fan of the Fast & Furious series—I’ve watched it countless times—so being able to express that world through our own music makes me really happy. It’s a song anyone can instantly vibe with, so I’d love for people to listen to it while driving at night.
(Photo credit: Avex Music Creative Inc.)
MIZUKI: My favorite track is “365.” It’s a song dedicated to our fandom, 1DERZ, and because of that, it holds a very special place in my heart.
SH: In September, you became the first Japanese group to ever walk the red carpet at the VMAs. What does it mean to you all to be trailblazers for Japanese music in America?
MIZUKI: Being able to go to the U.S. and actually walk the red carpet at the VMAs was truly an incredible experience. At the same time, not being able to perform there and directly share our music with the people at the venue was honestly very frustrating. That’s exactly why, if we’re given another opportunity to participate, we’re committed to making sure we perform and deliver ONE OR EIGHT’s music firsthand. We’re working toward that every single day.
REIA: Just being able to walk the VMAs red carpet—where so many of the artists we usually listen to gather—felt like a dream come true. Riding in a limousine for the first time in my life also left a strong impression on me. Watching the performances afterward, every artist was incredibly inspiring in terms of presentation, storytelling, and their passion for performing. I was completely blown away. At the same time, I felt a deep mix of admiration, learning and frustration. In that moment, a new dream was born: the next time we return to the VMAs stage, we want to come back as artists who truly perform there and leave a real mark.
(Photo credit: Avex Music Creative Inc.)
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SH: You’ll also be touring across North and South America throughout April and May. Is there anything you’re looking forward to most on the tour? What does it mean to the band to be a hit with audiences who might not speak Japanese, and who find something that transcends language in your music?
YUGA: I’m really excited for people to see us after we’ve leveled up even more. Even when we don’t share the same language, there are moments when people sing along, dance with us or communicate through gestures and signs while we’re performing. Experiencing that makes me truly realize that music has the power to connect people beyond language. We want to keep sharing our music with even more people around the world.
(Photo credit: Avex Music Creative Inc.)
TAKERU: Opportunities to visit North and South America don’t come around very often, so what I’m most looking forward to is meeting people there in person. The fact that our music reaches people beyond language barriers really shows how powerful music is. It makes me very happy to know that our feelings are being conveyed not through words, but through ONE OR EIGHT’s music itself.
SH: Any other big plans you can share for what’s ahead in 2026?
NEO: This year, we’re preparing new music releases and a live tour. On a personal level, 2026 is a year where I want to elevate the scale of my expression to the next level. Across music, performance, and visuals, we’re getting ready to make moves that will make people feel we’ve entered a new phase.
SOUMA: Starting in March 2026, we’re planning a tour titled GATHER across Japan, as well as North and South America. This year, we want to take on new challenges both as a group and as individuals. To our fans, 1DERZ—please look forward to what’s coming next.
(Photo credit: Avex Music Creative Inc.)
SH: Is there anything we should know about the new mini-album or ONE OR EIGHT?
TSUBASA: In our music videos and songs, we show a cool and edgy side of ourselves, but I think our private selves and everyday vibe have a different kind of charm. I’d love for people to check out our YouTube and social media to get to know a more natural, unfiltered side of ONE OR EIGHT.
MIZUKI: We’ve recently started posting content on YouTube as well. It shows a more relaxed and natural side of ONE OR EIGHT that’s different from what you see on stage or in our MVs, so I hope people will check it out. We usually try to look cool, but on YouTube you’ll see another side of us, and I’d be happy if people enjoyed that contrast too.
(Photo credit: Avex Music Creative Inc.)
Starting in April of 2026, ONE OR EIGHT are also headed out on a tour throughout North and South America. Click HERE for ticket information, with sales starting Feb. 9, and check out the list of dates below:
- April 8 – Los Angeles, California – The Roxy Theatre
- April 14 – Mesa, Arizona – The Nile Theater
- April 16 – San Antonio, Texas – The Rock Box
- April 18 – Fort Worth, Texas – Ridglea Theater
- April 22 – Mexico City, Mexico – Foro Puebla
- April 24 – Buenos Aires, Argentina – Vorterix
- April 26 – São Paulo, Brazil – Cine Joia
- April 28 – Atlanta, Georgia – Center Stage Theater
- April 30 – Chicago, Illinois – Distro Music Hall
- May 5 – New York, New York – Racket NYC
For even more on our favorite creatives in J-pop, click HERE to read our interview with Machu and Genta of Travis Japan on their new s’travelers album.
