Travis Japan Talk Showing Off a Playful New Side of Their Artistry With ‘Would You Like One?’

Seven-member J-pop group Travis Japan have been international sensations ever since competing on America's Got Talent in 2022—and we've been following them every step of the way.

They've constantly showcased their growth and evolution as artists, most recently with a more youthful and exuberant approach with the release of  "Would You Like One?" in April. The energetic single also serves as the theme song for Tabekko Doubutsu: THE MOVIE (aka Dream Animals: THE MOVIE), a delightful animated film bringing Tabekko Doubutsu biscuits, a classic brand of Japanese animal cracker, to life. Genta, one of the members of Travis Japan, also lent his voice to the film as the Lion, making the tie-in even more perfect.

Travis Japan is also preparing to embark on their 2025 VIIsual World Tour, returning to the U.S. in July before heading back to Asia for special dates in September. Click HERE to learn more about the upcoming tour, and keep reading for our full interview with the group on the bright new track, the Dream Animals film, touring and more.

Sweety High: What does "Would You Like One?" mean to you all, and what do you hope it will mean to your listeners?

Machu: The lyrics include the word "itadakimasu" ["let's eat!"] and in the music video we are playing around in a ramen shop, both of which help connect fans and listeners to key representative cultural elements of Japan. Also, while it's always fun to dance and sing by ourselves we've never had a song with choreography that even little kids could dance to, so there's an entirely new energy for everyone to enjoy!

Chaka: It is a song that is conducive to the happiness of our fans as a part of their daily lives, just as much as it is for our own activities.

Shime: I hope this song will be one that pushes everyone listening to it to take a step forward or take on a challenge. The theme of Dream Animals: THE MOVIE is about teamwork, so I hope as the theme song "Would You Like One?" will encourages people to work hard together with others. It is a bright song in a different genre than anything we've attempted recently, and I definitely want to keep performing it live in the future at overseas venues. We've already performed it a few times as an encore during our current Japan tour, so I enjoy imagining how it would play during the main show.

Shizu: It is a cheerful song for me, and I think it is a song that I can listen to before eating because of the opening lyrics "Itadakimasu," which is the traditional prayer of thanks for a meal. It's a great song with a lot of positive energy that also serves well for first thing in the morning, so I hope fans will listen to it and cheer up when they're feeling down. Also, Travis Japan does a cute booty-shake during the dance that you have to check out!

Umi: I think it's fate that Genta brought us such a wonderful song through his film work and one with a tone that's different from a typical Travis Japan tune. Also, because it's poppy and catchy, I think it's a song that will be loved by many people, so I hope everyone listening will enjoy it as much as we do!

Genta: When we perform, we think about having fun singing as Travis Japan. For the listeners, I hope they can enjoy it freely whenever they want.

 

Also read about: J-Pop Sensations Travis Japan Talk Sophomore Single 'Moving Pieces' and Growing as Artists

 

SH: What are your favorite lyrics from the song? Why?

Machu: The lyrics "When faced with the greatest crisis ever / Let's dance it away / Shake it, shake it, shake it, ah yeah!" is a part that I sing, but pay special attention to the choreography as well as we wanted to express the sense of being under attack which was fun to pull together thematically.

 

SH: Can you share a fun story from the set of the "Would You Like One?" music video?

Shizu: A lot of the music video's story sequences were actually shot inside of a real ramen restaurant after-hours, but you could still smell the lingering aromas from the kitchen area. It made me so hungry that I was dying to sample the prop food the on-set staff had prepared. Such a "real" shoot doesn't happen very often, so it was a lot of fun.

 

SH: You've mentioned that the song serves as the theme to Dream Animals: THE MOVIE. What themes and ideas make the song the perfect fit?

Machu: The movie is a film that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, so I think this song is also suitable for the same! At the very least I hope to see everyone dancing!

 

SH: Genta also appears in the film as the voice of the Lion. What was your experience bringing that character to life? Did you bring that energy into the recording for the song as well?

Genta: I was excited to do the voice of Lion, a character known not only in Japan but also in the world as an animal cracker favorite, so I wanted to make his voice and personality one everyone would love just as much. The lyrics of the song are in line with the fun world of the Dream Animals, with just as many different flavors.

 

SH: You're headed back to the U.S. on tour in July! Is there anything you're looking forward to most? Is there anything fans can anticipate for these shows?

Umi: I am looking forward to going back to In-N-Out Burger! As for the show, last year the seven of us all participated in every song, but for this year's concert it might be a good idea to try some unit songs. At any rate, I hope everyone who comes to the concert will enjoy how much we've improved from last year and celebrate the music we make together for our second album.

 

Also read about: Travis Japan Discuss Their Single, 'Sweetest Tune,' and World Tour

 

SH: You've come a long way since you first introduced yourselves to American audiences on America's Got Talent. How does that feel?

Shime: It was a difficult but necessary time in getting ready for our debut, and being able to stand on the AGT stage not once but twice was a miracle in itself. Thanks to that and other opportunities we had while living in Los Angeles we learned and experienced a lot and earned the attention of our senpai and agency staff waiting for us back in Japan. Everything, no matter how challenging, made us into the group we are now.

(Image courtesy of Travis Japan)

 

SH: Do you have a final message for your fans pertaining to the new song?

Chaka: We love you! The love you give to us we plan to pay back 1000 times over when we see you in person in a few months!

 

For even more on Travis Japan, click HERE to read our interview with the group on their second album, VIIsual.