After the meteoric rise of K-pop, Japanese pop (J-pop) groups are stepping into the limelight, and at the forefront of this movement is BE:FIRST. This seven-member boy band is not just making waves in Japan but is also capturing hearts globally with their infectious tunes and stunning visuals. With albums like BE:1 and 2:BE under their belt, BE:FIRST is redefining the J-pop landscape, delivering catchy, intense, and exhilarating music that resonates with fans worldwide. If you’re a BE:FIRST enthusiast, here’s everything you need to know about this exciting J-pop group.
Here’s everything to know about the popular J-pop band BE:FIRST
1. BE:FIRST was formed through a reality TV show, The First
BE:FIRST emerged from the reality audition program, The First, in 2021. The group is signed under BMSG, a management company and label founded by the renowned Japanese rapper SKY-HI. Each member embodies the core values of BMSG: Brave, Massive, Survive, and Groove. Their formation was a testament to their dedication and talent, and they quickly began releasing singles that built anticipation for their debut album, BE:1. The album achieved remarkable success, topping the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart and earning a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan for selling over 100,000 copies.
2. BE:FIRST collaborated with K-pop sensation ATEEZ for the hit track Hush-Hush
Following the success of their debut album, BE:FIRST had the opportunity to collaborate with the popular K-pop group ATEEZ on the track Hush-Hush. This collaboration not only showcased their versatility but also helped them reach a broader audience. The synergy between the two groups was palpable, and BE:FIRST even opened for ATEEZ during their U.S. tour stop in Los Angeles, further solidifying their status as a rising star in the global music scene.
3. The band champions the motto ‘Japan to the world’
With a mission to elevate J-pop on the global stage, BE:FIRST embraces the motto ‘Japan to the world’. In a recent interview with Lifestyle Asia, member Shunto expressed their passion for blending international influences with their Japanese roots. He stated, “We all enjoy listening to international rappers and singers in our daily lives, and they have positively influenced us and our music.” This fusion of styles is a key element of their appeal, as they strive to honor both their heritage and the global music landscape.
4. Their fandom name is BESTY
Just as other iconic groups have unique fandom names, BE:FIRST has chosen to call their supporters BESTY. The name is a clever combination of the first two and last two letters of the group’s name, symbolizing the bond between the members and their fans. BESTY is a playful term that translates to “best friend,” reflecting the close-knit relationship they share with their audience.
5. BE:FIRST doesn’t have a set leader
In a departure from the traditional structure of many K-pop and J-pop groups, BE:FIRST operates without a designated leader. This unique approach allows each member to voice their opinions and contribute equally to the group’s creative process. This egalitarian structure fosters a collaborative environment where all members can shine, showcasing their individual talents while working towards a common goal.
6. Get to know the BE:FIRST band members
Junon
The oldest member of BE:FIRST, Junon, hails from a musical family, with his father having been in a band. Known for his impressive vocal range, Junon has undergone a remarkable physical transformation since the group’s debut, shedding over 10 kilos. He is a fan of K-pop groups like BTS, Stray Kids, and iKON, with Jimin and Felix being his favorite idols.
Leo
Leo, the group’s talented vocalist and dancer, has been passionate about performing since childhood. He trained under Avex starting in 2016 and even appeared as a background dancer in SKY-HI’s music video for “Don’t Worry Baby Be Happy.” His dedication to honing his craft is evident in his performances.
Ryoki
In addition to being a rapper, vocalist, and dancer, Ryoki is also an aspiring actor. He made his acting debut in 2022 with a role in High & Low the Worst X. Like Junon, Ryoki is a fan of Stray Kids, showcasing his diverse interests in music and performance.
Sota
Sota is the star dancer of BE:FIRST, having developed a passion for dance during his school years. He has an impressive track record, winning the World Hip Hop Dance Championship four times and accumulating over 40 dance awards from various competitions. Notably, he was also a background dancer for ATEEZ during KCON-Japan in 2019.
Manato
Another skilled singer and dancer, Manato has been performing since he was a child. He participated in the JUNON SUPERBOY contest in 2018, finishing in the top 30, which highlights his talent and determination to succeed in the music industry.
Shunto
Shunto is an exceptional vocalist with over a decade of performance experience. Before joining BE:FIRST, he was part of the trainee group HIGH-FIVE and had a prior connection with Ryuhei, as they were both members of a dance team called GEMSTONE in 2018.
Ryuhei
As the youngest member of BE:FIRST, Ryuhei brings youthful energy to the group. Before debuting with BE:FIRST, he was part of the group CoCoPoP from 2016 to 2017, gaining valuable experience that he brings to the ensemble.
(Hero and featured image credit: befirst__official/ Instagram)
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
