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Travis Japan
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Travis Japan is a Japanese boy band managed by Starto Entertainment.[1] Their name is a tribute to the American choreographer Travis Payne, who assisted in their 2012 group formation during the production of stage show Playzone'12 Song & Danc'n. Partii.[2] The group resided in Los Angeles, California in March to October 2022, to study English and train with local choreographers and vocal coaches.[3]
Key Information
History
[edit]2012–2017: Formation and member changes
[edit]In February 2012, while watching a play, Yoshizawa, Nakamura, Abe, Miyachika, Kajiyama and other Johnny's Jr were called to the rehearsal room, where they met with Travis Payne. Nakada, Kawashima, Morita, and Shimekake, active at that time as Jr. A, and who were later called "Older Brothers", were also there. By then, Travis Japan was formed with the five members mentioned first, whom were later called the "Younger Brothers", but in July it was informed that the nine would act as Travis Japan in Playzone'12 Song & Danc'n。Partii.
By 2015, they would continue performing in Playzone, but they would also be chosen as back dancers for Masahiko Kondō, Arashi and Tackey & Tsubasa.
By 2016, the subgroups' relationship as one group had not deepened, and they had even thought of appearing as "Older Brothers" and "Younger Brothers" in "Johnny's Ginza 2016" in May 2016, but reconsidered after the possibility of losing their job after the end of Playzone. Shortly after that, Abe expressed his intention of leaving. By October 2016's performances, the group was made up of 8 members. It continued like that until January 2017's "JOHNNYS' ALL STARS IsLAND", where this time, Nakada was the one mentioning his desire to pursue his dream.
Without Abe and Nakada, Travis Japan had 7 members working during their performances in 2017. In September's "Johnny's You&Me IsLAND", Morita was absent, leaving the group with 6 members. Information about the start of the Fuji Television variety show "Johnny's Jr.dex", as well as "Johnny's Happy New Year IsLAND" event in October lacked Kajiyama's name, leaving the group with 5 members. After that, at the performance of "Odaiba Odoriba Saturday and Sunday Playground" on November 18, 2017, 7 people appeared, including Genta Matsuda and Kaito Matsukura, who were active as back dancers for Sexy Zone and the stage performance "Endless Shock". The performance was actually an audition for Matsuda and Matsukura to see if they would join the group. They later revealed that they were told that for them to join, they would have to appear with the other five. The seven-men group appeared in the December broadcast of "Johnny's Jr. dex".
2018–2022: Pre-debut activities
[edit]In March 2018, on the "Johnny's web" official site, regular posts started on their blog. Official member colors were revealed in the "About" page. On August 8, 2019, they opened an official Instagram page. By October 10, 2022, they accumulated 980,000 followers.[4]
They became the first Johnny's act to perform with an overseas artist, when they participated as special guests at the "Austin Mahone Japan Tour 2019" on October 14 and 15, 2019. In 2019 they performed at the sold-out "Tora-ja ~ NINJAPAN" planned and composed originally by Johnny Kitagawa and directed by Hideaki Takizawa. The performance lasted for 3 years.
The group held their first Johnny's Jr solo concert at "Summer Paradise 2020", on August 1–10, 2020. They also performed at Arashi's last concert before hiatus, "This is Arashi Live", on December 31, 2020.[5]
"+81 Dance Studio" is the name of the YouTube channel opened on August 25, 2021, the first one for a Johnny's Jr. solo (group) act. Their performances there are of new dance versions of classic J&A artists songs. The first song dance-covered there was Arashi's "Love So Sweet".[6] They were the only Jr. group to perform at "Johnny's Festival – Thank you 2021 Hello 2022" on December 30, 2021, after receiving an offer from Arashi's Jun Matsumoto, who produced the event, as back dancers for KinKi Kids. On March 3, 2022, on an Instagram Live, members informed of their travel to Los Angeles, California to study. On March 28, 2022, they competed in the World of Dance Championship Series – Orange County 2022, earning third place in the team category and winning the Best Costume and Crowd Favorite categories. On July 13, 2022, they auditioned for America's Got Talent, qualifying for the live shows' semifinals on August 13. On July 19, 2022, Yoshizawa announced a temporary hiatus due to tendonitis, returning to activities after August 13.
2022–present: Debut and later activity
[edit]On September 29, 2022, it was revealed that they would be signed to Capitol Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music, and would make their worldwide major debut with their first single on October 28, 2022, first debut at the firm in nearly 11 months since Naniwa Danshi. The group opened a new official website, Twitter and TikTok. A solo YouTube channel was also launched [7] On October 10, 2022, the name of their debut song was released. A teaser of "Just Dance!" was released on their YouTube channel.[8][9][10]
Travis Japan got called back to perform on America's Got Talent in 2024, for their special Fantasy League show that aired 22 January 2024, singing their debut song "Just Dance", after having a disappointing performance and mixed reactions from the judges in their appearance at the semifinals in August 2022, which cost them a red buzzer vote from Howie Mandel barely at the start of their performance.[11][12][13] This time, they received praises from all the judges, especially from former Spice Girls member Mel B, who was their coach. Unfortunately, the group did not make it past the qualifying round.[14][15]
Members
[edit]Current members
- Kaito Miyachika (宮近海斗) - Chaka
- Kaito Nakamura (中村海人) - Umi
- Ryuya Shimekake (七五三掛龍也) - Shime
- Noel Kawashima (川島如恵留) - Noel
- Shizuya Yoshizawa (吉澤閑也) - Shizu
- Genta Matsuda (松田元太) - Genta
- Kaito Matsukura (松倉海斗) - Machu
Former members
Filmography
[edit]Television programs
[edit]| Year | Title | Details | Notes | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Travis Japan no JUST! Shin Nihon Isan | Two members of Travis Japan embark on a journey each week to uncover Japan's lesser-known treasures, while facing unexpected challenges. | [17] |
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak positions | Sales | Certifications | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPN [18] |
JPN Cmb. [19] |
JPN Hot [20] | ||||
| Road to A |
|
1 | 1 | 1 |
|
|
| Viisual[23] | 1 | 1 | 1 |
|
| |
| 'S Travelers |
|
1 | 1 | 1 |
|
|
Extended plays
[edit]| Title | Details | Peaks | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPN Cmb. [19] | |||
| Moving Pieces – EP |
Track listing
|
5 |
|
Singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak positions | Sales | Certifications | Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPN [29] |
JPN Cmb. [30] |
JPN Hot [31] |
WW [32] | |||||
| "Just Dance!" | 2022 | — | 7 | 4 | 28 | Road to A | ||
| "Moving Pieces" | 2023 | — | 4 | 3 | — | |||
| "Candy Kiss" | — | 4 | 2 | — | ||||
| "T.G.I. Friday Night" | 2024 | — | 7 | 2 | —[A] | Viisual | ||
| "Sweetest Tune" | — | 5 | 2 | — | ||||
| "Say I Do" | 2025 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
|
|
'S Travelers |
| "Tokyo Crazy Night" | 24 | — | ||||||
| "Would You Like One?" | — | 12 | 9 | — | ||||
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. | ||||||||
Promotional singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Peaks | Sales | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPN Cmb. [30] |
JPN Hot [31] | ||||
| "Level Up" | 2023 | — | 68 | Road to A | |
| "Crazy Crazy" | 2024 | 6 | 10 |
|
Viisual |
| "Fly Higher" | 65 |
| |||
| "Bo$$y" | — | 71 | |||
| "Disco Baby" | 2025 | 13 | 7 | 'S Travelers | |
| "Welcome to Our Show Tonight" | — | 40 | |||
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. | |||||
Other charted songs
[edit]| Title | Year | Peaks | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPN Hot [31] | |||
| "Still on a Journey" | 2023 | 65 | Road to A |
| "Burning Love" | 2025 | 80 | Lilo & Stitch (Japanese Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |
Original songs
[edit]| Title | Lyrics by | Music by | JASRAC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yume no Hollywood (夢のHollywood)[37] |
Ma-saya | Josef Melin | 1L0-3418-9 |
| Dance With Me 〜Lesson 1〜[38] | Komei Kobayashi | Figge Boström Josef Melin |
1L4-1272-8 |
| Happy Groovy[39] | Aya Harukazu | Takarot Didrik Thott |
1L7-0920-8 |
| Lock Lock[40] | Mine | O-Bankz Erik Lidbom Christofer Erixon |
1L9-7780-6 |
| VOLCANO[41] | Satoru Kurihara | Hikari
Geek Boy / Al Swettenham |
1M9-3827-8 |
| Talk it! Make it![42] | Komei Kobayashi | Josef Melin | 1N1-9560-1 |
| Namida no Kessho (Namidaの結晶)[43] |
Susumu Kawaguchi | Takashi Tsushimi Susumu Kawaguchi |
249-4116-6 |
| Unique Tigers[44] | Travis Japan | A. K. Janeway | 249-4117-4 |
| FREE YOUR MIND | Komei Kobayashi | Josef Melin | 1N8-4094-8 |
| BLUE MASQUERADE | Komei Kobayashi | José Manuel Moles Paula Guasp Roger Argemí Tutusaus |
1N8-6975-0 |
| Together Now[45] | Komei Kobayashi | Kenichi Sakamuro Figge Boström |
1N8-3838-2 |
| GET ALIVE[46] | Funk Uchino | Susumu Kawaguchi Steven Lee Drew Ryan Scott Jimmy Andrew Richard |
1O4-8163-1 |
| The Show[47] | Hikari | Hikari Samdell[48] |
1P3-4645-2 |
| BIG BANG BOY | Yui Mugino | Peter Ants Nord | 1P9-6630-2 |
| To the Top | Komei Kobayashi | Ronnie Icon Willie Weeks |
1Q1-5898-6 |
| Bring Back | Shun Kusakawa | Erik Lidbom Gustav Mared Michael Lee Cheung / MLC |
1Q1-5900-1 |
| Party Up Like Crazy[49] | Steven Lee | Steven Lee Takuya Harada |
1Q6-3994-1 |
Music videos
[edit]| Title | Year | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Namida no KESSHO | 2019 | [50][51] |
| Big Bang Boy | 2021 | [52][53] |
| Just Dance | 2022 | [54][55] |
| Moving Pieces | 2023 | [56][57] |
| Candy Kiss | [58][59] | |
| Level Up | [60][61] | |
| Okie Dokie! | [62][63] | |
| T.G.I. Friday Night | 2024 | [64][65] |
| Sweetest Tune | [66][67] | |
| Crazy Crazy | [68][69] |
Career highlights
[edit]Special events
[edit]- YouTube FanFest 2021 (December 11, 2021) Online[70]
- RISING JAPAN MUSICFEST (June 11–12, 2022) Silverlakes Sports Complex[71]
- Anime Expo (July 2–4, 2022) Los Angeles Convention Center[72]
- Nisei Week(August 14, 2022) Los Angeles[73]
- UNIK Asia Festival (December 10, 2022) Central Harbourfront, Hong Kong[74]
International TV programs
[edit]- The Shonen Club (2012 - ) NHK BS Premium[75]
- America's Got Talent (season 17) (July 12, 2022) NBC[76]
Dance contests
[edit]- World of Dance Championship Series Orange County 2022 (March 27, 2022) House of Blues Anaheim[78]
- Prelude Las Vegas 2022 (May 28, 2022) Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall[79]
- World of Dance Championship Week (July 29–31, 2022) The Source OC[80]
Concerts and solo shows
[edit]- Odaiba Odoriba Sat/Sun Asobiba (November 18–19, 2017) Odaiba Wangan Studio[81]
- Johnnys' Jr. Festival 2018 (February 26, 2018) Yokohama Arena[82]
- Summer Paradise 2018 (August 18–24, 2018) TOKYO DOME CITY HALL[83]
- Travis Japan Concert 2019 〜Present〜 (March 26, 2019) Yokohama Arena[84]
- Johnnys IsLAND Festival (May 25–26, 2019) Saitama Super Arena[85]
- Summer Paradise 2019 (August 10–22, 2019) TOKYO DOME CITY HALL[86]
- Austin Mahone Japan Tour 2019: Special Guest Opener (October 14–15, 2019) Yokohama Arena[87]
- Summer Paradise 2020 (August 1–10, 2020)[88]
- Travis Japan LIVE 2020 ENTER 1234567 (September 26–27, 2020) Yokohama Arena[89]
- Travis Japan Live tour 2021 IMAGE NATION (March 22 - July 16, 2021) 12 City / 33 Venue National Tour[90]
Stage
[edit]- PLAYZONE'12 SONG & DANC'N。PARTII。(July 9 - August 10, 2012) Aoyama Theatre[91]
- Live House Johnny's Ginza 2013 (May 20–21, 2013) Theatre Creation[92]
- PLAYZONE'13 SONG & DANC'N。PARTIII。 (July 3 - August 10, 2013) Aoyama Theatre
- ANOTHER (September 4–28, 2013) Nissay Theatre[93]。
- PLAYZONE→IN NISSAY (January 7–28, 2014) Nissay Theatre[94]
- PLAYZONE 1986...2014★Thank You! 〜Aoyama Theatre★ (July 6 - August 9, 2014) Aoyama Theatre[95]
- ★Farewell!〜Aoyama Theatre★PLAYZONE 30YEARS★1232 (January 6–22, 2015), Aoyama Theatre[96]
- Johnny's Ginza 2016 (May 2–6, 2016), Theatre Creation[97]
- ABC-Za 2016〜OH&YEAH!!〜 (October 5–27, 2016) Nissay Theatre[98]
- JOHNNYS' ALL STARS IsLAND (December 3, 2016 - January 24, 2017, Tokyo Imperial Theatre[99]
- Johnny's Ginza 2017 (May 6–10, 2017) Theatre Creation[100]
- JOHNNYS' YOU&ME IsLAND(2017年9月6日 - 30日、帝国劇場)[101]
- ABC-Za Johnny's Legend 2017 (October 7–28, 2017) Nissay Theatre[102]
- JOHNNYS' Happy New Year IsLAND (January 1–27, 2018) Tokyo Imperial Theatre[103]
- JOHNNYS' King & Prince IsLAND (December 6, 2018 - January 27, 2019) Tokyo Imperial Theatre[104]
- TORA JA-NINJAPAN- (November 2–10, 2019) Sunshine Theatre / (November 15–24, 2019) Kyōto Shijō Minami-za / (November 26–27, 2019) Misonoza / (November 30, 2019) Ueno Gakuen Hall[105]
- Johnny's World Happy LIVE with YOU (March 30, 2020) Tokyo Dome[106]
- Johnny's World Happy LIVE with YOU Jr. Festival 〜Wash Your Hands〜 (August 26, 2020)[107]
- TORA JA-NINJAPAN 2020 (October 10–27, 2020) Shinbashi Embujo[108]
- TORA JA-NINJAPAN 2021 (October 6–28, 2021) Kyōto Shijō Minami-za / (November 3–27, 2021) Shinbashi Embujo / (December 1–8, 2021) Misonoza / (December 11–12, 2021) Hiroshima Bunka HBG Hall[109]
Notes
[edit]- ^ "T.G.I. Friday Night" did not enter the Billboard Global 200, but peaked at number 105 on the Global Excl. US.[33]
References
[edit]- ^ "ピタッと揃ったシンクロダンスが魅力! 実力派ジャニーズJr.「Travis Japan」". My Navi News. 4 October 2018. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
- ^ "On STAGE ジャニーズJr.! Vol.2". STAGE Navi. 13 (3/27/2017): 105–115. March 27, 2017.
- ^ Tim. "Travis Japan Umumkan Akan Melancong ke Amerika Akhir Maret". CNN Indonesia. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
- ^ "Instagram travis_japan_official". Instagram (in English and Japanese). Archived from the original on October 10, 2022. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
- ^ "1年を経て蘇る『This is 嵐 LIVE』 映像作品を通して再体験する、5人からの21年分の感謝". Realsound (in Japanese). 11 January 2022. Archived from the original on October 10, 2022. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
- ^ "[+81 DANCE STUDIO] ARASHI - Love so sweet" (video). youtube.com (in Japanese). September 3, 2021.
- ^ Japan Travis Japan's channel on YouTube
- ^ "Travis Japan - 'JUST DANCE!' Title Teaser" (video). youtube.com (in Japanese). October 10, 2021.
- ^ "Travis Japan、全世界配信楽曲のタイトルは「JUST DANCE!」 新アー写&ティザー公開、公式サイト&SNS開設も". Oricon (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 10, 2022. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
- ^ "Travis Japan Tease Debut Release and Open New Social Media Accounts". arama Japan. 10 October 2022. Archived from the original on October 10, 2022. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
- ^ "All About Travis Japan, the Boy Band That Wowed the Judges on AGT". NBC America's Got Talent site. 13 July 2022. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
- ^ "Travis Japan Performs on the Semifinals of "America's Got Talent"". Arama Japan. 7 September 2022. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
- ^ "Howie Mandel scathingly critiques 'AGT' boy band Travis Japan: 'It was like a Saturday Night Live sketch'". AOL. 6 September 2022. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
- ^ a b "Why Boy Band Travis Japan Left Howie Speechless: "It Doesn't Matter What I Say" Mel B warned fellow Judges that Travis Japan was "bigger and better than ever" on America's Got Talent: Fantasy League". NBC America's Got Talent site. 19 January 2024. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
- ^ a b "AGT: Fantasy League Reveals 24 Semifinalists — Did Your Favorite Acts Survive? And Which Judge Is Winning?". TV Line. 22 January 2024. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
- ^ "百名ヒロキを初めて見た感想". Note (in Japanese). 1 October 2019. Archived from the original on 10 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ "Travis Japan's new variety show 'JUST! Shin Nihon Isan' premieres on January 24". Tokyohive (in Japanese). 22 January 2025. Archived from the original on 22 January 2025. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
- ^ "Travis Japanのアルバム作品" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
- ^ a b "Travis Japanの合算アルバム売上" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
- ^ Peaks on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums:
- "Road to A". December 27, 2023.
- "Viisual". December 11, 2024.
- "'S Travelers". December 10, 2025.
- ^ オリコン週間 アルバムランキング 2023年12月18日~2023年12月24日 [Oricon Weekly Album Ranking: December 18, 2023 – December 24, 2023] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on December 27, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
- ^ "Japanese album certifications – Travis Japan – Road to A" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved March 13, 2024. Select 2023年12月 on the drop-down menu
- ^ "Travis Japan、2ndアルバム『VIIsual』全形態ジャケット写真&収録曲を公開". Oricon (in Japanese). 20 October 2024. Archived from the original on 22 October 2024. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ オリコン週間 アルバムランキング 2024年12月02日~2024年12月08日 [Oricon Weekly Album Ranking December 2, 2024 – December 8, 2024] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on December 11, 2024. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
- ^ "Japanese album certifications – Travis Japan – Viisual" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved January 15, 2025. Select 2024年12月 on the drop-down menu
- ^ オリコン週間 アルバムランキング 2025年12月01日~2025年12月07日 [Oricon Weekly Album Ranking December 1, 2025 – December 7, 2025] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on December 10, 2025. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
- ^ "Japanese album certifications – Travis Japan – 'S Travelers" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved January 15, 2026. Select 2025年12月 on the drop-down menu
- ^ "Oricon Top 50 Digital Albums: 2023-06-19" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on June 14, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
- ^ "Travis Japanのシングル作品" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- ^ a b "Travis Japanの合算シングル売上" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
- ^ a b c Peaks on the Billboard Japan Hot 100:
- "Just Dance!": "Moving Pieces". Billboard Japan. November 7, 2022. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
- "Moving Pieces": "Moving Pieces". Billboard Japan. May 29, 2023. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
- "Still on a Journey": "Still on a Journey". Billboard Japan. June 19, 2023. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
- "Candy Kiss": "Candy Kiss". Billboard Japan. July 12, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
- "Level Up": "Level Up". Billboard Japan. December 6, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- "T.G.I. Friday Night": "T.G.I. Friday Night". Billboard Japan. March 27, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
- "Sweetest Tune": "Sweetest Tune". Billboard Japan. June 19, 2024. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
- "Crazy Crazy" and "Fly Higher": "Crazy Crazy" and "Fly Higher". Billboard Japan. October 30, 2024. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
- "Bo$$y": "Bo$$y". Billboard Japan. December 11, 2024. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
- "Say I Do" and "Tokyo Crazy Night": "Say I Do" and "Tokyo Crazy Night". Billboard Japan. March 12, 2025. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- "Burning Love": "Burning Love". Billboard Japan. June 11, 2025. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
- "Disco Baby": "Disco Baby". Billboard Japan. November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
- "Welcome to Our Show Tonight": "Welcome to Our Show Tonight". Billboard Japan. December 10, 2025. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
- ^ "Just Dance!". Billboard. November 12, 2022.
- ^ "Billboard Global Excl. US: Week of March 30, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
- ^ オリコン週間 シングルランキング 2025年03月03日~2025年03月09日 [Oricon Weekly Single Ranking March 3, 2025 – March 9, 2025] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on March 12, 2025. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- ^ "Japanese single certifications – Travis Japan – Say I Do / Tokyo Crazy Night" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved April 10, 2025. Select 2025年3月 on the drop-down menu
- ^ a b "週間 デジタルシングル(単曲)ランキング 2024年10月21日~2024年10月27日" [Oricon Weekly Digital Single Ranking: October 21–27, 2024]. Oricon (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 30, 2024. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
- ^ Travis Japan【ダンス動画】夢のHollywood(dance ver.). YouTube.com (YouTube). Johnnys' Jr. Channel.
- ^ Travis Japan 「Dance With Me〜Lesson 1〜」(「ジャニーズJr.祭り 2018」単独LIVE in 横浜アリーナ) (YouTube). Johnnys' Jr. Channel. October 23, 2018. Retrieved 2021-07-28.
- ^ Travis Japan 「Happy Groovy」(「ジャニーズJr.祭り 2018」単独LIVE in 横浜アリーナ) (YouTube). ジャニーズJr.チャンネル. 2018-04-17. Retrieved 2021-07-28.
- ^ "キスマイ、ツアーファイナル公演の挨拶を全公開". WEBザテレビジョン. KADOKAWA. 2018-07-26. Retrieved 2021-07-28.
- ^ "Travis Japanの舞台「虎者 -NINJAPAN-」が2020年も公演決定!". ザテレビジョン. KADOKAWA. 2019-12-01. Retrieved 2020-02-16.
- ^ Travis Japan【ダンス動画】Talk it! Make it! (dance ver.) (YouTube). ジャニーズJr.チャンネル. 2019-10-13. Retrieved 2021-07-28.
- ^ "ジャニーズ事務所YouTube公式チャンネル公開、第1弾はTravis Japan". 音楽ナタリー. ナターシャ. 2019-08-23. Retrieved 2019-08-23.
- ^ "ジャニーズJr.のTravis Japan初の全国ツアー東京公演初日 吉澤閑也「ずっと足ガクガクでしたね」". 東京中日スポーツ. 2021-04-11. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
- ^ "Travis Japanの舞台「虎者 -NINJAPAN-」が2020年も公演決定!". ザ・テレビジョン. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
- ^ Travis Japan「GET ALIVE」(Johnny's World Happy LIVE with YOU Jr.祭り 〜Wash Your Hands〜) (YouTube). ジャニーズJr.チャンネル. 2020-09-22. Retrieved 2021-07-28.
- ^ "Travis Japan初全国ツアー!1年8カ月ぶり東京ライブで5000人に幸せ届けた". SANSPO.COM. 2021-04-11. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
- ^ "作詞・共作曲させていただいたTravis Japanの「The Show」がテレビで披露されたようで". Twitter.com. hikari_142. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
- ^ Indonesia, C. N. N. "Cerita Jenaka di Balik Kemenangan Travis Japan di Amerika - Halaman 2". hiburan (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2022-04-23.
- ^ "Travis Japan "Namida no KESSHO" MV (TORA JA -NINJAPAN- Theme Song)". Family Club (Starto Entertainment site). 23 August 2019. Retrieved 22 October 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Travis Japan、初の単独主演公演で世界進出に意欲 タッキー演出のMVも完成". Oricon (in Japanese). 7 August 2019. Archived from the original on 22 October 2024. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "Travis Japan "BIG BANG BOY" (Official Theme Song of TORA JA NINJAPAN 2021)". Family Club (Starto Entertainment site). 17 September 2021. Retrieved 22 October 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Travis Japan主演舞台『虎者 NINJAPAN 2021』ビジュアル&テーマソング「BIG BANG BOY」MV解禁". Oricon (in Japanese). 17 September 2021. Archived from the original on 22 October 2024. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "Travis Japan - 'JUST DANCE!' Music Video". Travis Japan. 28 October 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Travis Japan、グローバルメジャーデビュー楽曲「JUST DANCE!」 10月28日配信スタート!". PR Times (in Japanese). 28 October 2022. Archived from the original on 22 October 2024. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
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External links
[edit]- Travis Japan - Starto Entertainment Official
Travis Japan
View on GrokipediaHistory
2012–2017: Formation and member changes
Travis Japan was formed in 2012 under the supervision of American choreographer Travis Payne during the production of the stage show Playzone '12 Song & Danc'n. Part II. Payne, known for his work with Michael Jackson, selected nine members from Johnny's Jr. to create a dance-oriented group inspired by Jackson's choreography, with the name combining "Travis" from Payne and "Japan" to highlight their national identity and focus on high-energy performances. The initial lineup emphasized synchronized dance routines, marking the group's origins as a temporary unit for the musical that quickly evolved into a permanent Johnny's Jr. ensemble.[9][10][1] Following their formation, the group engaged in early activities within Johnny's Jr. showcases, including performances at JOHNNYS IsLAND in 2012 and School Festival in 2013, where they showcased their dance skills alongside other juniors. These stage appearances helped establish their reputation for precise choreography and group synergy, while they continued to participate in Playzone productions and other internal events to refine their style. The period was characterized by a strong emphasis on live performances, laying the foundation for their dance-heavy identity.[11] Between 2012 and 2017, Travis Japan experienced several member changes, with departures including Aran Abe and Myuto Morita in 2016, and Hiroki Nakada in 2017, ultimately stabilizing the lineup at seven core members with the addition of Genta Matsuda in 2017. These adjustments allowed the group to streamline their dynamics and focus on collective growth. By 2017, the seven-member structure was solidified during their performance at Johnny's Countdown Live, a year-end event that highlighted their progress and unity on a major stage.[12][13]2018–2022: Pre-debut activities
In 2018, Travis Japan increased their visibility within the Johnny's Jr. ecosystem by performing at key events, including the Johnny's Jr. Festival 2018 solo live at Yokohama Arena, where they showcased original tracks like "Happy Groovy" and "Dance With Me2023–present: Debut and subsequent activities
Travis Japan made their official worldwide major debut on October 28, 2022, with the digital single "JUST DANCE!", released under Capitol Records in collaboration with STARTO ENTERTAINMENT.[2] The track, produced by Sam Bergeson and choreographed by Nicky Andersen, marked the group's transition from pre-debut training to international visibility, amassing over 20 million views on its music video within the first year.[25][26] This release positioned Travis Japan as the first group from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT to debut globally through a major U.S. label, emphasizing their dance-pop style with English lyrics aimed at broadening their appeal beyond Japan.[27] In 2023, the group built momentum with their debut extended play "Moving Pieces", released digitally on June 5, which debuted at number 3 on the Oricon weekly albums chart and secured the top spot on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for multiple weeks.[28] Later that year, on December 20, they issued their first studio album "Road to A", a 19-track collection featuring prior singles like "JUST DANCE!" and new material, which topped the Oricon weekly digital album chart with over 7,800 downloads in its debut week.[29] These releases were complemented by U.S. promotional efforts, including a live performance at the OC Japan Fair in October, where they showcased their synchronized choreography to American audiences.[30] The year's activities highlighted Travis Japan's growing domestic success while testing international waters through targeted promotions. The following year, 2024, saw Travis Japan release singles such as "T.G.I. Friday Night" on March 18, choreographed by s**t kingz, and "Sweetest Tune" in July, both contributing to their evolving discography of upbeat, performance-driven tracks.[31][32] Their second studio album "VIIsual", dropped on December 4, topped the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart and ranked number 2 on the mid-year download albums tally, reflecting strong fan engagement with its 13 songs blending J-pop and global influences.[33][34] The group also returned to America's Got Talent for the Fantasy League special on January 22, performing "JUST DANCE!" and earning praise from judges for their precision and energy.[35] Entering 2025, Travis Japan continued their ascent with the double A-side single "Say I Do / Tokyo Crazy Night" on March 5, where "Say I Do" achieved their first number 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, driven by robust streaming and sales exceeding 147,000 physical units in its debut week.[36][37] They followed with "Would You Like One?" as a single in April, tying into promotional tie-ins like its role as the theme for the film Tabekko Doubutsu.[38] The group announced their third studio album "'s Travelers" for December 3, signaling further artistic evolution.[39] Complementing their music, the variety program "Travis Japan no JUST! Shin Nihon Isan" premiered on January 24 on Asahi Broadcasting, featuring the members exploring and promoting hidden cultural gems across Japan.[40] On November 13, 2025, Disney+ announced the unscripted docu-series "Travis Japan Summer Vacation!! in the USA," set to premiere in 2026, documenting their experiences during their U.S. tour and activities.[41] Throughout this period, Travis Japan has expanded their presence on global streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, issuing international editions of albums such as "Road to A (Global Edition)" to reach wider audiences, while their world tours and Capitol partnership have facilitated collaborations with international producers and choreographers to enhance their cross-cultural sound.[42][2]Members
Current members
Travis Japan consists of seven active members as of 2025, each contributing unique skills to the group's synchronized performances and international appeal. The members were assembled through the agency's junior training program, with the current lineup solidified by 2017.[13] Kaito Miyachika (born September 22, 1997) serves as the leader of Travis Japan, nicknamed "Chaka," and is assigned the representative color red.[12][13] He joined the group in 2012 and is recognized for his vocal abilities and leadership in developing choreography.[12] Kaito Nakamura (born April 15, 1997), nicknamed "Umi," represents the color green and joined in 2012.[12][13] He specializes in dance and rap, often taking center positions in high-energy routines.[12] Ryuya Shimekake (born June 23, 1995), nicknamed "Shime," is associated with the color pink and joined in 2012.[12][13][43] As a main vocalist, he focuses on delivering emotive leads in the group's songs.[12] Noel Kawashima (born November 22, 1994), nicknamed "Noel," holds the color white and joined in 2014. He was on hiatus from December 2024 to May 2025 due to health reasons but has since returned to full activities.[12][13][44][45] He is known for handling high notes and his English proficiency, which enhances the group's global outreach.[12] Shizuya Yoshizawa (born August 10, 1995), nicknamed "Shizu," is assigned the color yellow, and joined in 2012.[12][13][46] He emphasizes performance stability, providing steady support in live shows and recordings.[12] Genta Matsuda (born April 19, 1999), nicknamed "Genta," represents purple and joined in 2017.[12][13] He is noted for his acrobatic skills and charismatic presence on variety shows.[12] Kaito Matsukura (born November 14, 1997), nicknamed "Machu," is assigned the color orange, having joined in 2017.[12][13][47] His focus on contemporary dance adds innovative elements to the group's choreography.[12] The assigned colors facilitate branding in merchandise, performances, and fan engagement, while the members' collective training under the STARTO ENTERTAINMENT system (formerly Johnny's Jr.) fosters tight-knit dynamics centered on dance precision and vocal harmony.[13]Former members
Travis Japan underwent several lineup changes in its early years, transitioning from an initial formation of nine members in 2012 to the stable seven-member group that debuted in 2022.[48] Aran Abe (born August 30, 1997), an early vocalist and performer, left the group in 2016 to join the Johnny's Jr. unit Love-Tune.[49][50] Myuto Morita (born October 31, 1995), recognized for his strong dance skills, also departed in 2016 to become part of Love-Tune.[51][50] Asahi Kajiyama (born November 9, 1998), a younger member contributing to the group's performances, withdrew from Travis Japan and the agency entirely in 2017, pursuing a path outside entertainment.[52][50] Hiroki Nakada (born January 4, 1994), an Okinawan dancer known for his dynamic contributions, exited the group in 2017 to pursue other opportunities beyond Johnny's Entertainment.[53][12] These departures between 2016 and 2017, along with earlier reductions in the 2012–2014 period where some junior members shifted to solo activities, solidified the seven-member core that has remained intact since 2017, allowing the group to focus on cohesive artistry and eventual debut.[50][48]Artistry
Musical style and influences
Travis Japan's musical style is characterized by upbeat J-pop that fuses elements of R&B, hip-hop, and electronic dance music, creating energetic tracks with strong hooks and synchronized vocal harmonies.[54][55] Their debut single "Just Dance!" exemplifies this approach, featuring infectious pop melodies layered with rhythmic beats designed for broad appeal.[2] The group's sound often incorporates funk and disco influences, adding a retro flair to their contemporary pop foundation.[55] Key influences on Travis Japan stem from Michael Jackson, channeled through their formation under choreographer Travis Payne, who worked extensively with the artist on tours and productions like This Is It.[2][24] This connection infuses their music with dynamic, performance-oriented energy, while broader Western pop inspirations contribute to their polished, groove-heavy arrangements.[1] Rooted in Japanese idol traditions from their origins in Johnny & Associates (now Starto Entertainment), the group blends these global elements with J-pop's signature catchiness.[6] To enhance international accessibility, they frequently include English lyrics in their tracks and releases.[56] The group's musical evolution began with pre-debut activities focused on dance covers of international hits, which honed their interpretive skills before shifting to original compositions upon their 2022 debut.[54] Post-debut, their output transitioned to vibrant pop-dance anthems, with later works like the 2024 album VIIsual introducing more mature themes of romance and personal growth through tracks emphasizing emotional depth and collaborative expression.[57][58] In 2025, singles such as "Would You Like One?" and "Say I Do" continued this progression, blending high-energy pop with infectious melodies and dance-ready beats while maintaining their core upbeat ethos.[59][60] This reflects a deepening artistic maturity.[61] Production for Travis Japan involves collaborations with Capitol Records, which has provided access to high-caliber producers to craft a refined, chart-oriented sound suitable for global markets.[2][24] This partnership ensures a professional polish, blending Japanese pop sensibilities with Western production techniques for tracks that resonate across audiences.[62]Choreography and performance
Travis Japan was formed in 2012 by acclaimed choreographer Travis Payne, a longtime collaborator with Michael Jackson, who mentored the group in key dance styles including popping, locking, and contemporary techniques to build their foundational skills.[63] As part of the Johnny's Jr. program, the members engaged in rigorous daily rehearsals that stressed precision, synchronization, and endurance, honing their ability to execute complex routines flawlessly under pressure.[64] This intensive training regimen, typical of the agency's idol development system, prepared them for high-stakes performances by fostering discipline and technical mastery from an early age.[65] The group's choreography features signature high-energy formations that create dynamic stage geometry, often incorporating acrobatic feats like flips and aerial maneuvers, exemplified by member Genta Matsuda's agile contributions to routines.[66] These elements are complemented by interactive segments during live shows, where performers engage fans through synchronized gestures and proximity, amplifying the communal energy of their presentations.[67] Such techniques not only highlight their athleticism but also emphasize teamwork, with every movement designed to maintain visual cohesion across the ensemble. Over time, Travis Japan's performance approach has evolved significantly, beginning with YouTube dance covers from 2019 to 2021 that demonstrated their versatility through covers of international hits, gradually building an online following.[68] By 2023, this progressed to stadium-scale synchronization in their nationwide tours, where they scaled up formations for larger venues while preserving intricate details.[69] Adaptations for television, such as their high-impact audition on America's Got Talent in 2022, involved condensing elaborate dances into camera-friendly segments that retained core synchronization and flair.[3]Discography
Studio albums
Travis Japan has released two studio albums as of November 2025, with a third scheduled for December 3, 2025. These full-length releases mark the group's evolution from their debut, emphasizing themes of authenticity, visual expression, and global exploration through a blend of J-pop, dance, and funk influences. Their first two albums have driven total physical sales exceeding 300,000 units in Japan, reflecting their growing domestic and international appeal.[70] Their debut studio album, Road to A, was released on December 20, 2023, by Capitol Records and Universal Music Japan. Standing for "Road to Authenticity," the album explores themes of perseverance and artistic integrity, drawing from the group's pre-debut journey. It features 19 tracks, including the lead single "Moving Pieces," which highlights synchronized choreography and uplifting lyrics about overcoming challenges. Other notable inclusions are their debut single "JUST DANCE!" and "Candy Kiss," alongside new songs and live recordings that showcase their performance roots. The album debuted at number one on both the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart, selling 153,457 copies in its first week, and the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart. It achieved gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipments exceeding 100,000 units. The sophomore album, VIIsual, arrived on December 4, 2024, continuing the group's focus on visual and performative elements under the same labels. With 13 tracks, it emphasizes a "visual pop" aesthetic, where each member contributed to production, blending disco, funk, and contemporary J-pop to highlight their seven-member dynamic (the "VII" in the title). Key tracks include the lead single "Sweetest Tune," which captures melodic hooks and vibrant energy, alongside "Crazy Crazy" and "Golden Girl." VIIsual also topped the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart with first-week sales of 141,371 copies and the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart, earning RIAJ gold certification shortly after release. The album's reception underscored Travis Japan's maturation, with its diverse soundscapes appealing to both Japanese and global audiences. Travis Japan's third studio album, 's travelers, is slated for release on December 3, 2025, via Capitol Records and Universal Music Japan. It contains 15 tracks, building pre-release hype through singles like the lead track "Disco Baby" and the double A-side "Say I Do / Tokyo Crazy Night," which debuted at number one on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart in March 2025. The album promises a thematic shift toward global journeys and disco-infused narratives, continuing the group's expansion with tracks such as "Would You Like One? (Completed ver.)". Early promotions, including teasers and fan club exclusives, have generated significant buzz, positioning it as a milestone in their international trajectory.[71]| Album | Release Date | Label | Tracks | Peak Chart Positions | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Road to A | December 20, 2023 | Capitol / Universal Music Japan | 19 | Oricon: #1 Billboard Japan: #1 | RIAJ: Gold (100,000+) |
| VIIsual | December 4, 2024 | Capitol / Universal Music Japan | 13 | Oricon: #1 Billboard Japan: #1 | RIAJ: Gold (100,000+) |
| 's travelers | December 3, 2025 | Capitol / Universal Music Japan | 15 | Upcoming | N/A |
Extended plays and singles
Travis Japan released their debut extended play, Moving Pieces – EP, on June 5, 2023, through Capitol Records and Universal Music Japan. The digital EP features four tracks: "Moving Pieces," "Charging!," "Still on a Journey," and "Keep On Smiling," showcasing the group's energetic pop style with themes of perseverance and growth. It debuted at No. 3 on the Oricon weekly digital album chart with 19,167 digital downloads in its first week, contributing to the group's rising domestic presence.[72][73][74][75] The group has issued several digital singles since their 2022 major debut, emphasizing dance-pop tracks with strong chart performance on Oricon and Billboard Japan metrics. Their debut single, "Just Dance!," released on October 28, 2022, topped the Oricon weekly digital single ranking with multiple remixes also entering the top 10 and reached No. 4 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, marking their first entry on global charts including No. 5 on Billboard's Global Excl. U.S.[76][77] Subsequent releases maintained top-tier positioning. "Candy Kiss," their third digital single out on July 3, 2023, secured No. 1 on the Oricon weekly digital single chart with the year's highest first-week downloads at the time and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.[78] The fourth single, "T.G.I. Friday Night," dropped on March 18, 2024, in both original English and Japanese versions, claiming a double No. 1 on Oricon digital singles and No. 2 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.[79] In 2025, Travis Japan achieved their first No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 with "Say I Do," released digitally on March 3 and as a physical CD single (paired with "Tokyo Crazy Night") on March 5; it sold 147,896 copies in its debut week and earned a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan for exceeding 100,000 units.[80][81] The accompanying B-side, "Tokyo Crazy Night," serving as the theme for the drama Tokyo Camouflage Hour, peaked at No. 24 on the same chart.[82] Later that year, "Would You Like One?," a promotional tie-in for the snack brand Tabekko Doubutsu released on April 28, topped the Oricon digital single chart with 35,398 first-week downloads and reached No. 9 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.[83][84] "Disco Baby," the lead single for their third album, was released digitally in October 2025, topping the Oricon weekly digital single chart.[85] Other notable releases include the promotional single "Mary no Kuni" in 2022, an early digital track tied to group activities, and pre-debut original "Big Bang Boy" from 2021, which highlighted their dance-focused origins. From their debut album Road to A, the track "Level Up" (pre-released digitally in December 2023) charted at No. 68 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100. Overall, Travis Japan's singles have consistently ranked in the top 10 of the Billboard Japan Hot 100, with several global entries on World Digital Song Sales, reflecting their blend of J-pop accessibility and international appeal.| Title | Release Date | Format | Peak Positions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Just Dance!" | October 28, 2022 | Digital single | Oricon Digital #1; Billboard Japan Hot 100 #4; Global Excl. U.S. #5 | Debut single; remixes also charted top 10 on Oricon.[76][77] |
| "Candy Kiss" | July 3, 2023 | Digital single | Oricon Digital #1; Billboard Japan Hot 100 #2 | Highest first-week downloads of 2023 at release.[78] |
| "T.G.I. Friday Night" | March 18, 2024 | Digital single | Oricon Digital #1 (both versions); Billboard Japan Hot 100 #2 | Dual English/Japanese versions.[79] |
| "Say I Do" | March 3, 2025 (digital); March 5, 2025 (CD) | Single (A-side) | Billboard Japan Hot 100 #1; Oricon #1 | Gold certified; 147,896 first-week sales. |
| "Tokyo Crazy Night" | March 3, 2025 (digital); March 5, 2025 (CD) | Single (B-side) | Billboard Japan Hot 100 #24 | Drama theme song.[82] |
| "Would You Like One?" | April 28, 2025 | Digital single | Oricon Digital #1; Billboard Japan Hot 100 #9 | Promotional tie-in.[83][84] |
| "Disco Baby" | October 2025 | Digital single | Oricon Digital #1 | Lead single for 's travelers.[85] |
| "Level Up" | December 21, 2023 | Digital single (album track) | Billboard Japan Hot 100 #68 | From Road to A. |
Filmography
Television programs
Travis Japan first gained exposure on Japanese television during their pre-debut years as part of Johnny's Jr., featuring in live performance segments on programs and events such as the "Johnny's Jr. Festival 2018" and "Johnny's World Happy LIVE with YOU Jr. Festival" from 2018 to 2021.[14][86] The group achieved international prominence through guest appearances on America's Got Talent. In season 17 (2022), they auditioned on July 12 with "My Dreamy Hollywood," advancing to the semi-finals where they performed their original track "Party Up Like Crazy" on September 6.[87][88] They returned for the spin-off America's Got Talent: Fantasy League in 2024, competing in the qualifiers week on January 22 with a high-energy routine that impressed judges.[35] Following their 2022 debut, Travis Japan promoted their singles on major Japanese music programs, including multiple performances on Music Station from 2023 to 2025, such as their August 29, 2025, appearance showcasing tracks from their album 's travelers.[89] These slots highlighted their synchronized choreography and vocal harmonies during key release periods. In 2025, the group launched their first regular television program, Travis Japan no JUST! Shin Nihon Isan, on TV Asahi, premiering January 24 and airing Fridays through March 28. The variety show features rotating pairs of members traveling to uncover and promote Japan's lesser-known cultural sites and heritage, blending exploration with light-hearted challenges.[40] Member Kaito Miyachika starred in the TV Asahi drama Honnou Switch (January 11–March 15, 2025), an adaptation of a manga series, portraying the lead role of Hijiri Akiyama.[90] These broadcasts, especially their AGT outings and the 2025 series, have enhanced Travis Japan's global and domestic profile by emphasizing their performance versatility and cultural engagement.[63]Stage and theater
Travis Japan was formed in 2012 by American choreographer Travis Payne, who assembled the initial members for the Johnny's Jr. stage production Playzone '12 Song & Danc'n., a theater show that highlighted the group's synchronized dance routines as a core element of the performance.[63][91] This debut stage appearance established their foundation in theatrical song-and-dance formats, blending intricate choreography with narrative elements typical of Johnny's productions. In the years following their formation, the group participated in additional pre-debut stage works, including the 2017 production JOHNNYS' YOU&ME IsLAND, which featured live theater events showcasing their evolving dance integration and ensemble dynamics.[92] These early theater experiences, spanning multiple Johnny's Jr. shows, underscored the group's emphasis on choreography as an integral part of dramatic storytelling, setting them apart from more music-focused acts. Post-debut, Travis Japan has continued to engage in theater with member-specific roles that incorporate their signature dance elements. In 2024, Ryuya Shimekake and Shizuya Yoshizawa starred in the musical adaptation Dublin no Kane Tsuki Kabi Ningen (translated as Moldman the Bellringer in DUBLIN), a PARCO and CUBE production running from July 3 to 10 at Tokyo International Forum Hall C in Tokyo, where they portrayed lead characters in a story blending horror, comedy, and dance sequences.[93] This marked a significant group contribution to contemporary Japanese musical theater, highlighting individual acting skills alongside choreographed movements. The group has maintained a primary focus on live stage and theater over cinematic ventures, prioritizing performances that showcase their dance proficiency in scripted formats. Solo stage shows during their 2023–2024 tours, such as the Debut Concert 2023 THE SHOW, further integrated theatrical staging with elaborate dance numbers, reinforcing their stage roots without shifting to film.[94]Tours and live performances
Concert tours
Travis Japan's concert tours since 2021 have showcased their evolution from domestic arenas to international stages, emphasizing intricate choreography and fan interaction in structured multi-date productions. The group's inaugural major national tour, "Travis Japan Live Tour 2021 IMAGE NATION," served as their post-COVID debut solo outing, spanning 12 cities with 33 performances from January 28 to April 11, 2021. This nationwide effort, which included sold-out arena shows, featured setlists blending pre-debut hits like "Dreamin'" and "Just Dance!" with emerging material, allowing fans to experience the full scope of their song-and-dance style.[95][91][89] Following their major label debut, Travis Japan mounted the "Debut Concert Tour 2023 THE SHOWFestival and special appearances
Travis Japan made their earliest notable special appearances as part of Johnny's Countdown Live, an annual year-end concert series at Tokyo Dome, performing from 2017 to 2022. These events showcased their synchronized dance routines alongside other Johnny's Jr. groups, with performances including "Hollywood of Dreams" and "Lock Lock" in the 2018–2019 edition.[101] In the 2021–2022 countdown, they delivered a special medley highlighting their evolving stage presence.[102] The group's first solo concert, Summer Paradise 2020, took place from August 1 to 10, 2020, as an online streamed event amid the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing their dance-heavy choreography in a multi-group lineup. This marked their debut standalone performance, featuring original tracks and fan interactions tailored for virtual audiences.[103] Internationally, Travis Japan served as special guest openers for Austin Mahone's Japan Tour 2019 at Yokohama Arena on October 14 and 15, blending their high-energy dances with collaborative numbers like "Dirty Work."[104] In 2022, they expanded their U.S. presence at Anime Expo in Los Angeles, holding a fan Q&A session on July 3 in Room 411 and delivering a live closing ceremony performance on July 4, becoming the first Johnny's group to appear at the convention.[23] Their dance prowess shone at the World of Dance Championship 2022 in Orange County, where they secured third place in the Team Division, Best Costume, and Crowd Favorite awards, placing ninth overall globally.[21] Building on this, they returned as special guest performers for the 2025 World of Dance Finals on July 20 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, presenting an exclusive set including "JUST DANCE," "Drivin' Me Crazy," and "BOSSY."[105] For holiday engagements, Travis Japan released a fan club-exclusive Christmas Special Movie in December 2024, featuring seasonal performances and messages. In early 2025, they shared New Year's greetings via video, outlining tour aspirations while maintaining their tradition of festive fan connections.[106]Music videos
Pre-debut videos
Before their official debut in October 2022, Travis Japan released several music videos and promotional dance clips primarily through YouTube channels associated with Johnny & Associates, showcasing their synchronized choreography and performance skills to build anticipation among fans. These pre-debut videos were often tied to stage productions and served as thematic promotions, highlighting the group's dynamic energy and precision in dance routines. The group's first notable pre-debut music video, "Namida no KESSHO" (translated as "Crystal of Tears"), was released on August 23, 2019, as the theme song for their starring role in the stage production Tora Ja -NINJAPAN-. This emotional dance video features the seven members performing intricate formations and expressive movements against minimalist sets, emphasizing themes of perseverance and beauty in Japanese aesthetics. Uploaded to the FAMILY CLUB YouTube channel, it has garnered over 9.6 million views as of November 2025, reflecting early fan engagement with the group's artistry.[16] In 2021, Travis Japan released "Big Bang Boy," a high-energy music video that served as the official theme song for the stage show Tora Ja NINJAPAN 2021. Premiered on September 17, 2021, the video incorporates elements of trampoline acrobatics, swordplay, and explosive group synchronization, capturing the production's blend of traditional Japanese motifs with modern pop dynamics. Directed and edited by Takizawa Hideaki, it was uploaded to the FAMILY CLUB channel and has accumulated approximately 4.8 million views as of November 2025, underscoring the group's ability to fuse athleticism with musical performance in a pre-debut context.[107] Additionally, in 2021, Travis Japan contributed to the "+81 DANCE STUDIO" YouTube series, a promotional platform launched by Johnny & Associates on September 4, 2021, dedicated to dance covers of classic songs from the agency's history. The series featured the group performing original choreographed routines to tracks from the 1970s through 1990s, such as Arashi's "Love so Sweet" and V6's "Darling," starting chronologically to highlight their interpretive skills and pay homage to predecessors. These clips, uploaded to the dedicated +81 DANCE STUDIO channel, functioned as pre-debut singles promotions, with multiple videos released throughout the year to engage international audiences via Japan's country code (+81) in the title.[108][20]Post-debut videos
Following their major label debut, Travis Japan released a series of high-production music videos that emphasized dynamic choreography, vibrant themes of energy and romance, and international filming locations to appeal to global audiences. These videos, directed by a mix of established and emerging talents, often featured elaborate sets and visual effects, contributing to over 100 million combined views on YouTube as of November 2025. The group's post-debut visuals marked a shift toward polished, narrative-driven content that highlighted their dance prowess and evolving pop sensibilities. The debut single "Just Dance!" (2022) video, directed by Gil Green, was filmed at Venice Beach in California, capturing a vibrant, global street-dance concept with the group performing energetic routines amid crowds and sunset backdrops to evoke unity through music. Released on October 28, 2022, it has garnered over 20 million views as of November 2025, underscoring the track's role as an international introduction. Subsequent releases built on this foundation, blending romance and high-energy motifs. In 2023, the "Moving Pieces" video, directed by Yuann of kidzfrmnowhere, showcased a cool, bass-driven urban aesthetic with synchronized group dances in minimalist, high-contrast environments, reflecting themes of momentum and connection; choreographed by Travis Payne, it premiered on May 15 and has exceeded 14 million views as of November 2025. Later that year, "Candy Kiss," also directed by Yuann, adopted a playful outer-space concept where the members interact with aliens in colorful, whimsical sets, emphasizing fun and flirtatious romance, and achieving over 11 million views as of November 2025 since its July 2 release. The 2024 singles continued this trajectory with upbeat, thematic visuals. "T.G.I. Friday Night," released March 18 and choreographed by s**t kingz, featured a disco-infused party atmosphere in neon-lit interiors, celebrating weekend escapism with lively group interactions, amassing nearly 8 million views as of November 2025. "Sweetest Tune," directed by YVNG WING and premiered on June 10 as the theme for the drama Tokyo Tower ~Okan wa Ai o Shinjiteita, portrayed a mature romantic narrative through soft lighting and intimate scenes, blending energy with emotional depth and surpassing 10 million views as of November 2025. "Crazy Crazy," directed by YVNG WING and released October 21, depicted an action-packed high school reunion scenario with explosive choreography by FOOL and HANA, highlighting youthful exuberance and roots in dance, with over 6 million views as of November 2025. In 2025, "Say I Do" and "Tokyo Crazy Night" were released as a double A-side single. "Say I Do," directed by YVNG WING with co-direction by Jongho JP, explored heartwarming young love and self-confidence in a narrative focused on commitment and joy, tied to the drama Honnou Switch starring member Kaito Miyachika; released digitally on March 3 and as a CD single on March 5, it has accumulated more than 4 million views as of November 2025, reinforcing the group's romantic thematic evolution. "Tokyo Crazy Night," directed by YVNG WING, premiered on March 4 and features a high-energy urban nightlife concept with dynamic street performances and neon visuals, emphasizing excitement and freedom, garnering over 6 million views as of November 2025. Later, "Would You Like One?," directed by HQF & SAMSON and released April 27, presented a seductive, playful invitation theme with intricate dance routines in luxurious settings, achieving approximately 5 million views as of November 2025. From their second album VIIsual, the lead single "BO$$Y" music video, directed by an unspecified team and released December 3, 2024, showcased boss-level confidence and power moves in a corporate-empire narrative, with over 3 million views as of November 2025. Additionally, "Disco Baby," a hit single from their third album, featured a retro disco revival concept with glittering dance sequences, directed by undisclosed creators and released in 2025, accumulating around 4 million views as of November 2025.| Video Title | Release Year | Director | Key Concept | YouTube Views (as of Nov 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Just Dance! | 2022 | Gil Green | Global street-dance unity | 20M+ [109] |
| Moving Pieces | 2023 | Yuann | Urban momentum and synchronization | 14M+ [110] |
| Candy Kiss | 2023 | Yuann | Playful alien abduction romance | 11M+ [111] |
| T.G.I. Friday Night | 2024 | Takayuki Haga | Disco party escapism | 7.8M [31] |
| Sweetest Tune | 2024 | YVNG WING | Mature romantic intimacy | 10M+ [112] |
| Crazy Crazy | 2024 | YVNG WING | Action high school reunion | 6M+ [113] |
| BO$$Y | 2024 | Not specified | Boss-level confidence and power | 3M+ [114] |
| Say I Do | 2025 | YVNG WING (co-dir. Jongho JP) | Heartwarming young love | 4M+ [115] |
| Tokyo Crazy Night | 2025 | YVNG WING | Urban nightlife excitement | 6M+ [116] |
| Would You Like One? | 2025 | HQF & SAMSON | Seductive playful invitation | 5M+ [117] |
| Disco Baby | 2025 | Not specified | Retro disco revival | 4M+ [118] |
