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Travis Japan
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

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]
List of studio albums, with selected details, chart positions, sales and certifications
Title Details Peak positions Sales Certifications
JPN
[18]
JPN
Cmb.

[19]
JPN
Hot

[20]
Road to A 1 1 1
  • RIAJ: Gold (phy.)[22]
Viisual[23]
  • Released: December 4, 2024
  • Label: Capitol, UJ
  • Formats: CD, CD+BD, CD+DVD, digital download, streaming
1 1 1
  • RIAJ: Gold (phy.)[25]
'S Travelers
  • Released: December 1, 2025
  • Label: Capitol, UJ
  • Formats: CD, CD+BD, digital download, streaming
1 1 1
  • RIAJ: Gold (phy.)[27]

Extended plays

[edit]
List of extended plays, with selected details, chart positions and sales
Title Details Peaks Sales
JPN
Cmb.

[19]
Moving Pieces – EP
  • Released: June 5, 2023
  • Label: Capitol, UJ
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
Track listing
  1. "Moving Pieces"
  2. "Charging!"
  3. "Still on a Journey"
  4. "Keep On Smiling"
5

Singles

[edit]
List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released, and album name
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
  • RIAJ: Gold (phy.)[35]
'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]
List of promotional singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released, and album name
Title Year Peaks Sales Album
JPN
Cmb.

[30]
JPN
Hot

[31]
"Level Up" 2023 68 Road to A
"Crazy Crazy" 2024 6 10
  • JPN: 20,748 (dig.)[36]
Viisual
"Fly Higher" 65
  • JPN: 14,666 (dig.)[36]
"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]
List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions, showing year released, and album name
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 [ja] Josef Melin [sv] 1L0-3418-9
Dance With Me 〜Lesson 1〜[38] Komei Kobayashi [ja] Figge Boström
Josef Melin
1L4-1272-8
Happy Groovy[39] Aya Harukazu [ja] Takarot [ja]
Didrik Thott
1L7-0920-8
Lock Lock[40] Mine O-Bankz
Erik Lidbom [simple; ja]
Christofer Erixon
1L9-7780-6
VOLCANO[41] Satoru Kurihara [ja] Hikari [ja]

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 [ja] Takashi Tsushimi [ja]
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 [ja]
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 [ja] 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]
List of music videos
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]

International TV programs

[edit]

Dance contests

[edit]

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]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Travis Japan is a seven-member Japanese boy band formed in 2012 and managed by STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, the rebranded successor to . The group, named in tribute to American choreographer —who assembled the original unit and served as its —specializes in high-energy dance routines combined with pop vocals, drawing from a decade of pre-debut performances in . The band's members are Chaka (leader, real name Kaito Miyachika), Machu (Kaito Matsukura), Umi (Kaito Nakamura), Shime (Ryuya Shimekake), Noel (Noel Kawashima), Shizu (Shizuya Yoshizawa), and Genta (Genta Matsuda). Travis Japan officially debuted on October 28, 2022, with the digital single "JUST DANCE!", released internationally through under , marking their entry into the global scene. Prior to their debut, the group built a domestic following through stage shows, television appearances, and international tours as part of the Johnny's Jr. system, with their current lineup solidified by 2017. They achieved widespread international exposure in 2022 through their appearance on , advancing to the semifinals with performances showcasing their synchronized choreography and charisma. Since then, Travis Japan has released multiple singles and albums, including hits like "Disco Baby" and "Would You Like One?", while expanding their reach with sold-out arena tours in and a 2025 world tour titled Travis Japan World Tour 2025 VIIsual.

History

2012–2017: Formation and member changes

Travis Japan was formed in 2012 under the supervision of American choreographer during the production of the stage show Playzone '12 Song & Danc'n. Part II. Payne, known for his work with , 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. 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 . These stage appearances helped establish their reputation for precise 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. Between 2012 and 2017, Travis Japan experienced several member changes, with departures including Aran Abe and Myuto Morita in 2016, and Hiroki Nakada in , ultimately stabilizing the lineup at seven core members with the addition of Genta Matsuda in . These adjustments allowed the group to streamline their dynamics and focus on collective growth. By , 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.

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 , where they showcased original tracks like "Happy Groovy" and "Dance With Me Lesson 1." The group also participated in the Johnny's Jr. Channel launch on , a new platform for select junior acts including Travis Japan, , , HiHi Jets, and Bi Shonen, marking ' strategic pivot toward digital content creation. These appearances helped build their fanbase through live performances and online clips focused on their signature dance routines. By 2019, Travis Japan expanded their pre-debut output with the release of their theme song "Namida no KESSHO" for the nationwide series "TORA JA -NINJAPAN-," which premiered as a on August 23 and highlighted their thematic exploration of through and visuals. Later that year, they served as special guest openers for Austin Mahone's Japan Tour at on October 14–15, performing high-energy sets including "" and "Unique Tigers" to introduce their style to international audiences. These activities underscored their growing reputation for intricate dance performances within both domestic junior events and cross-cultural collaborations. The year 2020 brought challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Travis Japan achieved a milestone with their first solo concert at Summer Paradise 2020 on August 1, delivered entirely via live stream as part of the event's adaptation to restrictions, allowing real-time fan interaction through novel elements like song reveals and backstage glimpses. This online format, spanning 18 days and featuring 81 Johnny's Jr. acts, positioned Travis Japan as trailblazers in virtual entertainment. In 2021, they undertook their inaugural national tour, "Travis Japan Live Tour 2021 IMAGE NATION," covering 12 cities and 33 venues from March 22 to July 16, despite interruptions such as COVID-related cancellations in April. Concurrently, their "+81 Dance Studio" YouTube series, dedicated to covers of classic Johnny's tracks by groups like V6 and SMAP, rapidly amassed over 100,000 subscribers, enhancing their online presence with polished choreography tutorials and performances. In 2022, Travis Japan gained significant international traction, placing third in the Team Division at the World of Dance Orange County regional qualifier in March, then competing at the championships July 29-31, where they earned fourth place in the USA Team Division, ninth in the overall Team Division, Best Costume, and Ultimate Crowd Favorite awards. They performed at Anime Expo in Los Angeles on July 3, marking the first appearance by a Johnny's group at the convention, with a closing ceremony set that blended J-pop energy and anime-inspired visuals. Their audition on America's Got Talent Season 17 in July, featuring the original track "My Dreamy Hollywood," advanced them to the semifinals and directly contributed to their signing with Capitol Music Group on September 28, paving the way for global expansion under Universal Music.

2023–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 in collaboration with STARTO ENTERTAINMENT. 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. This release positioned Travis Japan as the first group from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT to debut globally through a major U.S. label, emphasizing their style with English lyrics aimed at broadening their appeal beyond . 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. 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. 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. 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 of upbeat, performance-driven tracks. Their second studio "VIIsual", dropped on December 4, topped the Hot Albums chart and ranked number 2 on the mid-year download albums tally, reflecting strong fan engagement with its 13 songs blending and global influences. The group also returned to for the Fantasy League special on January 22, performing "JUST DANCE!" and earning praise from judges for their precision and energy. 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 , driven by robust streaming and sales exceeding 147,000 physical units in its debut week. 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. The group announced their third studio "'s Travelers" for December 3, signaling further artistic evolution. 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 . On November 13, 2025, Disney+ announced the unscripted docu-series "Travis Japan Summer Vacation!! in the ," set to premiere in 2026, documenting their experiences during their U.S. tour and activities. Throughout this period, Travis Japan has expanded their presence on global streaming platforms like and , 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.

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. Kaito Miyachika (born September 22, 1997) serves as the leader of Travis Japan, nicknamed "Chaka," and is assigned the representative color red. He joined the group in 2012 and is recognized for his vocal abilities and in developing . Kaito Nakamura (born April 15, 1997), nicknamed "Umi," represents the color green and joined in 2012. He specializes in dance and rap, often taking center positions in high-energy routines. Ryuya Shimekake (born June 23, 1995), nicknamed "Shime," is associated with the color pink and joined in 2012. As a main vocalist, he focuses on delivering emotive leads in the group's songs. Noel Kawashima (born November 22, 1994), nicknamed "Noel," holds the color 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. He is known for handling high notes and his English proficiency, which enhances the group's global outreach. Shizuya Yoshizawa (born August 10, 1995), nicknamed "Shizu," is assigned the color , and joined in 2012. He emphasizes performance stability, providing steady support in live shows and recordings. Genta Matsuda (born April 19, 1999), nicknamed "Genta," represents purple and joined in 2017. He is noted for his acrobatic skills and charismatic presence on variety shows. Kaito Matsukura (born November 14, 1997), nicknamed "Machu," is assigned the color orange, having joined in 2017. His focus on contemporary dance adds innovative elements to the group's choreography. 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.

Former members

Travis Japan underwent several lineup changes in its early years, transitioning from an initial formation of nine members in to the stable seven-member group that debuted in 2022. 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. Myuto Morita (born October 31, 1995), recognized for his strong dance skills, also departed in 2016 to become part of Love-Tune. 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. 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. 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.

Artistry

Musical style and influences

Travis Japan's musical style is characterized by upbeat that fuses elements of R&B, hip-hop, and , creating energetic tracks with strong hooks and synchronized vocal harmonies. Their debut single "Just Dance!" exemplifies this approach, featuring infectious pop melodies layered with rhythmic beats designed for broad appeal. The group's sound often incorporates and influences, adding a retro flair to their contemporary pop foundation. Key influences on Travis Japan stem from , channeled through their formation under choreographer , who worked extensively with the artist on tours and productions like This Is It. This connection infuses their music with dynamic, performance-oriented energy, while broader Western pop inspirations contribute to their polished, groove-heavy arrangements. Rooted in traditions from their origins in (now Starto Entertainment), the group blends these global elements with J-pop's signature catchiness. To enhance international accessibility, they frequently include English lyrics in their tracks and releases. 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. Post-debut, their output transitioned to vibrant pop- 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. 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. This reflects a deepening artistic maturity. Production for Travis Japan involves collaborations with , which has provided access to high-caliber producers to craft a refined, chart-oriented sound suitable for global markets. This partnership ensures a professional polish, blending Japanese pop sensibilities with Western production techniques for tracks that resonate across audiences.

Choreography and performance

Travis Japan was formed in 2012 by acclaimed choreographer , a longtime collaborator with , who mentored the group in key dance styles including , locking, and contemporary techniques to build their foundational skills. 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. 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. 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. 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. Such techniques not only highlight their athleticism but also emphasize , with every movement designed to maintain visual cohesion across the ensemble. Over time, Travis Japan's performance approach has evolved significantly, beginning with dance covers from 2019 to 2021 that demonstrated their versatility through covers of international hits, gradually building an online following. By 2023, this progressed to stadium-scale synchronization in their nationwide tours, where they scaled up formations for larger venues while preserving intricate details. Adaptations for television, such as their high-impact audition on in 2022, involved condensing elaborate dances into camera-friendly segments that retained core synchronization and flair.

Discography

Studio albums

Travis Japan has released two studio albums as of November 2025, with a third scheduled for , 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 , , and influences. Their first two albums have driven total physical sales exceeding 300,000 units in , reflecting their growing domestic and international appeal. Their debut studio album, Road to A, was released on December 20, 2023, by and . Standing for "Road to Authenticity," the album explores themes of perseverance and artistic , drawing from the group's pre-debut journey. It features 19 tracks, including the "Moving Pieces," which highlights synchronized and uplifting 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 Weekly Albums Chart, selling 153,457 copies in its first week, and the Hot Albums chart. It achieved gold certification from the (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 , , and contemporary to highlight their seven-member dynamic (the "VII" in the title). Key tracks include the "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 Hot Albums chart, earning RIAJ 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 and . 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 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 exclusives, have generated significant buzz, positioning it as a milestone in their international trajectory.
AlbumRelease DateLabelTracksPeak Chart PositionsCertification
Road to ADecember 20, 2023Capitol / Universal Music Japan19Oricon: #1
Billboard Japan: #1
RIAJ: Gold (100,000+)
VIIsualDecember 4, 2024Capitol / Universal Music Japan13Oricon: #1
Billboard Japan: #1
RIAJ: Gold (100,000+)
's travelersDecember 3, 2025Capitol / Universal Music Japan15UpcomingN/A

Extended plays and singles

Travis Japan released their debut extended play, Moving Pieces – EP, on June 5, 2023, through and . The digital EP features four tracks: "Moving Pieces," "Charging!," "Still on a Journey," and "Keep On Smiling," showcasing the group's energetic with themes of perseverance and growth. It debuted at No. 3 on the weekly digital album chart with 19,167 digital downloads in its first week, contributing to the group's rising domestic presence. The group has issued several digital singles since their 2022 major debut, emphasizing tracks with strong chart performance on and metrics. Their debut single, "Just Dance!," released on October 28, 2022, topped the weekly digital single ranking with multiple remixes also entering the top 10 and reached No. 4 on the , marking their first entry on global charts including No. 5 on Billboard's Global Excl. U.S. Subsequent releases maintained top-tier positioning. "Candy Kiss," their third digital single out on July 3, 2023, secured No. 1 on the weekly digital single chart with the year's highest first-week downloads at the time and peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100. 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 digital singles and No. 2 on the Hot 100. In 2025, Travis Japan achieved their first No. 1 on the with "Say I Do," released digitally on March 3 and as a physical (paired with " Crazy Night") on March 5; it sold 147,896 copies in its debut week and earned a Gold certification from the for exceeding 100,000 units. The accompanying B-side, " Crazy Night," serving as the theme for the drama Tokyo Camouflage Hour, peaked at No. 24 on the same chart. Later that year, "Would You Like One?," a promotional for the snack Tabekko Doubutsu released on April 28, topped the digital single chart with 35,398 first-week downloads and reached No. 9 on the . "Disco Baby," the for their third album, was released digitally in October 2025, topping the weekly digital single chart. Other notable releases include the promotional single "Mary no Kuni" in 2022, an early digital track tied to group activities, and pre-debut original "" 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 . Overall, Travis Japan's singles have consistently ranked in the top 10 of the , with several global entries on , reflecting their blend of accessibility and international appeal.
TitleRelease DateFormatPeak PositionsNotes
"Just Dance!"October 28, 2022Digital single Digital #1; #4; Global Excl. U.S. #5Debut single; remixes also charted top 10 on .
"Candy Kiss"July 3, 2023Digital single Digital #1; #2Highest first-week downloads of 2023 at release.
"T.G.I. Friday Night"March 18, 2024Digital single Digital #1 (both versions); #2Dual English/Japanese versions.
"Say I Do"March 3, 2025 (digital); March 5, 2025 (CD)Single (A-side) #1; #1Gold certified; 147,896 first-week sales.
"Tokyo Crazy Night"March 3, 2025 (digital); March 5, 2025 (CD)Single (B-side) #24Drama theme song.
"Would You Like One?"April 28, 2025Digital single Digital #1; #9Promotional .
"Disco Baby"October 2025Digital single Digital #1 for 's travelers.
"Level Up"December 21, 2023Digital single (album track) #68From 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. 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. 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. Following their 2022 debut, Travis Japan promoted their singles on major Japanese music programs, including multiple performances on from 2023 to 2025, such as their August 29, 2025, appearance showcasing tracks from their album 's travelers. These slots highlighted their synchronized 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 , 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. Member Kaito Miyachika starred in the drama Honnou Switch (January 11–March 15, 2025), an adaptation of a series, portraying the lead role of Hijiri Akiyama. 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.

Stage and theater

Travis Japan was formed in 2012 by American choreographer , 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. 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 integration and ensemble dynamics. These early theater experiences, spanning multiple Johnny's Jr. shows, underscored the group's emphasis on as an 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. 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 .

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 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. Following their major label debut, Travis Japan mounted the "Debut Concert Tour 2023 THE SHOW ただいま、おかえり," a nationwide series from January 28 to March 12, 2023, across multiple venues to celebrate their return to live audiences. The tour highlighted themes of homecoming and connection, incorporating dynamic performances of tracks like "My Dreamy Hollywood" to engage crowds in an intimate yet energetic atmosphere. In 2024, the "Travis Japan 2024 Road to Authenticity" marked a significant escalation, comprising 29 arena shows across 8 Japanese cities from January 4 to May 12 and drawing more than 100,000 attendees across sold-out venues while promoting their debut album Road to A. Extending internationally as the "World Tour 2024 Road to A," the outing included 7 performances with legs in (2 shows in on September 3–4, 1 in on September 12, and 1 in on September 14) and the U.S. ( on October 10, on October 14, and New York on October 16), establishing their first overseas headline milestone with sold-out shows. The "Travis Japan Concert Tour 2025 VIIsual" continued this momentum with an arena-focused run starting January 4, 2025, featuring 28 shows in 8 Japanese locations before expanding to select Asian cities and U.S. stops in July (New York on July 25 and Anaheim on July 27) and September ( on September 6–7, on September 9, and on September 27). This second world tour promotes their album VIIsual through high-energy productions, with all announced dates selling out rapidly; the international legs in 2025 were completed as sold-out events by October. Their third album 's travelers is slated for release on December 3, 2025.

Festival 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 , 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 "" in the 2018–2019 edition. In the 2021–2022 countdown, they delivered a special medley highlighting their evolving stage presence. The group's first solo concert, 2020, took place from August 1 to 10, 2020, as an streamed event amid the , 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. Internationally, Travis Japan served as special guest openers for Austin Mahone's Japan Tour 2019 at on October 14 and 15, blending their high-energy dances with collaborative numbers like "Dirty Work." In 2022, they expanded their U.S. presence at in , 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. Their dance prowess shone at the Championship 2022 in Orange County, where they secured third place in the Team Division, Best Costume, and Crowd Favorite awards, placing ninth overall globally. Building on this, they returned as special guest performers for the 2025 Finals on July 20 at the , presenting an exclusive set including "JUST DANCE," "Drivin' Me Crazy," and "BOSSY." 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.

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 , 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 , "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 video features the seven members performing intricate formations and expressive movements against minimalist sets, emphasizing themes of perseverance and in . 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. 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. 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.

Post-debut videos

Following their major label debut, Travis Japan released a series of high-production music videos that emphasized dynamic , 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 as of November 2025. The group's post-debut visuals marked a shift toward polished, narrative-driven content that highlighted their prowess and evolving pop sensibilities. The debut single "Just Dance!" (2022) video, directed by Gil Green, was filmed at Venice Beach in , 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 , 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 and premiered on June 10 as the theme for the 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 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 , 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$$Y" music video, directed by an unspecified team and released December 3, 2024, showcased boss-level confidence and power moves in a corporate-empire narrative, with over 3 million views as of November 2025. Additionally, "Disco Baby," a hit single from their third album, featured a retro disco revival concept with glittering dance sequences, directed by undisclosed creators and released in 2025, accumulating around 4 million views as of November 2025.
Video TitleRelease YearDirectorKey ConceptYouTube Views (as of Nov 2025)
Just Dance!2022Gil GreenGlobal street-dance unity20M+
Moving Pieces2023YuannUrban momentum and synchronization14M+
Candy Kiss2023YuannPlayful alien abduction romance11M+
T.G.I. Friday Night2024Takayuki HagaDisco party escapism7.8M
Sweetest Tune2024YVNG WINGMature romantic intimacy10M+
Crazy Crazy2024YVNG WINGAction high school reunion6M+
BO$$Y2024Not specifiedBoss-level confidence and power3M+
Say I Do2025YVNG WING (co-dir. Jongho JP)Heartwarming young love4M+
Tokyo Crazy Night2025YVNG WINGUrban nightlife excitement6M+
Would You Like One?2025HQF & SAMSONSeductive playful invitation5M+
Disco Baby2025Not specifiedRetro disco revival4M+

Accolades

Dance competitions

Travis Japan gained significant international recognition through their participation in the Championship Series in 2022, marking their first major competition abroad shortly after relocating to the for training. In the regional qualifier at the Orange County event on March 27, 2022, held at the in , the group secured third place in the Team Division with a high-scoring performance exceeding the 80-point threshold required for advancement, alongside winning the Best Costume and Crowd Favorite awards. Advancing to the Championship Week finals from July 29 to 31, 2022, Travis Japan competed in the Team Division, where they placed fourth and again earned the Best Costume award, before achieving ninth place overall in the global Team Division and the Ultimate Crowd Favorite accolade. Their routine, titled "My Dreamy Hollywood," was an original creation fully conceived, choreographed, and produced by the members themselves, emphasizing synchronized hip-hop and contemporary elements that highlighted their precision and stage presence. This competition success provided crucial exposure, contributing directly to their signing with under in September 2022, paving the way for their worldwide debut single "Just Dance!" the following month.

Awards and nominations

Travis Japan has garnered recognition from major bodies since their major debut in , particularly for their innovative blend of dance and . The group has received certifications from the (RIAJ) for several releases, reflecting strong physical sales in the domestic market. In 2023, their debut album Road to A achieved certification for exceeding 100,000 units shipped. This was followed by their second album Viisual earning the same distinction in 2024. By early 2025, their single "Say I Do" also attained RIAJ status, underscoring their continued commercial momentum. Travis Japan won New Artist of the Year (Japanese Music) at the 38th Japan Gold Disc Awards in 2024, along with Best 5 New Artists (Japanese Music), based on sales performance from the previous year.

References

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