@niziu_official #StrayKids 의 #필릭스 선배님과 함께 #HEARTRIS_Challenge #하트리스챌린지 💗 #NiziU #니쥬 #스트레이키즈 #Felix #PressPlay #NiziU_PressPlay #HEARTRIS #NiziU_HEARTRIS #니쥬_PressPlay_한국데뷔 ♬ HEARTRIS - NiziU

The Pulse Beneath the Glitter

NiziU’s evolution toward a more mature sound becomes even clearer when viewed through the lens of 「♡Emotion」, a track that captures the dizzy, heart‑fluttering rush of falling in love with a new intensity. The song reflects a shift from bright, youthful charm into a deeper emotional register where vulnerability and excitement intertwine. In this light, 「♡Emotion」 becomes a subtle bridge between their early sunlit era and the reflective sophistication of “YOAKE”, revealing how NiziU are learning to express not just joy, but the trembling, complex feelings that come with growing up in the spotlight.

🎶 🎤✨🗾🇯🇵🎎🌍🎧💫📀🌈⚡🎸🌸🚀 🔊 「♡Emotion」- NiziU

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Japanese pop is entering a new era of global visibility, driven by digital expansion, cross‑cultural collaborations, and a wave of ambitious new groups redefining what J‑pop can be.

These rising acts — all of whom debuted within the last five years — are shaping the sound and spectacle of the Reiwa generation.

SixTONES 🎸🔥🎤

SixTONES have become one of Japan’s most dynamic boy groups, blending classic J‑pop theatricality with modern edge. After years of building chemistry as trainees, they officially debuted in 2020 with the Yoshiki‑composed “Imitation Rain,” a dramatic, guitar‑driven anthem that sold over a million copies and cemented their star power. Their catalog moves confidently between rock‑leaning bangers like “New Era” and sleek, emotionally charged tracks such as “Mascara.” Beyond the music, SixTONES have broken ground for STARTO Entertainment by embracing social media early and becoming the first act from the agency to appear on “THE FIRST TAKE.” Their current tour spans major Japanese cities, reinforcing their status as one of the country’s most influential ensembles.

JO1 🚀🌐💎

Born from the survival show Produce 101 Japan, JO1 represent the power of determination and rapid growth. With members who entered the competition with little formal training, the group debuted in 2020 and quickly became chart regulars on Billboard Japan and Oricon. Their sound spans bright pop, EDM, and emotional ballads, all delivered with polished vocals and tight choreography. JO1’s momentum has carried them into international spaces — from U.S. showcases to their first global tour — and they now stand on the brink of a major milestone with their compilation album BE CLASSIC and a pair of long‑awaited Tokyo Dome concerts.

NiziU 🌈✨💫

Formed through JYP Entertainment’s Nizi Project, NiziU burst onto the scene with the viral success of “Make You Happy,” instantly positioning themselves as a new force in Japanese pop. While their early work leaned into bright, youthful energy, the group has matured significantly with releases like RISE UP and AWAKE, embracing richer production and more nuanced themes. Their single “YOAKE” channels city‑pop nostalgia while marking the members’ symbolic transition into adulthood. NiziU have also expanded into the Korean market, becoming the first foreign group to win on a Korean music show with “HEARTRIS,” and continue to evolve with their latest single album LOVE LINE.

BE:FIRST ⚡🛸🔥

BE:FIRST emerged from SKY‑HI’s ambitious talent‑development project THE FIRST, and since their 2021 debut, they’ve carved out a lane defined by intensity, precision, and genre‑fluid pop. Tracks like “Gifted,” “Mainstream,” and “Spacecraft” showcase their ability to merge emotional storytelling with high‑impact performance. Their collaborations with K‑pop group ATEEZ highlight their cross‑cultural appeal, and their recent dome tour — a major achievement in Japan — signals their rapid ascent. With their first international tour approaching and a new single, “GRIT,” on the horizon, BE:FIRST are poised for a global breakthrough.

INI 🎯🔥🎧

INI, formed through Produce 101 Japan Season 2, have quickly distinguished themselves through cohesion and versatility. Each member brings a distinct strength — from Masaya Kimura’s commanding stage presence to the group’s agile rap line and powerful vocalists. Their debut EP A set the tone with bold tracks like “Rocketeer,” while later releases explored both high‑energy anthems and softer moments such as the gentle “HANA.” With multiple million‑selling releases and major dome performances, INI have become one of the most commercially successful groups of their generation.

Naniwa Danshi 💛🎶🌟

Naniwa Danshi embody the exuberance and emotional warmth of youth, pairing bright instrumentals with acrobatic choreography and heartfelt storytelling. Their 2021 debut “Ubu Love” introduced them as a group capable of delivering pure joy, and they’ve continued to dominate popularity rankings with each new release. All seven members hail from the Kansai region, a shared identity that shapes their charm and humor. Their hands‑on approach to creative direction marks a shift within STARTO Entertainment, positioning them as innovators within the traditional idol system.

XG 🐺💥🌍

XG operate at the intersection of J‑pop, K‑pop, and global R&B, crafting a hybrid sound they call “X‑pop.” Since debuting in 2022 with “Tippy Toes,” the group has become known for razor‑sharp rap, smooth vocals, and bold visual identity. Their multilingual approach and international training have fueled their global rise, culminating in a world tour and a landmark Coachella performance. With their EP Awe and viral moments like Cocona’s head‑shaving scene in “Woke Up,” XG continue to push boundaries and redefine what a Japanese girl group can be.

FRUITS ZIPPER 🍓🎀💖

Rooted in Harajuku’s vibrant fashion and youth culture, FRUITS ZIPPER bring a playful, kawaii‑driven aesthetic to the J‑pop landscape. Their debut in 2022 introduced a sound full of color and charm, and their breakout hit “Watashi no Ichiban Kawaii Tokoro” became a TikTok phenomenon with over 900 million views. The group’s debut album NEW KAWAII celebrates their mission to modernize and globalize Harajuku culture. With a steady stream of new releases — including “Kagami,” “Suki, Onegai,” and a cover of CAPSULE’s “Sugarless GiRL” — they continue to expand their creative universe.

Number_i 🐐🔥🎭

Formed by former KING & PRINCE members Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi, Number_i represent reinvention and artistic independence. Their 2024 debut “GOAT” introduced a harder, more rap‑driven sound that immediately resonated with fans and charted strongly. The trio’s charisma and performance power shine in tracks like “BON” and “GOD_i,” and their collaboration with Jackson Wang at Coachella underscored their international ambitions. With a new EP on the way and festival appearances lined up, Number_i are rapidly becoming one of Japan’s most globally visible acts.

ME:I 🌸⚡👑

ME:I, formed through Produce 101 Japan Season 3, have quickly become leaders of the new J‑pop wave. Their debut single “Click” established their identity as challengers ready to reshape the industry, blending bright energy with hypnotic choreography. With two EPs, major award wins, and a performance at Kōhaku Uta Gassen already under their belt, the group’s rise has been swift and decisive. Their upcoming EP MUSE marks the next step in their evolution, promising even more refined artistry and ambitious performance.

#JPop 🎤 #NewEra ✨ #RisingStars 🔥 #IdolWave 🌸 #GlobalSound 🌍