ONE OR EIGHT is totally blowing up all over the world, and guess what? amNewYork snagged an exclusive peek at their journey to fame as they kicked off their fan meeting, SHUKAI, right here in New York City! The event went down on April 20 at Racket NYC, and let me tell you, it was one for the books.
The members of ONE OR EIGHT, including Souma, Mizuki, Tsubasa, Reia, Ryota, Takeru, Yuga, and Neo, took the city by storm from Chelsea to the tippy top of the Empire State Building. This was their first time touching down in North America, and they didn’t disappoint their international fanbase one bit. Their adventure started with an up-close-and-personal fan experience at Racket NYC, where attendees didn’t just sit back and watch the group perform; they got in on the action with some fun games. The packed venue was a clear sign that ONE OR EIGHT is on the fast track to becoming global sensations.
Takeru couldn’t contain his excitement when he chatted with amNewYork after the show. He spilled, “It’s been just a day since the performance, and we’re still riding that high. I’ve always dreamed of performing in the entertainment capital of the world, New York. So, pulling it off with the group was beyond amazing. And the fact that our fans were the ones who pushed for us to come to New York and we made it happen in no time means the world to us.”
The name ONE OR EIGHT comes from a Japanese saying, “Ichi Ka Bachi Ka,” which means “All or Nothing.” That pretty much sums up the group’s approach to their craft. Souma explained, “The name symbolizes a Japanese group taking on a massive challenge in the music scene globally.”
These rising stars made their debut on April 25, 2024, after appearing on a Japanese audition show called WARPS DIG. Since then, they’ve been making waves with hits like “KAWASAKI” featuring Big Sean and “Don’t Tell Nobody.” Their single “DTSM,” which samples Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop the Music,” really showcased their ability to bring something new to the table and keep things fresh. In just a year, these J-Pop idols have skyrocketed through the music industry like comets, and they show no signs of slowing down. With their motto, “BET ON YOURSELF,” ONE OR EIGHT is urging fans to take a leap of faith with them.
Mizuki expressed how much it means to the group when fans enjoy their music and feel inspired by their global endeavors. He hopes their success motivates others to chase their dreams. “The fans feel empowered to take on new challenges by watching us, and that’s incredibly special,” he shared.
The idea of betting it all on themselves highlights the risk that comes with working in the entertainment biz. While some might play it safe, ONE OR EIGHT is going all-in on their talent and hard work, aiming to become household names worldwide.
Each member had their own reasons for pursuing a career in music, but they all shared a deep love for the art form and its ability to transcend language barriers. Reia found his passion for music after being inspired by K-pop sensation BTS, while Neo wanted to make his mark on the world through his own compositions. Tsubasa felt called to become an artist after music helped him through tough times in his youth.
The legendary Michael Jackson served as a massive influence for the group, with Ryota and Souma drawing inspiration from his iconic dance moves. Yuga, whose parents exposed him to a wide range of music, credits his diverse musical upbringing for shaping his artistic perspective.
Mizuki was captivated by a Japanese vocal group’s live performance in his youth, which sparked his desire to pursue a career in music. Takeru initially focused on dance but found a new passion for writing music along the way.
Their journey in New York was just the beginning, as they wrapped up their visit with a breathtaking view from the 103rd floor of the Empire State Building. Looking out over the city skyline, ONE OR EIGHT felt like they had truly reached the top. During their time in the Big Apple, they rode the subway, hopped on the Staten Island Ferry, strolled across the Brooklyn Bridge, and even busted a move in Times Square.
Ryota couldn’t contain his excitement as he reminisced about the experience. “Being on top of the Empire State Building, especially the outdoor section because I’m a huge King Kong fan, was a dream come true. I felt like yelling with joy because this was something I’ve always wanted to do,” he shared with a grin.
As ONE OR EIGHT continues their North American tour, they’re grateful for their fans’ support and promise to keep the music coming. Tsubasa wrapped it up by saying, “Coming to New York for the first time was a dream, and we can’t wait to come back as a group. Until then, we’ll be busy creating more tunes. Stay tuned for what’s next, and we’ll definitely be back before you know it.”
And that’s a wrap on ONE OR EIGHT’s journey to the top! Keep your eyes and ears peeled for what these rising stars have in store next.
