The deeper I fall into the wonderful world of Johnny & Associates, the more mesmerized I am by the groups they represent. To attend one of their shows is to witness a type of musical magic very few entertainers have been able to provide. A spectacle of the heart, these live experiences are the culmination of thousands of hours of hard work, not just by the company, but the groups themselves. 

This is especially true for the Jr. groups.

Last week, they held the ALL Johnnys’ Jr. 2023 WASSHOI CAMP! In Dome at Tokyo Dome, following the first run (held on the 16th and 17th of July) at Kyocera Dome Osaka. 200 young men from the ages of 6 to 28 in 10 groups ( with an additional 118 Jrs) mobilized with a determined desire to bring fans nearly three hours of music and fun in a way only a Johnny’s group can provide. 

Produced by Kazuya Kamenashi of KAT-TUN, it was the first time such an event has taken place in both domes since 2000. 

The show starts with several of the company’s youngest talents, not yet a part of a group, showing off various talents. This includes a little boy singing the chorus of “JUST DANCE!!” from J&A’s first international group Travis Japan (one of my personal favorites) while playing cups. Then, in an explosive introduction of thunder and lightning, the official groups performed “FIRE BEAT” originally recorded by Kis-My-Ft2, and the crowd erupted into cheers of 

excitement. 

Highlights from the night include Ae! group performing their fan-favorite original song “PRIDE” which has become the group’s anthem. Every time I hear this song, it gives me chills. It’s very powerful, and I am honored that I had the chance to interview them about it.  

“S.C”

This rock-infused pop song featured a mix of guys, Kanesashi and Fujii from Bishonen, Igari from HiHi Jets, Nagase and Uchimura from Shonen Ninja, Maruoka from Boys be, and Kota from SpeciaL. The song not only features a stellar tap number, but Maruoka is also a talented beatboxer. 

“Hysteria”

This sweet and sensual take on the SixTONES song was performed by Fuga from Lil Kansai, Nasu of Bishonen, Shonen Ninja’s Fukada, Motodaka of 7 MEN Samurai, Sakuma from HiHi Jets, Wada of SpeciaL, and Mayumi and Yoshikawa from AmBitious was a gorgeous interpretation. 

“Nihon Yoi Toko Makafushigi”

This SHONENTAI original was performed by HiHiJets and featured the group speeding around the stage on roller skates, which again would have caused me massive anxiety if I had been there. I would’ve been too worried about them falling to focus on how incredibly cool they looked. 

“ichiban”

Performed by both 7 MEN Samurai and HiHiJets, this Kabuki take on the hit by King & Prince was interesting and a perfect segue into “Japonica Style” performed by Ae! group and Bishonen. One of my favorite SixTONES tracks, I really loved this reinterpretation – especially when the other groups came out to dance along and start the final sets.

Picking these highlight songs was no easy task as every single number was performed with such style and panache that part of me wanted to just take you through beat by beat of the show. It really was that good, which is a testament to the impeccable nature of which Johnny & Associates

“The essence of Johnny’s is, as it has been for decades, most visible in the incredible, hard-working, and determined young men who come through our doors as Juniors,” Kamenashi said after the event.“ They are the embers from which all the names known and loved by so many today began to burn, so it means the world to me that I was able to produce this show and introduce fans all around the globe to a steller next generation.” 

“It was a challenge,” he continued, “ being so different from anything I’ve ever done before with KAT-TUN, or even from the shows I did as a Junior myself, but so incredibly rewarding to see everyone from the stage to the stands enjoying themselves. From the bottom of my heart, a big thanks to everyone involved, and most importantly all of the fans supporting us worldwide. This is for you.”

Watching these groups perform, one thing is absolutely for sure. Those embers are burning bright. I can’t wait to see them explode into the full illumination of their star power! 

More Johnnys soon so… 

Stay Tuned!