There’s something about Naniwa Danshi. The seven member song and dance unit is one of the newer groups to debut from what is arguably the biggest boyband company in Japan, but while they’re new, they’re anything but green. They’re a formidable group specializing in sugar-sweet sounds and bright and dazzling colors. 

Having just celebrated their second anniversary November 12th, the group has released their 6th single “I Wish” which also serves as the theme song to the drama “My Second Aoharu” starring group member Shunsuke Michieda (Michi) about a woman (Sayako Shiratama) who takes a second chance to pursue her dreams after meeting Taku (Michieda). 

Sonically the song is everything you’d expect a Naniwa Danshi song to be: Fun, energetic, catchy, but visually, the video takes a step in a more adult-like direction for the group – which is something I had the absolute honor of sitting down to chat with them about.

Do you have a favorite moment from the music video?

Ryusei Onishi (devilish laughter): There was a scene where Nishihata was lying in a hammock. It was supposed to be this great moment for him, where he looks charming and cool. Instead, the six of us started rocking him back and forth… maybe a little harder than we should have (Nishihata interjecting: a little?!?). So instead of looking confident, he looks unkempt and even a little nervous (laughs). It was great for the rest of us and a very fun moment! , 

How do you feel the song fits with the theme of the series?

Shunsuke Michieda: There’s a line in the song that, if you translate it, says  “I can be stronger if you are with me” which really fits with the theme of the drama. It’s not that you “Can’t” do it alone, but you don’t “have” too. I think it’s a message that resonates with who we are as a group too. We’re stronger together. It’s one of those songs that, as a theme song, works for the drama, but on it’s own is one of the songs that also represents who Naniwa Danshi is. 

What does Naniwa Danshi mean to you?

Kazuya Ohashi: It’s a place where dreams come true. When one of us is struggling, the others will rally. Each one of us has a significant place, not just as professionals within the group, but also as friends in our personal lives. Whenever we’re together, everything just clicks. I know that wherever I’m feeling anxious or nervous about something I can reach out to any one of the other six, or all of them, and they’ll help me overcome whatever it is that’s bothering me. I don’t have to do it alone, and neither do they.  We’re very lucky we all have a lot of the same dreams, and I hope that those dreams can extend to our fans in Japan, and all over the world. I hope we can inspire our fans to achieve their dreams like they’ve helped us.

When it comes to the CD in addition to the title track, “Join us!” allows the guys to add a pinch of techno to their sugary sound, which I am all about. Warm, welcoming, and incredibly fun, the video, and the song itself feels like a love letter to the fans, with the guys asking us to join them in the celebration of everything they’ve accomplished since their debut!

As for the additional tracks (available exclusively on the physical CD version), “I am back” and “Have a blast” are standard Naniwa tracks with catchy lyrics and fun upbeat sounds. “Snowy Love” is their contribution to the sounds of the 2023 holiday season with “F.L.E.X.” another step towards a more adult sound for the group. Sensual vocals with an energetic beat, it makes me even more excited for what this next level is going to bring the group!

You can purchase your copy of “I Wish” through CD Japan.

More Naniwa Danshi soon so…

Stay Tuned!