Looking back over 2023 (which I can’t believe is ending), I am reminded of how much of the year involved the seven colorful cuties of the JPOP group Naniwa Danshi (なにわ男子). From reviewing music, film, and television releases, this year, I also got the opportunity to interview the group for the first time! They are an incredible group, with some great music. 

Special Kiss (single 4)
The group’s first single of the year served as the theme to the film And Yet, You Are So Sweet which starred, the group’s hottest and coolest member (his words) Kyohei Takahashi.

The single also included the high NRG power-pop anthem Seishun (youth) Rhapsody which is one of my most favorite songs from the group.

3 different Physical disc versions were released on 8 March and included additional songs and behind-the-scenes video content including “Dancing in the Rain” and “Viva Viva Carnival!!” – honestly, this is probably my most favorite of their releases since their debut single UBU LOVE (初心LOVE). It’s just filled with joy-inspiring music. 

POPMALL (Album 2)
Released on 12 July, the group’s second album is filled with some incredible music that not only kept true to the sugar-sweet sound fans have come to know and love, but also explored some more mature musical tastes as well. Highlights include:

The truly outrageous POPPIN’ HOPPIN’ LOVIN’

The incredibly sexy LAI-LA-LA

as well as the previously released singles such as Special Kiss .

And 2022’s Happy Surprise

The album came in three different versions featuring additional songs and behind-the-scenes video content unique to each set, including the Recording music video to Blue Story which was the CM theme to Sea Breeze deodorant that featured members of the group.

In September the group released their 5th (and first double A-Side) single Make Up Day / Missing which included the theme songs to series starring members of the group.

Make Up Day – The theme to the NTV romantic dramedy Beni Sasu Life starring Ryusei Onishi

Missing – The theme to the TV Asahi mystery drama staring group member Daigo Nishihata (along with Hokuto Matsumura of SixTONES)!

3 different Physical disc versions were released on 13 September and contained additional songs and behind-the-scenes video content, including one of my favorite Naniwa Danshi songs “Wonder.”

The group’s sixth single I Wish, released in November was the theme TBS drama My Second Aoharu (English: My Second Youth) which starred group member Shunsuke Michieda. 

3 different Physical disc versions were released on 15 November and contained additional songs and behind-the-scenes video content, including the B-Side track Join Us!

As my introductory group to STARTO (Formerly Johnny & Associates), I am so proud of the work they’ve done, not just in 2023, but since their debut. I cannot wait to see what’s next!

More Naniwa Danshi in 2024 so…

Stay Tuned!