Naniwa Danshi (なにわ男子) are the most colorful boys in J-pop. Adorable and sweet, they are my go-to anytime I need a mood lift. For their third studio album, the so-called ‘Naniwa Lucky Boys’ show how much they’ve grown – not only in their vocal ability but in the maturity of their songs.

However, this doesn’t mean they’ve completely abandoned their cute and colorful side. It’s more of a transformation, a shift towards a more mature and nuanced sound while still retaining their unique charm. 

The album opens with their spring hit, “NEW CLASSIC,” a song about hope and change; it promises that – no matter what – everything will be alright.

The group transitions effortlessly into the new song “Kick Start,” followed by the album’s lead single “Alpha.” The music video, filmed in the style of classic movie musicals of the golden age of Hollywood, is another sugar pop song of empowerment.

As the theme to the 2023 romantic comedy-drama Beni Sasu Life starring group member Ryusei Onishi, “Make Up Day” is a straightforward pop song mixing dance beats with just a hint of disco.

“Missing” is one of the songs that took the group in a newer, more mature direction. As the theme song to “Knocking’ on Locked Door” – a mystery drama starring group member Daigo Nishihata along with fellow STARTO artist Hokuto Matsumura of SixTONES – the song is a testament to the group’s versatility, being simple, sleek, and sexy with a hint of Jazz.

“Girlfriend” is one of my favorites on the album. It’s got a very summer-rock / 60’s surf vibe. It’s adorable and very VERY fun! It feels very much like another “Chuki Chuki Hurricane” (“ちゅきちゅきハリケーン”), which means I will have it on a constant repeat for the next several days.

“I Wish” is one of the music videos that stands out for me. It’s not necessarily my favorite song, but the video – filmed from the audience’s perspective – offers a glimpse into the world of who Naniwa Danshi is, not as a music group, but as a group of guys, no. A group of friends, and what it would be like to spend the day with them. Their charm and goofiness shine through, making them seem like they would be an absolute blast to just hang out with.

‘Live in the Moment’ is an ABSOLUTE banger and another one of my favorites from the album. Not only do I love how the group sounds when they’re singing in unison, but it’s another one of those songs that really showcase their individual parts. There is a gruffness in some of their vocals, and there is a power in that rawness. At its core, it’s a club song, but woven from threads of Jazz and funk mixed with a hint of Spanish guitar. It is a beautifully constructed piece of music. 

What sets Naniwa Danshi apart is their refusal to be pigeonholed as a typical bubblegum pop group. They constantly push the boundaries of sound, experimenting with different styles. This is what, in my opinion, makes them a timeless group, capable of keeping their fans grooving to their music for years to come.

Daigo and Ryusei were the duo I didn’t know I needed in “恋やけどめ,” while “ウルリルラリラリ” performed by the Trio of Kyohei, Kento, and Kazuya is the most Kansai of the songs I have ever heard from the group. While I feel like Jo-Kun would have ROCKED “ウルリルラリラリ” It was nice to hear a new side to him on the country-western-inspired ballad “Precious One” with Michi. 

As my introduction to all things STARTO ENTERTAINMENT Daigo Nishihata (西畑大吾), Ryusei Onishi (大西流星), Shunsuke Michieda (道枝駿佑) Kyohei Takahashi (高橋恭平), Kento Nagao (長尾謙杜), Joichiro Fujiwara (藤原丈一郎), and Kazuya Ohashi (大橋和也) will always have a special place in my heart. You can purchase +Alpha wherever Japanese music and movies are sold, including CD JAPAN. 

There will be more Naniwa Danshi soon so… 

Stay tuned!