Music is the closest thing the world has to magic. It allows us to feel, think, and dream in ways few other stimulants can. A good song can transform your mood, and a good artist can become a lifelong friend. 

When I first discovered Travis Japan, I was new to the world of Japanese entertainment. I knew Snow Man, Sailor Moon, and Yuzuru Hanyu. But here they were, these seven sparkly-eyed guys with a dream to touch someone’s heart with the art they were creating—and they were doing it in a way unlike most of their peers—in English. 

My introduction to the group was the theme song to TORA JA NINJAPAN 2021, “BIG BANG BOY,” Produced and directed by former artist Hideaki Takizawa of the early 2000s duo Tackey & Tsubasa,’ the dramatic setting and performances with Michael Jackson-inspired choreography won me over –  hook, line, and sinker. 

After watching the music video, I became more familiar with the group, making their effervescent leader – CHAKA – my very first Man Crush Monday! I conducted my first interview with them just a few days later as they prepared to make their first appearance on the hit NBC competition series America’s Got Talent. 

Two months later, the group made a groundbreaking announcement. They were not only set to debut officially but also become the first truly global unit under STARTO ENTERTAINMENT. Signed to Capitol / Universal Records, every release would be available on streaming services worldwide. This was a historic moment for the most prominent male idol factor in Japan, that meant the world would be watching.

Their debut single, “JUST DANCE!” released on 28 October, was an anthem for anyone and everyone who was not afraid to be themselves and dance to their own beat. 

Since their debut, Chaka, Umi, Shime, Noel, Shizu, Genta, and Machu have become a staple of sound in my everyday life and I’ve loved watching them grow and develop as artists. 

The group’s second single, “Moving Pieces,” followed on 15 May. The song was produced by Poo Bear and featured choreography by Travis Payne, a man involved with the group from their formative years.

The group’s third single, “Candy Kiss,” is one of my favorite tracks of all time. Released on 2 July, the video concept once again finds the group telling their fans that their music is for YOU, no matter who you are or where you’re from. 

As a pre-release to their debut album, Road to A, “Level Up” is one of those songs that just makes you want to move. It’s got one foot on the pulse of modern sound with the other firmly planted in the 1980s. Basically, I feel like it was written specifically for me. 

The album’s lead track, “Okie Dokie,” was filmed while the group was in Los Angeles to shoot their performance on AGT: Fantasy League, a spin-off of their incredible Season 17 appearance. Sidenote: I spent two days getting to know them as people, not just performers, as part of an interview for Life in Cartoon Motion while covering their participation in the OC Japan Fair. 

Their first official single of 2024 was the Disco-Driven Anthem “T.G.I. Friday Night.” Not only does the song slap sonically, but the visuals include representations that again confirm in no uncertain terms that Travis Japan are true allies. 

An insert song for the steamy T.V. Asahi drama Tokyo Tower (starring group member Genta Matsuda and now streaming overseas on Rakuten Viki), the music video for the group’s newest single, “Sweetest Tune,” includes several easter eggs to their previous releases. 

With the group returning to Los Angeles this fall, my wheels are already spinning with the possibility of another interview. The past two years have been a wild and incredible journey for me personally, and T.J. has been a big part of it. I hope to thank them. 

There will be more Travis Japan soon, so… 

Stay Tuned! 

Honorable mention: Though it does include one of their songs, “Party Up Like Crazy,” it’s not technically a music video. However, their World of Dance performance is genuinely awe-inspiring.