For Travis Japan, the journey to authenticity has been a grueling odyssey, marked by hairpin turns, treacherous descents, and daunting summits, but still after years of hard work they have emerged battle-tested and true to themselves, not just as a group of JPOP artist, but as a band of brothers. Every twist, every tumble, and every triumph has forged an unbreakable bond between them. Now, they’re standing at the edge of a new frontier, as the first group in storied 60+-year history of  STARTO ENTERTAINMENT to embark on a world tour that includes the United States. 

It’s a journey I’ve been lucky enough to watch from the sidelines,  cheering them on not just as a member of the press, but as someone who’s experienced firsthand the transformative power of their sound. There’s an almost magical quality to it – an inspirational spark that has transformed them from the seven cuties who won the hearts of millions on America’s Got Talent, to a global powerhouse of sound. 

After playing to more than 223,000 fans from January to August 2024, the group announced they were taking their Road to Authenticity to the rest of the world. This included three stops in the United States: Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York. A first for any group signed to STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, all three US locations were sold out in a matter of hours – a testament to the group’s skyrocketing popularity.

“We are also very excited to be performing in three different cities across the United States!” group leader Chaka exclaimed in an earlier statement. “As a place that holds a very special formative spot in our hearts, we believe it will be a fantastic opportunity to explore how to bring people together through entertainment!” And judging by the electric atmosphere at their Los Angeles concert, they’re doing just that.

The concert took place at the historic El Rey Theatre in the heart of Hollywood, a venue that’s hosted some of the biggest names in music. But Travis Japan brought their own unique brand of magic to the stage, delivering a 90-minute performance that was equal parts high-energy spectacle and heartfelt connection. Don’t get it twisted, just because the stage was smaller, didn’t mean that TJ gave anything less than 1000 percent.  

Stepping on the stage in a flash of light and pulse of sound, the seven members of Travis Japan greeted the fans with their signature energetic zest with a splash of humble hotness – and the fans went wild for these seven unique tigers. 

Some of my favorite performances included the playful 8-bit bop “Level Up”

The Sexy and fun “T.G.I. Friday Night”

The sweet and hopefully “Okie Dokie” 

There is just something incredibly fun about “Unique Tigers”

The romantic “Sweetest Tune”

And of course, the song that started it all “JUST DANCE!”

There was also an incredible remix of my absolute favorite TJ Track “Candy Kiss” that I am going to try my best to will into existence. 

With so many wonderful songs to choose from, it was the group’s soon-to-be-released “Fly Higher” that touched me the most. The closing theme to the anime TASUKETSU – Fate of the Majority- (which stars group member Noel) that really pulled at my heartstrings. A song about chasing dreams and holding onto hope – even in the face of adversity – seems incredibly autobiographical. One thing TJ is skilled at is pulling you – the listener – into the emotion of their music. That skill is only amplified in person. 

All seven guys poured their hearts and souls into every performance, and the crowd responded in kind. They didn’t waiver, not even once.  Even on the third encore, they were still bursting with excitement.

As the night drew to a close, the group took their final bows, exhausted but exhilarated. “We love you, Los Angeles,” Umi laughed, wiping the sweat from his brow. “But we really don’t have any more songs to play for you!” The crowd roared, begging for more, but Travis Japan had given it their all – and then some.

As they said their final goodbyes, Genta, the group’s steadfast sexy tiger got emotional. “Los Angeles is really like a second home,” he’s said previously. “I really love it here.”

It’s a sentiment I know the rest of the group agrees with. 

As I emerged from the theater – surrounded by hundreds of smiling faces – I realized I’d fallen even more in love with this group. Their passion. Their energy. Their perseverance. To put it plainly, this group is the shit and now that I’ve seen what they can do in an intimate setting like the El Rey I am more determined than ever to see them in all their glory in Japan. 

There will be more Travis Japan, so… 

Stay Tuned!