In the heart of Japan’s Kansai region, known for its fun and playful personalities, a kaleidoscope of talent was born. Under the management of STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, Japan’s most influential male idol factory, seven young men came together to form one of the most sparkling groups in J-POP – Naniwa Danshi (なにわ男子)!
🌈THE GROUP THAT STARTED IT ALL (FOR ME)🌈
This talented group of seven has taken the J-POP world by storm with their effervescent energy and captivating cuteness. But for me, they’re more than just a group – they’re the key that unlocked a whole new world of music and personal creativity.
Naniwa Danshi introduced me to the wonderland that is STARTO ENTERTAINMENT – and the sweet sounds of J-POP in general. Their music sparked a chain reaction that led me to discover other incredible groups. These include Snow Man, Travis Japan, SixTONES, Ae! group, and the talented solo artist Kento Nakajima (formerly of Sexy Zone).These colorful cuties reminded me of the happiness and hope music and art can bring. They reignited that spark of joy that comes from storytelling. Naniwa Danshi is the reason I created Life in Cartoon Motion, which has led to product reviews, celebrity interviews, and (most surprisingly) my first publishing deal in over seventeen years! So, it’s not a stretch to say they have changed my life.
🍀MEET THE LUCKY NANIWA BOYS🍀
❤️Daigo Nishihata: The Red Rebel ❤️
The charming center of Naniwa Danshi is a magnetic maverick of adorable charm. Though serious about his work, the group, and furthering their success, this adorable anchor has a mischievous streak a mile wide.
🧡️ Ryusei Onishi: The Marmalade Munchkin 🧡️
You won’t find many who contradict the self-proclaimed “most adorable” member of the group, because – let’s be honest – who can argue with his twinkling eyes and soft-as-silk smile?
💗 Shunsuke Michieda: Prince Charming in Pink 💗
With a warm smile and a heart of gold, it’s no wonder why the group refers to Michi as their most friendly member. But don’t let his soft-spoken sweetness fool you. This pink powerhouse packs a punch when it comes to talent and charisma.
💜 Kyohei Takahashi: The Purple Playboy 💜
The self-proclaimed sexiest member of the group is smoldering with captivating confidence. But beneath his suave exterior is a kind and gentle soul who just wants to make people happy.
💛 Kento Nagao: The Canary Charmer 💛
The youngest member of the group is also one of the most energetic. He has a playful energy and a creative mind bustling with ideas. All group members have an active role in their career and what it entails. One of Nagao’s strengths is design, which has lead him to help create some of Naniwa Danshi’s most intricate stage costumes and adorable tour merchandise.
💙Joichiro Fujiwara: The Boss in Blue💙
Affectionately known as Jo-Kun, the most senior member of the group is also its most protective. He’s always willing to be the first so he can make sure others are safe. He’s also not afraid to wrangle in the rest of the boys when they get too rowdy.
💚 Kazuya Ohashi: The Green Goon 💚
The quick-witted leader of the group is fun and funny and always ready for a laugh. This makes him an easy target for the group’s good-natured pranks. But he knows what he’s doing. He’s just reeling you in with his charm, and once he has you, BOOM! The real Ohashi is revealed: He’s got a powerhouse voice and a recent photoshoot in anan magazine proves that below that goofy grin is a rockin’ body and a man who knows how to turn up the steam!
🌌 COLORING IN THE LINES🌌
Before becoming the center of Naniwa Danshi, Nishihata was widely considered the center of all Kansai Juniors. He was part of the unit Naniwa Ouji (なにわ皇子), alongside Onishi and Ren Nagase, who would later join King & Prince. Although Naniwa Ouji didn’t quite take off, this experience laid the groundwork for something even more special.
Meanwhile, seasoned seniors Fujiwara and Ohashi, who joined the agency in 2004 and 2009 respectively, had already made waves as a dynamic duo in groups like Gang Star and Funky8. Their chemistry was undeniable, and they even shared the stage together twice in the stage play Ryun.
In 2014, Michieda, Takahashi, and Nagao entered the agency and were quickly paired as a trio. They attracted attention for both their looks and personalities, and Michieda has since become one of the group’s most active actors, starring in series and films that have earned him global recognition. As the group’s tallest member, he jokingly shared, “I’m still growing taller! I’m aiming to be at least 180cm (5’11). We look forward to your continuous support!”
THE SEVEN STARS START TO SHINE
At 7:28 in the evening on Saturday 6 October 2018, the seven members were advised of the group’s formation via text message. Initially, every single one of them thought it was a joke – especially since the name “Naniwa Danshi” literally just translates to “people from Kansai.”
“I didn’t believe it,” group member Nishihata has previously said, with a chuckle. “But I’m very glad it was true!”
🌪️🌴A CHUKI CHUKI HURRICANE OF COLOR❤️🌈
They were officially introduced to the public on October 24, 2018, the first day performance of Kansai Johnnys’ Jr. “Fall in LOVE 〜Aki ni Kanju ni Koishichainayo〜.” Produced by SUPER EIGHT’s Tadayoshi Okura, their bright colors and soda-pop sweet sound won the hearts of millions of fans all around the world.
On January 5, 2021, Naniwa Danshi, along with two other Kansai Junior groups (Ae! group and Lil Kansai), joined the Junior official YouTube channel, indirectly replacing SixTONES and Snow Man after their departure from the channel when they made their duo debut.
Their own official debut was announced on July 28 (Naniwa Day) during their Naniwa Danshi First Arena Tour 2021 #NaniwaDanshiShikaKatan concert at Yokohama Arena. It was a surprise to everyone, especially the group themselves.
Signed to Storm record labels, the only thing left to solidify their debut was the perfect song. There will be more Naniwa Danshi soon so…
Stay Tuned!
Life In Cartoon Motion 