I am a fan of all things cute, colorful, and irresistibly sweet – which is exactly why Travis Japan’s ｢Candy Kiss｣ is at the top of my list of favorites songs of the last decade, it’s my ultimate earworm. Initially slated to be the group’s second single, a behind-the-scenes shuffle bumped it to third,which slightly tweaked their debut story, but ultimately making it better. Though initially planned to be the group’s second single, some behind the scenes shuffling moved into third place, which changed the story, but only slightly and for the better. 

🍭 A SWEET RECIPE FOR SUCCESS 🍭

Written by Edvard Erfjord, Koda, and Sakima, ｢Candy Kiss｣ is the perfect blend of everything bubblegum pop dreams are made of. Its catchy hooks and playful lyrics have made it one of Travis Japan’s most iconic songs, showcasing their ability to deliver feel-good music with a lasting impact.

Adding to the magic is world-renowned choreographer Nicky Andersen, who brought his expertise to create the vibrant and fun moves for the song. (He also choreographed their debut single ｢JUST DANCE!｣).

👽 BEAMING UP THE FUN: A UFO ADVENTURE 👽

The music video for ｢Candy Kiss｣ takes place aboard a UFO where Travis Japan works their charm on a gaggle of adorable female NBEs (non-binary extraterrestrials). With their signature smiles, colorful outfits, and cheeky dance moves, the boys prove that their charisma knows no bounds—even in outer space!

One of my favorite moments in the video? Watching Genta, affectionately dubbed “The Sexy Tiger,” bop around like an excitable little duck. It’s the perfect encapsulation of Travis Japan’s playful energy and charm.

🍬 Unwrapping the Sweetness 🍬

Released on July 3, 2023, ｢Candy Kiss｣ made a sugar rush up  the charts:

  • Oricon Weekly Digital Singles Chart: Debuted at #1 with a record-breaking 61,305 downloads in its first week—the highest of the fiscal year.
  • Oricon Weekly Combined Singles Chart: Secured the #4 spot, a testament to both its digital and physical sales success.
  • Billboard Japan Download Songs Chart: Claimed the top spot with 46,077 downloads in its debut week.
  • Billboard Japan Hot 100: Rose to #2 with an impressive 3.9 million streams during its first week.

🍡Candy-Coated Legacy🍡

｢Candy Kiss｣ isn’t just a song—it’s a celebration of fun, and a shining example of Travis Japan’s message for the world (and galaxy) to “Just Dance Together.”

“We had a lot of energy when we heard the song,” Chaka said in an exclusive interview with Life in Cartoon Motion. “All of us thought it was a really good one. My first impression of Candy Kiss was that it sounded like a Michael Jackson song – like an homage. It’s a fun song, and we are glad we got to record it.”

With its infectious charm, sugar-rush energy, and the group’s undeniable charisma, is it any wonder why I can’t get enough of this sweet, colorful masterpiece?