The Tokyo-based J-Pop group timelesz has officially expanded! On February 15, right after the highly anticipated finale of their Netflix docuseries timelesz project -AUDITION-, the group introduced five new members during a press conference at Universal Music Japan. The announcement marks a defining moment in their evolution from their origins as Sexy Zone into something even bigger, stronger, and, well… timeless.

From Sexy Zone to timelesz: The Journey So Far

April 1, 2024, wasn’t just the day Fuma Kikuchi, So Matsushima, and Shori Sato revealed their group’s rebrand—it was the start of an ambitious new era. With their new name, timelesz (pronounced “timeless”), came an open audition, a bold step toward redefining their identity. That journey played out in timelesz project -AUDITION-, an 18-episode Netflix series that captured the emotional highs and heartbreaking eliminations leading up to this very moment.

After months of intense competition, five standout talents emerged victorious, officially joining the new eight-member timelesz lineup:

💫 Shuto Inomata (23)
💫 Taiki Shinozuka (22)
💫 Takuto Teranishi (30)
💫 Masaki Hashimoto (25)
💫 Yoshitaka Hara (29)

A Surprise Appearance & an Emotional Milestone

Fans watching the final audition round were treated to a shocking yet heartwarming surprise when Sho Sakurai of ARASHI stepped in as a special guest. His presence not only added an extra layer of prestige but also underscored the weight of this moment for both the finalists and the original members.

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The Audition Process: From 19,822 to 8

The road to timelesz was anything but easy. A staggering 19,822 hopefuls submitted applications, with only 350 making it past the first selection. From there:

  • 36 contestants advanced to the third round.
  • 18 were eliminated before the fourth round.
  • 12 remained in the fifth round.
  • And finally, the last 8 finalists stood on the brink of history in the grand finale on February 5, 2025.

Looking Ahead: A Family, Not Just a Group

For Shori Sato, the biggest joy isn’t just gaining new members—it’s welcoming new fans:
“People who’ve been with us since the Sexy Zone days, as well as those who just found us through timelesz project, can now experience our music together. That means everything to us.”

Meanwhile, Fuma Kikuchi, who had often mentioned that the bond between the members is a “special relationship that can only be described by the word ‘member,’” took the opportunity to declare, “We are a family now. Our last name is timelesz.” He explained this declaration in the form of a “name-changing ceremony”, symbolizing their new chapter as a unified group.

So Matsushima, who personally created the bold statement displayed behind them at the press conference, summed it up best: “This is the moment our feelings became real. This is where our new story truly begins.”

timelesz Announces First Global Release of “Rock This Party” along with Digital Compilation

timelesz’ brand-new song as an official 8-member group, “Rock This Party”, which was performed during the final round alongside the three original members and eight contestants, has been confirmed for global release on 28 February 2025 (00:00 local time in each territory).

With a renewed vision, an expanded lineup, and a shared dream, timelesz is ready to take on the future—together. The only question now is: Are you ready to join them on this journey? 🚀🎶