Dearest Gentle Readers,

It is with no small amount of delight that I announce a most auspicious occasion: the long-awaited streaming debut of WEST., one of the legacy jewels within the glittering crown of STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, the world’s preeminent purveyor of male idols. 

Their entire musical catalog, every note and nuance, is now within reach of eager listeners across the globe!

The tale of their formation, whispered through the halls of STARTO and polished into legend, is one this author cannot resist recounting!

Picture, if you will, the final hours of 2013. Mere moments before stepping into the spotlight of a New Year’s Eve stage, Shigeoka, Nakama, Kiriyama, and Kotaki were informed they would debut as a group known as “WEST 4.” 

An honor, indeed—though one that excluded their compatriots Hamada, Kamiyama, and Fujii. Yet rather than bask in the limelight alone, these gallant four declared the group incomplete without their brethren. 

It didn’t take much for them to convince the owner of the company to allow them debut as a 7 member group.

Since that day, their career has been as vivid and colorful as their Kansai spirit, brimming with mischief, music, and no shortage of charm. But as any true music connoisseur knows, to understand the songs, one must first understand the songbirds themselves. And so, with ink freshly sharpened and curiosity aflame, allow me to present a modest introduction to some of the most enchanting gentlemen in all of J-pop.

Daiki Shigeoka (重岡大毅), born 26 August 1992 is the cheerful and multi-talented leader of WEST. Nicknamed “Shige,” he’s known (and loved) for his radiant smile and ability to light up any room.

Before debut, he was active as part of the Kansai Jrs., where his lively personality and natural acting talent set him apart. Both playful and sincere, he often grounds the group with warmth, balancing his humorous side with thoughtful care.

Junta Nakama (中間淳太), born 21 October 1987 is the most senior member and–despite his sense of humor– takes his job very seriously. Fluent in multiple languages, Junta is admired for his intelligence and caring leadership style. 

Often referred to as the group’s “big brother,” he combines mature insight with sharp comedic timing, guiding his younger bandmates while showcasing versatility as a performer.

Akito Kiriyama (桐山照史), born 31 August 1989 is known for his booming laugh and dynamic stage charisma. Akito’s energy carries across music, variety, and acting, where his powerful voice and comedic instincts shine. 

His groupmates (and fans) appreciate how he balances his extroverted personality with a dependable work ethic, ensuring both humor and professionalism in every setting. (Side Note: He is my bias of the group)

Tomohiro Kamiyama (神山智洋), born 1 July 1993 is the creative backbone of the group. A skilled songwriter and composer, he frequently contributes musically to WEST., bringing sincerity and artistry to their sound. 

Nicknamed “Kami-chan,” he’s admired for his fashion sense and attention to detail, pairing his musical ambition with a stylish, thoughtful approach that resonates with fans.

Ryusei Fujii (藤井流星), born 18 August 1993  is the group’s tall, dark, and dreamy heartthrob. But despite his super-cool appearance, Ryusei is also famously airheaded and endearingly absent-minded – a fact that only makes him more endearing to the fans.

On stage, he transforms into a magnetic performer, seamlessly blending his looks and presence with heartfelt vocals.

Takahiro Hamada (濱田崇裕), born 19 December 1988 is often called “Hama-chan” and is the group’s mood-maker. With a mischievous sense of humor and an easygoing spirit, he brings levity to even the most intense moments. 

Offstage, his kindness and attentiveness to the members reveal a dependable side, giving him a balance of clownishness and heart.

Nozomu Kotaki (小瀧望), born 30 July 1996 is the youngest and often dubbed the “baby” of WEST. Standing tall, he naturally stands out in group visuals, but he’s equally recognized for his acting career and steady growth as a performer. 

Nicknamed “Non-chan,” he balances youthful charm with ambition, steadily carving out his own identity within the entertainment world while embracing his role as the group’s ‘suekko’.

As I have previously confessed, WEST.’s musical repertoire is still something of a delightful mystery to me. Yet, as I wander through this enchanting wonderland of rhythm and melody, I have selected, with no small deliberation, my current top five tracks to share with you. Consider this a mere amuse-bouche, a tantalizing sip to wet your whistle, while I continue my courtship of their ever-charming sound.

｢Mixed Juice｣ – a lively concoction of rhythm and mischief that promises to tickle both your ears and your fancy.

｢Rainbow Chaser｣ – These dazzling synths brighten even the most languid of afternoons with a spectrum of color and emotion.

｢A.H.O.｣ – a playful anthem whose very title hints at the delightful audacity within.

｢POWER｣ – will lift your spirits and leave you thoroughly invigorated.

Let us not forget ｢WEST SIDE SOUL!｣ – the very composition that first introduced me to this troupe of gentlemen—thus earning, naturally, the esteemed position of my personal favorite.

A final, whispered acknowledgment must be extended to ｢Big Shot｣ – a tantalizing morsel without a full official video to tease us further. It is, as it were, a private delight for those who seek it.

There will, without doubt, be more WEST. to discover as I continue my delightful exploration, dear readers. But for the present, I trust I have offered you at least a few morsels of sonic confection—a sweet taste to savor—while STARTO, ever industrious, works to usher all their debut groups into the glittering realm of streaming.

Until next time…

Stay Tuned!