From the sun-drenched Southern California energy of their debut ｢JUST DANCE!｣ to the sugar-coated chaos of ｢Disco Baby｣, the lead single from their third studio album, Travis Japan’s evolution has been unmistakable. Once the quintessential boys next door, the group now radiates the swagger and magnetism of artists fully in command of their image, which is underscored by the sharp contrast of shadow and light in their newest single ｢陰ニモ日向ニモ｣. 

With a subtle infusion of sensuality, the track pivots away from the innocent rush of schoolboy crushes toward the more layered emotions of young adulthood. Built around a tense game of Othello, the visuals trade the oversized fits and vibrant hues of earlier eras for a cohesive, shadow-drenched palette punctuated by a deep emerald. Entering their fourth year, the seven members project a new level of sophisticated confidence. They’re more mature, more self-assured, and more in sync than ever.

While the song is sonically complex ( as well as catchy) everything about the music video is simple. There’s not much to focus on besides the guys themselves – which is exactly as it should be. Featured in the new TV Asahi television drama Zenbu, Anata no Tame Dakara starring group member Ryuya ‘Shime’ Shimekake and Ryusei Fujii of WEST.

Loosely translating to “In the Shadow or the Sun”, the group’s second second CD single will drop on 15 April – and be one of my first STARTO purchases after relocating to Japan, which I couldn’t be more excited!

There will be more Travis Japan soon so… 

Stay tuned!