Long before they became one of Japan’s most celebrated J-pop idol groups, Snow Man was a team of dreamers—young men who dedicated their lives to dance, music, and performance. They poured their hearts into their craft, performing with passion and perseverance, earning admiration from fans and senior idols alike. But for years, despite their undeniable talent, they remained underdogs—always on the brink of something greater but never quite crossing the finish line. Sure, it’s hard to imagine now. But every hero has an origin story…
This is Snow Man’s.
⛄ Crazy F-R-E-S-H Beat 🎛️
Their journey began in January 2009, when they revealed as Mis Snow Man, a nine-member unit under their agency’s Jr. (trainee) division. The group was formed for the stage production Takizawa Kabuki—a physically demanding theatrical spectacle known for its elaborate choreography, wire stunts, and samurai-inspired storytelling.
But, it wasn’t the nine member group we know today. The original lineup consisted of: Tatsuya Fukazawa, Hikaru Iwamoto, Shota Watanabe, Ryohei Abe, Ryota Miyadate, Daisuke Sakuma, Onodera Ikki, Sanada Yuma, and Nozawa Yuki.
From the start, Mis Snow Man distinguished themselves with a powerful blend of high-energy choreography, acrobatics, and natural charisma—everything needed to succeed. And the won over the hearts of fans and critics alike with ease.
But the road to success is never smooth. Not even for a group as charming as Mis Snow Man.
🕹️ GLITCH ⛄
Like many young groups in the entertainment industry, Mis Snow Man faced early shakeups.
In June 2009 – Onodera Ikki departed to join another junior unit, M.A.D., leaving the group with eight members. Followed in by Sanada Yuma and Nozawa Yuki in 2012 when they were reassigned to the duo unit noon boyz, reshaping the group’s identity once again.
Now down to six members, the remaining men had two choices: accept defeat or evolve into something stronger.
With Hikaru Iwamoto (岩本照) leading the charge, they chose the latter. A Healthnut, Iwamoto was always challenging himself – and the group – to better their minds, bodies, and souls. A fact, he wasn’t afraid to joke about – especially while on stage.
As the sub-leader, Tatsuya Fukazawa (深澤辰哉), balanced Iwamoto’s intensity with his quick wit and playful humor, keeping morale high even in the toughest times. He was always doing something to get a giggle – and he’s always looked damn sexy while doing it.
While each member of the group brings his own individuality which only strengthens the unit, there is something incredibly special about Shota Watanabe (渡辺翔太). A power-house vocalist, he’s not shy about using his voice to speak about his love for the group. “Life is a fast and furious ride that can change entirely in the blink of an eye.” he said in a previous interview. “However, one constant in my life, for nearly half my life, has been this group. They are always there for me; I know I can call them anytime – day or night. I know they’re there for me, and they know I’m there for them.”
And the group have no problem reminding him that he looks like the (adorable) Sanrio character Cinnamoroll.
As the brains of the group, Ryohei Abe (阿部亮平) was always thinking – running scenarios and testing hypothesis for the group and how they six of them could succeed. He’s never not believed in their ability to succeed. A certified meteorologist, it was easy for Abe to navigate the unpredictable storms of change, steering the group out of harm’s way so they could come out the other side bigger, brighter, and better than they ever were before.
If there was an award for the most dramatical in any idol group, Ryota Miyadate (宮舘涼太) would win, hands down, without question. A gifted thespian, the man can go from ancient warrior, to inhibition-melting heartthrob, to the funniest man on the planet in the blink of an eye. He’s also an incredible cook – so basically, he’s like Mr. Perfect.
Rounding out the original six, Daisuke Sakuma (佐久間大介) was born under the sign of the monkey. Fitting, since he’s a bright ball of chaotic-comedic energy, in a compact (and incredibly ripped) package. No stranger to the spotlight, (his mother is Naomi Sakurai of the idol group Can★Can), Sakuma is always on. “I’ve never known a life outside the spotlight,” he’s reflected. “But being a member of Snow Man has given me the freedom to explore different sides of myself, free from prejudice and judgment. They support me unconditionally.”
So, instead of faltering, they embraced the change and rebranded themselves as “Snow Man.” The name symbolized not only their cool, sharp performances but also their resilience—just like snow that adapts to any form, they would mold themselves into something stronger…
Over the next several years, Snow Man established themselves as one of the most skilled and dynamic groups in the Jr league – their reputation for precision dancing, breathtaking acrobatics, and theatrical presence made them a staple in high-profile stage productions. They regularly performed in Takizawa Kabuki, a highly esteemed production led by Hideaki Takizawa, where they refined their samurai-inspired choreography, wire stunts, and performance storytelling. They also backed senior groups like Tackey & Tsubasa, Kis-My-Ft2, and A.B.C-Z, proving their versatility and earning a growing fanbase.
⛄ Wonderful x Surprise 🫨
But despite their hard work and undeniable talent, a debut still felt just out of reach, then, in January 2019, something magical happened—one that would forever change the course of Snow Man’s history. The agency made a decision to add three new members to the group, expanding the lineup back to nine.
Raul from Shonen Ninja – a fresh-faced performer with towering height and striking presence, would become the group’s newest center. Ren Meguro from Uchuu Six was a polished, handsome performer known for his acting and versatility. Last but not least,, Koji Mukai from the Kansai Jr’s blazed in with a charismatic energy that matched Sakuma’s, with a touch of that Kansai-style humor and warmth.
While the decision was met with mixed reactions from fans—some were uncertain about the change, others welcomed the expansion. For the original six however, the new three were welcomed with open arms and the newly-formed nine-member Snow Man wasted no time in proving that they were stronger than ever.
Their synergy, combined with the fresh dynamics brought by the new members, reignited momentum for their long-overdue debut.
In March 2019, Snow Man expanded their presence by participating in Island TV, a Johnny’s Jr. digital content platform where they released behind-the-scenes footage, performances, and messages to their growing fanbase. This move solidified their bond with supporters and allowed them to showcase their personalities beyond performances.
Then, on August 8, 2019, history was made. During the “Johnny’s Jr. 8.8 Matsuri Tokyo Dome kara Hajimaru” concert, Snow Man finally received the announcement they had dreamed of for over a decade:
They would officially debut in 2020.
⛄Brand New Smile⛄
Even more remarkably, the debut was announced alongside another Jr. powerhouse group, SixTONES, marking the first-ever simultaneous debut of two groups in the agency’s history. A move which allowed for both groups to play off a playful rivalry that was merely for show.
Fun Fact: Can★Can also included Hiromi Yamamoto who is the mother of SixTONES’ member Taiga Kyomoto.
The long, winding road to debut had finally come to an end—but for Snow Man, this was only the beginning. Their journey from hopeful trainees to debuting idols reflected their unbreakable perseverance and dedication. They had faced setbacks, departures, uncertainty, and reinvention, but through it all, they never stopped believing in their dream.
The announcement opened up a whole new road to the group. This was just the beginning of their story. There will be more Snow Man soon so…
Stay Tuned!
Life In Cartoon Motion 