Sanrio and LAPONE Entertainment have teamed up to launch the JO1 x Sanrio Character Development Project to create a new character inspired by the globally popular boy band JO1.

The new project combines JO1’s creativity with Sanrio’s beloved branding to create a character embodying the member’s strengths. JO1 announced the project during the 2022 SANRIO FES at Pacifico Yokohama North on June 12. A teaser has also been posted on the official JO1 YouTube channel. A special program will closely follow the project and new episodes will be posted on YouTube in the future, so be sure to watch!

Teaser Video

JO1’s marketing department has been tasked with making the group’s fans feel even closer, and the new character will be a kind of ‘alter ego’ of JO1. It’s unclear what kind of character we’ll see at the end of this, but fans are excited to find out!

©’22 SANRIO　著作（株）サンリオ　©️LAPONE ENTERTAINMENT

Kikkoman Foods has appointed the adorable characters from Pui Pui Molcar as ambassadors for Del Monte Vegetable Juice! A new CG commercial began airing nationwide on June 12, 2022.

This is the third collaboration between Del Monte’s Vegetable Juice and Pui Pui Molcar. 

The commercial is getting fans excited for the newly-announced second season of Pui Pui Molcar, scheduled to air this autumn. It’s also the first official commercial showing the characters in CG.

Mizuho Misato voices the presenter in the new commercial; the actress also played Potato in the series.

Comment from Tomoki Misato (Director)

I’m so happy that Del Monte is teaming up with Pui Pui Molcar again!

The previous 2D animated web commercials were amazing, so when this project was starting to come together, I was shocked to find out that it would be made with CG!

This is probably the first CG Del Monte commercial to date!

Seeing my characters moving around on the screen, I immediately hoped that we could team up again in the future! 

This will also be the first time that Potato’s driver speaks! (My sister did the voice!)

New details have emerged about Fanfare of Adolescence, an upcoming anime series following young boys aiming to become horse jockeys. Masako Katsumi will play Naoko Saionji, the main character’s foster parent, while Daisuke Namikawa will play Yoshihisa Kuji, a jockey who meets Yu at a local racetrack.

Additional new information will be presented during an upcoming YouTube livestream on March 6 on the official Aniplex channel. The opening theme, performed by popular boy band J01, and the ending theme by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] with J01 members Junki Kono and Sho Yonashiro will be previewed for the first time during the broadcast, so don’t miss it!

Additional Characters

Naoko Saionji (Masako Katsuki)
The president of the company Yu Arimura was signed to when he was an idol.
She has acted Yu’s foster parent.

Yoshihisa Kuji (Daisuke Namikawa)
A graduate of a horse racing school and an active jockey.
He meets Yu by chance at a racetrack.

©Fanfare Anime Project

Fanfare of Adolescence, an anime series following young boys aiming to become horse jockeys, is scheduled to premiere this spring. The opening theme will be performed by popular boy band J01, while the ending theme will be SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] with J01 members Junki Kono and Sho Yonashiro.

The opening theme is titled Move the Soul, with all 11 members of J01 participating in the catchy track. The ending track is OUTSIDERS by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]: Junki Kono & Shou Yonashiro. This [nZk] vocal song project has brought together a number of guest singers since it began in 2014, with many of Sawano’s tracks used in anime and drama series, including Attack on Titan.

Gaining admission to horse racing schools is extremely difficult, with prospective students required to do a written exam and a physical and motor function test. After being admitted, the boys in Fanfare of Adolescence live in a boarding house and must overcome trial after trial. 

The series will begin airing in Spring 2022 on TOKYO MX, BS11, Gunma TV, Tochigi TV, and MBS.

Fanfare of Adolescence Trailer #1: https://youtu.be/APOBicMkuMI

Comment from J01’s Leader Sho Yonashiro

J01 has been chosen to perform the theme song for Fanfare of Adolescence. When I first heard about the project, I was surprised and excited, but I also felt a sense of responsibility. We’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and all of the members are hyped.

The concept of the anime is ‘youthful ensemble drama/horse racing/survival game,’ so I’m super excited to see the final product.

I’m happy to be participating in the ending theme as well!

Junki and I will be singing the ending theme together! I was nervous at first since it’s just the two of us, but I think the song really turned out great. Please look forward to it!


Enjoy both of these tracks as you watch Fanfare of Adolescence!

Comment from Hiroyuki Sawano

I’m happy to be in charge of the music for Fanfare of Adolescence, and also happy to be producing the ending theme as SawanoHiroyuki[nZk].

Mr. Kono and Mr. Yonashiro from J01 are performing as the vocalists on the track, which has a very fresh feeling.

I hope everyone will enjoy the music as well as the story of this series.

©Fanfare Anime Project

Gallery AaMo, located inside Tokyo Dome City, will hold a JO1 Exhibition from December 25, 2021, until January 25, 2022. The event will look back on the history of the globally-popular boy band from its formation to the present day, with a number of photos and costumes on display. Some new menu items have been added to four restaurants within Tokyo Dome City to celebrate!

Shion Tsurubo’s Salad-filled Cheese Dog

Issei Mamehara’s Salsa Dog

Sho Yonashiro’s Avocado Dog

Shosei Ohira’s Omurice Plate / Pineapple Orange Soda

Takumi Kawanishi’s Hamburger Plate / Strawberry Milk

Junki Kono’s Carbonara Plate / Blue Lemon Soda

Syoya Kimata’s Tantanmen

Sukai Kinjo’s Black Gyoza

Ruki Shiroiwa’s White Gyoza

JO1 Crepe

Limited-Time Merchandise

Official Exhibition Pamphlet: ¥1,500 (Tax Included)

Pin (11 varieties, random): ¥500 (Tax Included)

Candy: ¥1,200 (Tax Included) 

Acrylic Stand (11 varieties, random): ¥1,000 (Tax Included)

Jigsaw Puzzle: ¥3,000 (Tax Included)

Admission Bonus: 1 Mini-Poster (A3-size, 2 types)

*Only available between January 1, 2022 – January 7, 2022

Along with the exhibition, menu items, and merchandise, a collaboration between JO1 and the Tokyo Dome City Winter Illuminations is now underway. The music for the main tree will be changed to Bokura no Kisetsu from JO1’s latest single ‘WANDERING,’ which was just released. 

Those ordering JO1-inspired menu items from participating stores will receive a random coaster for each dish!

Guests visiting the exhibition from January 1 to January 7 will receive one of two mini-posters of their choice.

©LAPONE ENTERTAINMENT

Japanese boy band JO1 is celebrating two years with the release of their 5th single Wandering on December 15, 2021. The group is also getting their biggest exhibition yet, being held at Tokyo Dome City Gallery AaMo from December 25, 2021, until January 25, 2021! The key visual for the event has just been released and shows the theme for the exhibition. With a puzzle motif, the theme is ‘Unfinished,’ expressing that the boys are still working hard to become the best performers they can be. 

The eleven members of the group were chosen from 6,000 applicants during 2019’s PRODUCE 101 JAPAN program. The members include Issei Mamehara, Junki Kono, Keigo Sato, Ren Kawashiri, Ruki Shiroiwa, Shion Tsurubo, Sho Yonashiro, Shosei Ohira, Sukai Kinjo, Shoya Kimata, and Takumi Kawanishi. 

Never-before-seen images and videos will be shown at the event, and more images are scheduled to be released towards the end of November. General ticket sales start on November 5.

Japanese boy band JO1, formed through the reality competition show Produce 101, will be holding their largest-ever exhibition starting Christmas Day! The group is celebrating its second anniversary with the release of their fifth single WANDERING on December 15, and with the ‘JO1 Exhibition in Gallery AaMo’ in Tokyo Dome City for an entire month. 

The eleven members of the group were selected from around 6,000 applicants in December 2019. They include Issei Mamehara, Junki Kono, Keigo Sato, Ren Kawashiri, Ruki Shiroiwa, Shion Tsurubo, Sho Yonashiro, Shosei Ohira, Sukai Kinjo, Shoya Kimata, and Takumi Kawanishi. 

The work featured in the exhibition will be unique and new, called ‘artistic JO1’ by the members. Videos and rare images of the group will be displayed throughout the space, and the ticket lottery has already begun! If you’ll be in the Tokyo area, be sure to snag tickets, and keep an eye out for more news on the exhibit including the key visual. 

Music streaming service LINE MUSIC is currently holding a special event to give away an autographed poster from the popular boy band JO1. The app is available on both iPhone and Android, and this event is only opened to paid users. 

JO1「REAL」

LINE MUSIC has a library of over 81 million songs, both Japanese and western, from countless genres. In addition, the service also plans original events and gift campaigns regularly for paying users, aiming to bring artists and fans closer together. 

During the campaign, 22 people who have listened to the song REAL from JO1’s new single STRANGER a number of times will receive a poster randomly signed by a JO1 member. LINE Talk background images will be gifted to everyone who participates in the campaign. 

To participate, simply navigate to ‘Today’s Recommendations’ on the main screen of the LINE MUSIC app, and tap ‘join campaign.’ Be sure to add the official LINE MUSIC account as a friend!

Fans, don’t miss out on this rare chance!

As part of Coca-Cola System’s ‘Coca-Cola Summer Campaign,’ the drinks giant is releasing a new summer entry to their Kono Shunkan ga, Watashi (Me in This Moment) TV commercial series on June 28, promoting the start of a new summer. The commercial features the members of Japanese music group NiziU enjoying the hot weather and includes their new song Super Summer which doesn’t have a release date yet.

NiziU’z shoot for the commercial

On set, NiziU arrived with smiles and said to the staff, ‘We look forward to working with you!’ This shoot took place by the sea. The scene begins on the beach, and because the members were so engaged in the shoot, they didn’t notice the wave rolling up to them, making them scream out ‘Cold!’ when it hit their feet. When they’re running along the beach, all the members showed how each of them runs in their own unique way. There’s also a scene when they’re flying a kite, and when they were filming it, a bee appeared out of nowhere. The shoot was full of smiles from start to end, and it shows in the final cut.

NiziU | Interview

How did the shoot go on this ‘New Summer Start’ commercial, and what were some fun moments?

―RIKU
“We had fun being our normal, natural selves, and I think it shows in the commercial. I experienced at lot of first-time things in this one, so it was a lot of fun.”

―RIO
“Drinking Coca-Cola by the beach makes tastes super good! I enjoyed how refreshed I felt after it took the heat away.”

―RIMA
“I was able to enjoy feeling summer nice and early with the other members and some Coca-Cola!”

All of you are your normal, natural selves in this commercial. How did you find doing the activities together?

―AYAKA
“Everyone took the coke dropping way too seriously, it was a little scary <laughs>, but I enjoyed how natural we were!”

― MIIHI
“It’d been a while since I flew a kite and the other stuff, so I was hypnotised. It was fun, so I’d love to go to a lodging house with everyone if we get time and do it all again! <laughs>”

 ―MAYA
“It was my first time flying a kite. You need to be able to run a lot to keep it up high, so I was running around all over the place <laughs>.”

What parts of the commercial would you want people to look out for?

―MAKO
‘New Summer Start’ was the theme, so we showed us enjoying the summer in the moment, so I hope people look out for that! I’d also love for it to encourage people to try something new!”

―NINA
“You get to see all of us looking natural in this commercial, so I definitely want people to check that out!”

―MAYUKA
“I personally think the part where we’re all enjoying drinking Coca-Cola at the beach is a must-see part.”

 

With the core message of the commercial mind, is there anything you too want to try doing this summer?

―MAKO
“Going to the beach with everyone!”

―MAYUKA
“You’re here now, aren’t you? <laughs>”

―ALL MEMBERS
<Laughs>

―MAKO
“We’re here! <laughs> But I want to come here in our free time too! <laughs>”

 ―RIKU
“I want to try dares! A lot of the members aren’t good with them, so I want to go and have fun doing that with everyone! <laughs>”

―MAYUKA
“I want to eat a big shaved ice with everyone!”

―RIKU
“We’re gonna get brain freeze! <laughs>”

 ―MAYUKA
“It’ll make a good memory though!”

―ALL MEMBERS
“For sure! Sounds fun!”

 ―AYAKA
“I want to try making a watermelon dessert!”

―MAKO
“I love that! You’re the best, AYAKA! <laughs>”

―NINA
“I love ice cream, so I wanna try making some myself to enjoy with everyone!”

―RIO
“I’m bad at swimming, so I want to learn to swim this summer!”

 ―MAYA
“I want to go to a summer camp with all the members, with a BBQ and campfire, and to try out new things together!”

―MIIHI
“I really love summer festivals, so I want to eat something at home with someone you can only get at summer festivals, like whole pickled cucumbers!”

―RIMA
“Summer means nagashi somen noodles, so I really want those!”

―MAKO
“Shall we go get some bamboo then? <laughs>”

―RIKU
“Let’s all get some together! <laughs>”

As part of the Coca-Cola Summer Challenge, NiziU had a go at the summer Coke mix challenge in a video which shows you how to best into Coke in summer.

In promotion of their new Ver.2.0.0 energy drink, which hit shelves in Japan last Tuesday, ZONe released a TV commercial featuring Japanese artists LiSA and yama. The new beverage, which is advertised as putting people in the zone of invincibility, contains the highest amount of caffeine put in a ZONe drink yet: 150mg of the stuff, which is sure to keep people buzzing throughout the day. The packaging has also been updated to feature the new ‘ZONe EYE’ which symbolises that you’re in the zone and nothing will stand in your way.

LiSA in the ZONe
　　　　　

Dive into the zone with LiSA who knocks back her drink and immediately takes on the ZONe EYE. She grabs her mic and belts out a hardcore performance, showing off her incredible voice, before winking at the camera.

yama in the ZONe

When yama chugs her can she says the words ‘Into the ZONe’ along with the futuristic-sounding voice. She is surrounded by a whirlpool of the energy drink which flows along to the sound of her gorgeous high-tone vocals. The track itself is titled Ketsuryu (‘Blood Flow’) and was written for this commercial.

Interview

LiSA

・What did you think of the commercial and your appearance?

“For me, it was a live performance. Even I was surprised at the show of power that ZONe has [in the commercial] when it turns on your switch. I enjoyed it like a real live performance, since the part when I switch into that invincible zone was filmed just as I look in the video.”

・Tell us about the song RUNAWAY which features in your commercial.
“The song is about quitting while you’re ahead in life. It’s the start of a new era, heading into that invincible zone to laugh lots, sing, dance, and enjoy everything.”

yama

・Tell us about the song Ketsuryu which features in your commercial

“ESME MORI kindly wrote this song for me. It’s a song that brings up the topic of being bored in life, and feeling lonely, but that you can still find someone special or something you can immerse yourself in to light up your life. It’s about keeping your heart moving even if those things disappear. I hope it encourages people, even if just a little.”

Japanese girl group NiziU are set to feature in a new television commercial for LOHAS Pharmaceutical’s “ALFACE+” cosmetic face masks which will roll out in Japan on July 1.

ALFACE+ is a skincare brand that sells products that are not only moisturising but accessible to a variety of skin types too. Their face mask collection includes 10 different designs, all of which are presented by each of the nine NiziU members.

NiziU have stepped away from their usual energetic look for this shoot, instead serving more grown-up vibes.

The vertical theatre app smash., which lets users shoot professional quality short videos, released a new commercial in Japan on May 8 which features the eight-member boy band Hey! Say! JUMP and their new single Negative Filter which dropped on May 12.

The commercial features all eight members performing using the app. Each of them shot their own solo videos which were string together for the video.