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

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. 

ABC Mart has released a new commercial for Nike’s Air Max Infinity 2 Trainers which stars Japanese boy group JO1 and features their song Born To Be Wild taken from their third single CHALLENGER.

Nike Air Max Infinity 2 | ¥11,000 (Tax Included)

Colours: 100WHT / WHT・001 BLK / WHT・002 BLK / BLK・004 BLK / WHT・100 WHT / BLK・003 BLK / RACBLU・100 WHT / BLK・100 WHT / INDBST

The Nike Air Max Infinity 2 Trainers feature a futuristic look encompassed by accentuated heels and mixed-material uppers, delivering a textured and fashionable experience that wearers can enjoy all day everyday.

Those who purchase the trainers at ABC Mart, both in-store and via their online shop in Japan, will receive an original JO1 shoehorn.

Japanese boy band JO1 released their first photo book Progress on January 27 this year. Fans who were unable to get a copy, or those who just want more JO1, will be excited to hear that a photo exhibition will take place at Shibuya PARCO from March 19 to 29 and Fukuoka PARCO from March 19 to April 4.

JO1 1st Photo Collection “Progress”

Shibuya exhibition’s main visual

Fukuoka exhibition’s main visual

Exhibition-exclusive merchandise

“Progress” Mugs | ¥1,500

“Progress” Tote Bags | ¥1,800

“Progress” Folders | ¥500 Each

The exhibition will feature not only photos that are included in the photo book, but exclusive, never-before-seen ones too. A collection of merchandise will also be available for fans to buy, and all who attend the exhibition will receive a free solo photo of one of the members.