JO1 is a J-pop group from Tokyo that is making waves outside of Japan. Two of its most popular members, Sho Yonashiro and Keigo Sato, recently sat down for a long interview. They talked about their new single “Handz In My Pocket,” the similarities between J-pop and K-pop styles, and their big plans for the U.S. market.
The song “Handz In My Pocket” is a new mix of catchy dance beats, slick visuals, and a desire to be known around the world. Yonashiro and Sato say they used both J-Pop roots and K-Pop energy. They aimed to create something relatable worldwide. This intention spanned from the song’s creation to its choreography and styling. Sho says that the performance was meant to be “bold” and “unapologetically global.” Yet, it still had the emotional honesty that JO1 fans love.
The two talk about how moving to the U.S. music scene changed the way they saw things in the interview. They talk about playing in Los Angeles and working with English-speaking media. Meeting new fans is an added benefit. Many of these fans might not have known much about Japan’s pop scene until now. They talk about how language barriers and cultural differences can get in the way. However, they stress that music is the universal bridge that makes it all possible.
Both members are open about how hard it is to balance success at home with success around the world. Keigo says that JO1 is still making music that is popular in Japan. However, they are also paying more attention to global trends and digital platforms. Fans from other countries are equally important. What do they want? To not only send J-Pop to other countries but also change it in a way that feels real and easy to get to around the world.
Finally, Sho and Keigo tease what’s next: more releases that are easy to understand in English, collaborations with producers from other countries, and live shows that go all over the world. “Handz In My Pocket” might be the start of JO1’s big break for fans of J-Pop, K-Pop, or just pop music that is popular around the world.
