After K-pop, Japanese pop groups seem to be the next big thing in music and BE:FIRST is spearheading the exponential rise of J-pop. The seven-member boy group is scoring hit after hit, marking its presence globally with albums like BE: 1 and 2:BE. Catchy, intense and exhilarating tunes, perfect vocals and impeccable visuals – the boy band is sweeping us off our feet, one track at a time. If you’re a BE:FIRST fan, here are all the facts and trivia you must know about your favourite J-pop group.
Sota, Shunto, Manato, Ryuhei, Junon, Ryoki and Leo got together in 2021 to form BE: FIRST group, ready to bring their musical A-game to the world and propel J-pop to newer fame. Three years later, they’ve not just materialised their goals on their home turf but garnered worldwide attention as well. ‘Japan to the world’ is the band’s motto as they conquer the global stage while highlighting their appreciation and respect for Japanese artists. Lifestyle Asia recently caught up with the band where the members spilled the beans about their debut album 2:BE and a lot more.
Here’s everything to know about the popular J-pop band BE:FIRST
View this post on Instagram
1. BE:FIRST was formed through a reality TV show The First
BE:FIRST came into being via an audition program, The First, in 2021. They’re signed with renowned Japanese rapper SKY-HI’s management company and label, BMSG. Every member of the group was meant to represent what their agency, BMSG, stood for: Brave, Massive, Survive, and Groove.
After their formation, BE:FIRST released many singles leading up to their first album BE:1. The album tasted massive success, garnering the top spot on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart, getting a Gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of Japan for having sold over 100,000 copies and much more.
2. BE:FIRST collaborated with K-pop sensation ATEEZ for the hit track Hush-Hush
After their debut album put them as the top J-pop contender on the map, BE:FIRST got the opportunity to collaborate with the dynamic K-pop band ATEEZ. Their collaboration, Hush-Hush, struck the right chords with audiences. Following its release, BE:FIRST even got the opportunity to open for the group during the Los Angeles stop of their U.S. tour.
3. The band champions the motto ‘Japan to the world’
Propelling J-pop to newer heights, BE:FIRST wants to bring ‘Japan to the world’. Talking to Lifestyle Asia about what qualities they possess that come in handy to achieve this goal, Shunto said, “We all enjoy listening to international rappers and singers in our daily lives, and they have positively influenced us and our music.” He continued, “Equally, we hold a deep appreciation and respect for Japanese artists. I believe our strength lies in understanding and embracing the merits of both.”
4. Their fandom name is BESTY
Just like BTS has ARMY and BLACKPINK has BLINKS, BE:FIRST too has a fandom called BESTY. The fandom gets its name by combining the first two and last two letters of the group name (BEST) with an added Y. BESTY is slang for best friend.
5. BE:FIRST doesn’t have a set leader
If you’ve been following K-pop or J-pop, you’ll notice that almost all bands have a designated leader who acts as a spokesperson for the group. However, BE:FIRST has no designated leadership role so that everyone can share their thoughts and contribute equally.
6. Get to know the BE:FIRST band members
Junon
View this post on Instagram
The oldest member of the group, Junon grew up in a musical family as his father was also in a band. The artist is known for his high-toned voice. Junon has undergone a massive physical transformation since the band’s debut, losing more than 10 kilos. According to K-profile, his favourite K-pop groups include BTS, Stray Kids, and iKON. Meanwhile, Jimin and Felix are his favourite idols.
Leo
View this post on Instagram
The vocalist and dancer Leo was always interested in singing and dancing growing up. Not only did he take up professional lessons, but also enrolled as a trainee under Avex in 2016. Interestingly, he appeared as a background dancer in the music video of Don’t Worry Baby Be Happy by SKY-HI feat. STAMP.
Ryoki
View this post on Instagram
Apart from being a rapper, vocalist and dancer, Ryoki is also an actor. He made his acting debut in 2022, featuring in High & Low the Worst X. Just like Junon, Ryoki too is a fan of Stray Kids.
Sota
View this post on Instagram
The star dancer of the group, Sota has been obsessed with dancing since his school days. He has even won the World Hip Hop Dance Championship 4 times and owns more than 40 dance awards from various competitions. Not only this, he was also a background dancer for ATEEZ during KCON-Japan in 2019.
Manato
View this post on Instagram
Another singer/ dancer who has been performing since childhood, Manato always wanted to pursue a career in music. Did you know he was also a part of the JUNON SUPERBOY contest in 2018? He finished in the top 30.
Shunto
View this post on Instagram
Shunto is hands down an amazing vocalist, who has been performing for over 10 years. Before joining BE:FIRST, he was in the trainee group HIGH-FIVE. He also knew Ryuhei before joining the band and the duo was together in a dance team called GEMSTONE back in 2018.
Ryuhei
View this post on Instagram
Lastly, Ryuhei is the band’s youngest member. Before debuting with BE:FIRST, Ryuhei was a part of the group CoCoPoP from 2016 to 2017.
(Hero and featured image credit: befirst__official/ Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
'Masterplan' and 'Gifted' are some of the most popular songs by J-pop band BE:FIRST.
The band recently released its second studio album, 2:BE, in August 2024.
BE:FIRST has seven members: Sota, Shunto, Manato, Ryuhei, Junon, Ryoki and Leo.
Tags
Written by
Kriti Nayyar
Senior Digital Writer, Wellness, Culture, Astrology, Tech
Kriti is a stay-at-home dog mama, whose knack for telling interesting stories keeps her erstwhile monotonous life sane. A literature & journalism degree holder, you'll find her binging on Agatha Christie novels while critiquing the everyday state of affairs. On Kriti's seldom social outings, she's seen devouring coffee sangria with appetizing bread on the side.
Most Popular
