SixTONES

SixTONES was formed in 2015 as a six-member unit within Johnny & Associates, a prominent Japanese talent agency. The group's name is derived from the English word 'stones', symbolizing their determination to carve a path in the entertainment industry. They gained popularity through appearances in the reality show 'Johnny's Jr. Land' and as back dancers for senior acts like KAT-TUN and Hey! Say! JUMP. In 2020, they made their major debut with the single 'Imitation Rain', which sold over 1.3 million copies in its first week, setting a record for a debut single by a male group in Japan.³

SixTONES is known for their versatile musical style, incorporating elements of rock, hip-hop, and R&B, which distinguishes them from traditional idol groups. Their discography includes albums like '1ST' (2021) and 'CITY' (2022), which topped the Oricon charts. The group often writes and composes their own songs, with members like Hokuto Matsumura contributing lyrics. Their singles, such as 'NAVIGATOR' and 'NEW ERA', have been used as theme songs for popular anime and dramas, expanding their reach beyond music.⁴

SixTONES has built a reputation for high-energy live performances, characterized by intricate choreography and powerful vocals. They held their first arena tour in 2021, followed by a nationwide dome tour in 2023, which included stops at Tokyo Dome and Kyocera Dome Osaka. The group also performed at the annual 'Johnny's Countdown' concerts, a New Year's Eve tradition. Their live shows often feature solo segments, allowing each member to showcase their individual talents, from singing to dancing and even instrument playing.⁵

Beyond their mainstream success, SixTONES has several lesser-known facets. Member Jesse Lewis is of American descent and has expressed interest in international activities. The group's name was initially 'Six Tones' but was stylized to 'SixTONES' to reflect their six members. They have a dedicated fan club called 'STONES' and have released exclusive content through their official app. In 2022, they became the first Johnny's group to have a song featured in the video game 'Project SEKAI: Colorful Stage!'. Additionally, member Taiga Kyomoto has a background in competitive swimming, and Shintaro Morimoto is known for his cooking skills, which he showcases on their variety show 'SixTONES no Majo'⁶.

Johnny & Associates

A Japanese talent agency that manages male idol groups.

Oricon

A Japanese music chart that ranks albums and singles by sales.

Dome tour

A concert tour held in large stadiums with a dome roof, such as Tokyo Dome.