Table of Contents
- Introduction: A New Era for J-Pop’s Rising Stars
- Who Are BE:FIRST?
- From Survival Show to Chart Dominance
- The Sound, Style, and Identity That Set Them Apart
- Strategic Steps Toward Global Expansion
- International Collaborations and Cultural Reach
- Touring the World: Building a Cross-Border Fanbase
- Major Milestones in Japan’s Music Industry
- The Role of Visionary Leadership and Production
- Why BE:FIRST Represents the Future of J-Pop Worldwide
- What Comes Next for BE:FIRST
- Conclusion
Introduction: A New Era for J-Pop
We are witnessing a defining moment in the evolution of Japanese pop music. As global audiences grow increasingly curious about sounds beyond K-pop and Western pop, J-pop is stepping into a wider spotlight. At the forefront of this movement stands BE:FIRST, a group whose rapid ascent signals a deliberate and well-executed push from Japan’s music industry toward international relevance.
Their journey is not accidental. It is strategic, artistic, and rooted in a philosophy that prioritizes music quality, performance excellence, and global relatability.
Who Are BE:FIRST?
BE:FIRST is a Japanese boy group formed in 2021 through the audition program THE FIRST, produced under the leadership of SKY-HI. The group consists of SOTA, SHUNTO, MANATO, RYUHEI, JUNON, and LEO—each bringing distinct vocal tone, dance precision, and stage presence.
From inception, the group was designed not merely to succeed domestically but to become a bridge between Japanese pop culture and the global music audience.
From Survival Show to Chart Dominance
Their debut single Gifted! immediately captured national attention, topping Billboard Japan Hot 100 and establishing the group as a serious contender in the industry.
Subsequent releases, including their studio album Be:1 and later projects, continued to dominate rankings, demonstrating consistency rather than one-hit success. This chart performance built the foundation necessary for credible international expansion.
The Sound, Style, and Identity That Set Them Apart
We observe that BE:FIRST’s music blends:
- Contemporary R&B influences
- Precision hip-hop choreography
- Strong melodic pop structures
- Multilingual adaptability
Their performances are marked by synchronized dance formations, live vocal stability, and production quality comparable to global standards. This hybrid identity makes their music accessible beyond language barriers.
Strategic Steps Toward Global Expansion
Unlike many artists who rely on viral moments, BE:FIRST’s global trajectory is structured:
- High-quality music releases with universal appeal
- International digital distribution and streaming optimization
- English-friendly hooks and lyrical adaptability
- Appearances and performances outside Japan
Their management’s approach reflects long-term planning rather than short-term exposure.
International Collaborations and Cultural Reach
A key moment in their global recognition came through collaboration with ATEEZ, introducing BE:FIRST to established K-pop audiences worldwide.
Additionally, their contribution to the globally recognized anime franchise One Piece placed their music in front of millions of international viewers who may not traditionally follow J-pop.
Touring the World: Building a Cross-Border Fanbase
BE:FIRST extended their reach through live performances across:
- The United States
- European cities
- Major Asian music hubs
These tours were not symbolic. They cultivated organic fan communities, proving that their appeal translates live, not only through digital platforms.
Major Milestones in Japan’s Music Industry
Repeated appearances on NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen—Japan’s most prestigious music broadcast—cemented their domestic credibility while signaling to global observers that this is a group of national importance.
Their compilation album BE:ST further showcased the depth of their catalog and artistic maturity in a short period.
The Role of Visionary Leadership and Production
Behind BE:FIRST is a production philosophy led by SKY-HI that emphasizes:
- Artist individuality
- Musical authenticity
- Performance discipline
- Global competitiveness
This leadership ensures that the group evolves artistically while staying aligned with international standards.
Why BE:FIRST Represents the Future of J-Pop Worldwide
We identify several reasons BE:FIRST is uniquely positioned to globalize J-pop:
| Factor | Impact |
| Performance quality | Matches K-pop and Western pop standards |
| Musical versatility | Appeals across cultures |
| Strategic collaborations | Expands international exposure |
| Strong domestic reputation | Builds global credibility |
| Youthful adaptability | Long runway for growth |
They are not merely exporting Japanese music; they are reshaping how it is perceived globally.
What Comes Next for BE:FIRST
The group is preparing for large-scale stadium performances in Japan while continuing overseas activities. Each release is increasingly tailored for global streaming audiences, signaling deeper international penetration.
We anticipate more cross-border collaborations, multilingual tracks, and festival appearances that position BE:FIRST as a household name beyond Japan.
Conclusion
BE:FIRST is not simply a successful J-pop group. We recognize them as a carefully cultivated global act, representing Japan’s most serious step yet toward international music prominence. Their rise illustrates how talent, strategy, and cultural authenticity can combine to carry J-pop onto the world stage.
As global audiences continue searching for new sounds and fresh artistry, BE:FIRST stands ready—not as participants, but as leaders in the next chapter of worldwide pop music.
