Tokyo-based J-Pop group timelesz have officially announced their new members at the press conference taken place at the Universal Music Japan office on February 15, after the last episode of docuseries “timelesz project -AUDITION-” is released on Netflix.
Previously known as Sexy Zone, consists of Fuma Kikuchi, So Matsushima and Shori Sato, the group changed their name to timelesz (pronounced as “timeless”) on April 1, 2024, and at the same time they announced their audition process for new members which will be released as the Netflix docuseries titled “timelesz project -AUDITION-”. The series premiered worldwide in September 2024 and concluded on February 15, 2025, with the last 18th episode revealing new members.
The revealing new five members are Shuto Inomata (23), Taiki Shinozuka (22), Takuto Teranishi (30), Masaki Hashimoto (25), and Yoshitaka Hara (29), meaning new timelesz is rebranded as 8-member group. Beloved and admired senpai, Sho Sakurai of ARASHI joined the final round of audition as a special host, which came as a big surprise for timeless fans who witnessed the candidates’ last try.
“Though I’ve watched the backs of the three of you, countless times, since the days of Sexy Zone, now it’s time for us to stand side by side, eight of us, and steadily climb each step together toward our big dreams!” Yoshitaka Hara commented as his final greeting after the line-up was decided.
A total of 19,822 applications entered to join the first round of audition and of those, about 350 were selected for the second round. Thirty-six contestants moved on to the third round where eighteen members were eliminated for the 4th round. Twelve members joined the 5th round, and the final round with the last eight candidates took place on February 5,, 2025.
Shori Sato commented, “We’re really happy that people who have just discovered us through timelesz project, as well as those who have supported us all along, can now listen to our music on streaming platforms.”
Fuma Kikuchi, who had often mentioned that the bond between the members is a “special relationship that can only be described by the word ‘member,’” took the opportunity to declare, “We are a family now. Our last name is timelesz.” He explained this declaration in the form of a “name-changing ceremony”, symbolizing their new chapter as a unified group.
The powerful text on the backdrop was created by So Matsushima, who reflected, “I feel like our feelings have taken shape, and I’m filled with excitement. It’s so fulfilling to be here with our new family, welcoming new members.”
■ New Member Comments
▼ Taiki Shinozuka (Member color: White)
Hello, I’m Taiki Shinozuka, the new member. I’ve made it this far thanks to the support and help of so many people, so from now on, I’ll do my best to give back to everyone, become a source of energy for your lives, and become a wonderful idol.
▼ Takuto Teranishi (Member color: Light blue)
I’m Takuto Teranishi, the new member. I hope to spend a bright, fun, and energetic future with this new family. Please look forward to it!
▼ Masaki Hashimoto (Member color: Pink)
As a member of the family, I want to have fun and work hard together with everyone. Please take care of me.
▼ Shuto Inomata (Member color: Yellow)
I hope we can do fun things together and climb to the top as these eight members. Please support us.
▼ Yoshitaka Hara (Member color: Light green)
I’m Yoshitaka Hara, the new member. I’m so happy to have become a part of this family. From now on, I hope we can grow as a big family, cherishing every moment, whether it’s fun or challenging.
Their brand new song as a new group “Rock this Party”, the song for the last round where three original members and eight contestants performed together, is confirmed for global release on February 28, 2025 (00:00 local to each territory).
Additionally, the following 12 Sexy Zone songs will be released as a Digital Compilation called “Hello! We are timelesz,” Anthem・RIGHT NEXT TO YOU・人生遊戯・Purple Rain・RUN・本音と建前・ぎゅっと・ 名脇役・Make me bright・Forever Gold・Summer Ride・Twilight sunset.
What started out as a journey to find new friends to embark on this journey ahead has finally concluded, and no matter what, no matter who you support, this unique, once-in-a-lifetime timeless adventure will surely change your life.
As the members start their new chapter, they are sure to make all their dreams come true—because they are timelesz.
ABOUT timelesz
Debuted as the previous group name Sexy Zone, they released the same-title debut single “Sexy Zone” on November 16, 2011, which ranked at No. 1 on the Oricon Weekly Ranking. Sexy Zone released a total of 27 singles and 12 albums (including best/anniversary albums and EPs), all of which ranked at No. 1 on the Oricon Weekly Ranking.
Being one of the most influential boybands in Japan, they changed their name to timelesz on April 1, 2024. They released their first EP “timelesz” as the first music under new group name. Their last single with three members “because” was released on November 20, 2024, which also ranked at No. 1 on the Oricon Weekly Ranking.
On September 13, 2024, the Netflix docuseries “timelesz project -AUDITION-” kicked off, featuring their audition process for new members. On the first week of release, the program ranked in the TOP 10 series in Japan and it continued to be viral creating a great deal of buzz, ranking in the top 10 of today’s series each time new episode was released.
In the last episode released on February 15, 2025, the new members are finally revealed and timelesz embarked on a new jew journey as 8-member group.
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