Ae! group: Let’s go, with PRIDE.

Ae! group – pronounced as ‘a group‘ comprises of five members from the Kansai region of Japan: Yoshinori Masakado, Seiya Suezawa, Richard Keita Kusama, Ken Kojima, and Masaya Sano.

The group’s formation was officially announced on February 18th, 2019.

The original concept for the group’s name was relatively simple – “A group.” However, there was a suggestion to inject a bit of trendiness into it by adding the little “ぇ” after the “A,” resulting in “Ae! group.” This playful twist creates a pun with the Kansai dialect term “ええ” (ee), which means “good” in English. So, in essence, the name “Ae! group” can be interpreted as “a good group.”

Beyond their high-energy performances and comedic charm, Ae! group stands out for their unique versatile sound and band-style acts, an artistic legacy inherited from their predecessors, SUPER EIGHT. Their journey has been one of resilience, evolution, and unbreakable camaraderie, which they continue to showcase as they move forward in their career.

When you think of Ae! group, it’s impossible not to think about their strong individual characteristics and charm. They aren’t just talented performers—they’re a group of individuals who have captured the hearts of fans with their unique personalities, infectious smiles, and undeniable passion for their craft.

Ae! group: Their break through, pride, and beginning

Yoshinori Masakado, Seiya Suezawa, Keita Richard Kusama, Ken Kojima, and Masaya Sano: each member brings something truly special, creating a perfect blend of energy, humor, and heart.

Whether it’s through their music, their hilarious variety moments, or their heartfelt interactions with fans, there’s a reason Ae! group feels more like a family than just a group of idols.

The past year has been a whirlwind for Ae! group. Their CD debut in May 2024 set the stage for an exhilarating period of non-stop activity, including two single releases, their debut tour, and the release of their first album “D.N.A.”. Throughout these milestones, the group has continued to redefine itself, embracing new challenges and pushing the boundaries of their artistry.

Even before their official debut, Ae! group was known for breaking the mold, constantly searching for fresh ways to engage their audience. As their world expands, so do their perspectives, emotions, and relationships. Their evolution isn’t just about growth—it’s about transformation. Together.

Since their Junior days, Ae! group has been known for their versatility, excelling in not just singing and dancing but also acting, band performances, and even comedy.

Their journey toward debut was not without hurdles, requiring both refinement of their past skills and the courage to step into unfamiliar territory. The path they chose was not about meeting expectations—it was about exceeding them.

On the release of the first part of the docuseries on Netflix covering their path to debut, Seiya commented, “On behalf of all of us in Ae! group, we are extremely grateful for the chance to be not just a part, but the subject of a documentary like BORDERLESS. Watching it during the Japanese release was like sifting through a time capsule of our 5 years as a Junior unit, to say nothing of all the hairstyles that have marked their passage (haha).“

Additionally, he also mentioned their debut single, “《A》BEGINNING,” and what he hopes people will take away from it and the series, “The name of our debut single is “《A》BEGINNING,“ and despite being a rocket start to where we go from here, the fuel that propels such is everything—both good, bad, and in-between—we experienced up to it.

We hope our longtime fans as well as those for whom this will be a first intro to Ae! group will enjoy this backstage look at our debut journey and come away from it with a deeper understanding of what drives us ever onward as entertainers.”

As “BORDERLESS” covers their history from THE BEGINNING until their debut—their new starting point—it makes it an emotional and meaningful documentary for both Ae! group and all who have supported them through the years.

Richard Keita Kusama & Seiya Suezawa Talk about BORDERLESS: Ae! group’s Debut Journey Documentary on Netflix Worldwide

In response to what he personally hopes viewers, especially those who don’t know much about Ae! group, will take away from watching their Netflix documentary, Richard shared with Dumpling Box exclusively,

“Throughout all five episodes of BORDERLESS, there are parts that focus on each member, so whether you know Ae! group or not, you can watch us not just as a whole but as individuals as well and look back on each of our journeys over the past five years.

I hope that through this, fans can see how the Ae! group they know today is the result of all the different paths each member has walked.

I also hope that viewers will find parts they resonate with, having had similar experiences, so they can overlap it with themselves and think, “I can handle my situation like this too” or “If I had done such-and-such this way, it could’ve worked out differently.”

I think that if you watch the documentary with that sort of openness and empathy, you can take away something unique from what each member has gone through, so I hope people will watch all five episodes.“

Meanwhile, Ken noted in the second part—”BORDERLESS Ae! group Debut Tour Behind the Scenes—on Netflix”, “With debut, we have more freedom, but that also makes things harder.” Masaya echoed this sentiment, stating, “There’s no clear right answer—we just have to try and find out in front of the audience.” Their commitment to constant evolution is what makes Ae! group stand apart.

To make their 6th anniversary even more special, Ae! group also released their long-awaited album “D.N.A.“. This album isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s a statement, an embodiment of their roots, growth, and passion. Each track reflects the journey they’ve taken, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the limitless future that awaits them.

Among the standout tracks is “Gotta Be,” a high-energy performance piece that marks a bold new chapter for the group. While their debut single, “《A》BEGINNING,” boldly declared, “We made it!” with a powerful rock sound, “Gotta Be” sends an even stronger message—“We’re not done yet!”

As Masakado revealed in an interview, while rock and its adjacent styles have long been a core element of Ae! group’s identity—earning them acclaim since their Junior days—the decision to shift gears with “Gotta Be” speaks to their commitment to innovation and self-expression. “We wanted to branch out and create an uplifting song that encourages others,” he shared, emphasizing the group’s desire to expand their artistic repertoire.

This track doesn’t just reflect the group’s energy; it channels their message of perseverance and positivity, inviting listeners to find their own strength through music.

“Hello”, the album’s lead track, is an emotional tribute to their fans. With its bright melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song captures the bond between Ae! group and their audience, celebrating the journey they’ve shared while looking toward an even brighter future.

The album also features “Colorful Days,” a song that encapsulates the joy and excitement of what life together brings. In contrast, the acoustic version of “Shiawasemon.” takes a more intimate, unplugged approach, serving as a heartfelt love letter to the fans who have stood by them through every challenge and triumph.

A Seriously Never-Ending Story!

The past six years have been a testament to Ae! group’s determination and resilience. As they embark on the next chapter of their story, they don’t abandon the road they’ve traveled—instead, they carry it with them, allowing it to shape their path forward. The memories, emotions, and footsteps they’ve left behind remain, but the future is a vast and exciting horizon.

And throughout 2024, the boys ran with all their might and achieved so much. 2024 brought us their fifth anniversary on February 18 that started the ball rolling, with them showcasing their 2024 remake of their inaugural stage play, “We are called Ae! group” (僕らAぇ! groupって言いますねん) from 2019.

With the changes the group went through at the beginning of 2024, the fifth-anniversary livestream acted as a closure to one era, and for others, it was simply another fork in the road. No matter the feelings that accompanied this transition, one thing is certain—Ae! group’s journey was far from over.

On March 16, they announced during their fan meeting, “Aa-toteki Fan Dai Kanshasai in Kyocera Dome Osaka ~ Minna Honma ni Arigatou~”, their debut under Universal Music, followed by their long-awaited debut CD single release “《A》BEGINNING“ on May 15.

Ae! group also embarked on their nationwide debut tour, Debut Tour The World’s Best AeLIVE, and their Netflix documentary series BORDERLESS started too, covering their journey to debut first, and covering the behind-the-scenes from their debut tour.

As they take the next step, their passion remains unwavering, their ambitions burn brighter, and their dreams stretch beyond the limits of what’s possible. Through their music, performances, and undeniable presence, Ae! group continues to leave a lasting impact—not just in Kansai, but across Japan and beyond.

The Adventure Goes On, let’s dream endlessly

With the release of “D.N.A.” and their 2025 tour ‘Ae! group LIVE TOUR 2025 DNA’ Ae! group proves that their journey is just beginning. The final bows of their debut tour may have marked the end of one chapter, but their ambitions know no bounds. Their music continues to resonate, their presence continues to expand, and their unwavering spirit remains borderless.

As we celebrate their 6th anniversary together, Ae! group is more than just an idol group—they are artists, entertainers, and storytellers whose journey is still unfolding. And as they move forward, one message rings loud and clear:

Ae! group is just getting started.

The best is yet to come, and the bonds that Ae! group have nurtured with each other and their fans continue to grow. What’s running through their veins is not just passion and dedication. It’s everything that Ae! group has done and will do. It’s their origin and their future, all summarized into what could be called their “now.”

As long as Ae! group doesn’t give up, we won’t either. Even as we look back on our footsteps, we know that the past is what shaped us, and the future will be colored with Ae! group, spreading their vibrant entertainment across the universe.

Let’s go, with PRIDE.

This debut album is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a testament to their growth, passion, and the vibrant connection they share with their fans. It’s a collection of who they are—their DNA.

💿 Pre-Order Now: https://lnk.to/Ae_DNA
💿 Explore the Special Site: https://sp.universal-music.co.jp/aegroup/dna/