On May 15, 2025, Ae! group—Yoshinori Masakado, Seiya Suezawa, Richard Keita Kusama, Ken Kojima, and Masaya Sano—celebrate their 1st Debut Anniversary, a milestone that marks a transformative year since their fiery debut single “《A》BEGINNING” dropped on the same day. This Kansai-born quintet has captivated J-POP fans with their music, energy, and unshakable bond with their audience. Ae! group’s debut wasn’t just a moment—it was a promise to keep shining, to keep growing, and to carry their fans along for the ride.
With their new MV for their third single, “Chameleon,” set to release on this day too, let’s look back at this unforgettable year of music, tours, stories, and vibrant visuals that defined their BEGINNING.
The Spark of 《A》BEGINNING
Ae! group’s debut, announced during their 5th anniversary in February 2024, was a dream realized under Universal Music. Their first single, “《A》BEGINNING,” released on May 15, 2024, was a bold anthem of new starts, infused with their Kansai pride.
It’s a song that bursts with passion, like a firework lighting up their journey. It’s a statement of their unyielding determination and urge to constantly move forward, no matter how hard and tough it might seem.
From its spellbinding visual presentation to the meticulously crafted line distribution, every facet of the song radiates the quintessence of Ae! group. With its multifaceted appeal, this song encapsulates everything that fans passionately cherish about the group. As their defining opus, “《A》BEGINNING” fervently captures the very soul of Ae! group and will undoubtedly stand as an enduring emblem of their artistic brilliance.
Ae! group has proven once again that they’ll neither be defeated by rain nor defeated by wind, no matter what obstacles may come their way, they’ll show you that they can face them earnestly.
Right before their debut, they also held a surprise debut event on a boat along Osaka’s iconic Dotonbori River on May 14th, marking the “last day of being Kansai Juniors.“ Despite announcing the event only an hour in advance on their official X, an impressive crowd of 7,000 fans gathered for this event at 1 PM.
The World’s Best AeLIVE: A Tour to Remember
Ae! group’s Debut Tour The World’s Best AeLIVE, spanning eight cities in 2024, was a electrifying celebration of their debut.
The word ‘debut’ holds a significant meaning to the group and all the fans, reflecting years of hard work culminating in this milestone. Starting in Hokkaido and ending in Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, the tour was a showcase of their boundless energy and Kansai charm, and you could call it “a love letter to fans, blending heart, humor, and pure Kansai energy.”
The setlist was a journey through their story, with standout performances like “Firebird,” a nod to their pre-debut stage play with “Story!,“ and a sensual deep dive with “Party-Aholic.” The original track “PRIDE,” was a highlight, with its stirring melody and powerful lyrics embodying their resilience and unity.
The tour’s emotional peak came during the final bows, where the members’ tears reflected their gratitude. Ae! group stood in the neighboring venue, Tokyo Garden, in 2023, as Kansai Juniors—and in 2024, they’re debuting on a stage they’ve earned.
They’ll become a group loved by many—a group that moves—and challenge themselves to expand throughout Japan and the world.
BORDERLESS: A Window into Their Souls
Ae! group’s Netflix documentary BORDERLESS, released in 2024, gave fans an intimate look at their debut journey.
It chronicled their highs, lows, and the aftermath of the departure of former member Taisei Fukumoto in 2023. Richard’s reflection, shared with Dumpling Box, resonated deeply: “I hope fans can see how the Ae! group they know today is the result of all the different paths each member has walked.”
Moments shown like Seiya designing gray sweatshirts as fan gifts added warmth, praising the series for revealing the heart behind the glitz—the rehearsals, the laughter, the tears. BORDERLESS made their debut year feel personal and profound.
The second part, BORDERLESS: Ae! group’s Debut Tour Behind the Scenes, began streaming on November 28, 2024, and concluded with its final episode on December 19, 2024, covering their Debut Tour The World’s Best AeLIVE. This four-episode series followed their six-month journey across eight cities, performing for 370,000 fans.
The series captured behind-the-scenes moments, like Richard’s pressure to nail a bass solo as a novice and Seiya’s “all-out performance” in Aichi that electrified audiences. The final episode, “Aiming for an Endless Goal,” showcased their Tokyo finale, where Masaya’s wish to make “each and every fan happy” came to life. It’s an emotional journey behind the spectacular tour, showing their pride, gratitude, and growth. For international fans, the series bridged cultural gaps, making Ae! group’s world feel truly borderless. Both parts of BORDERLESS deepened fans’ connection, turning their debut year into a shared story of triumph.
Music Videos
Ae! group’s music videos have been a cornerstone of their debut year, each a vibrant chapter in their story. Since the beginning of their YouTube channel, Dumpling Box has chronicled every release, noting how each MV is a canvas where their personalities, talents, and Kansai spirit shine.
Apart from “《A》BEGINNING” that started their debut journey, Ae! group has released four MVs, with “Chameleon” being the fifth soon.
The performance of “Gotta Be” is a powerful rock number that was a showstopper, proving that Ae! group has a knack for delivering high-energy performances that leave a lasting impression. The track, infused with a blend of optimism and intensity, cemented itself as a standout in their growing discography—one that only Ae! group could deliver with such fervor.
High-octane, unrelenting, and unmistakably Ae! group.
“Gotta Be” doesn’t just kick off with energy—it ignites it. From the very first line, “Let’s speak of impossible dreams, and sing your endless songs,” the track sets its sights on something bigger than music: connection, conviction, and the refusal to give up. It’s a rallying cry wrapped in distortion and drive—a bold statement that this group isn’t just performing; they’re resonating.
The song’s rock-fueled pulse mirrors Ae! group’s own journey. They’ve walked a path built on hard work, late nights, setbacks, and growth. With their second single, they stand taller than ever—not to prove a point, but to invite everyone in. “Gotta Be” is both a continuation and a leap forward, capturing the fearless momentum they’ve built from their debut into something even more dynamic.
The recurring call to “resonate” isn’t just a lyric—it’s a mission. Ae! group seeks to echo far beyond the stage: to move hearts, to inspire strength, and to reach those still chasing their dreams. With electrifying guitar riffs, passionate vocals, and lyrics that balance bite with beauty, the song blends genres just like the group blends personas. From raw grit to polished showmanship, they make chaos feel like harmony.
Every verse hits like a challenge. Every chorus roars with hope. Every note resonates.
Because this isn’t just about sound. It’s about survival.
It’s about becoming.
It’s about believing that even a nameless voice can shake the night sky.
This is “Gotta Be.”
A howl in the dark.
A melody that won’t stop.
A song that changes tomorrow.
Ae! group’s “Hello” is more than just the lead track of their first album D.N.A—it’s a reflection of who they are at this very moment. The song carries a weight that feels personal, as if every lyric was crafted to align with their journey so far.
A quiet anthem. A song of resilience. A heartfelt promise.
“Hello” isn’t just the opening track of Ae! group’s debut album D.N.A—it’s a song that reaches back through time, carries the weight of their beginnings, and stretches forward into everything they hope to become. It feels less like a performance and more like a conversation between the past and present—a tender check-in with themselves, their fans, and their future.
From its cinematic opening chords, “Hello” carries an emotional weight that lingers. The lyrics echo years of struggle, perseverance, and growth, yet never sink into despair. Instead, they rise—anchored by the line “踏み出す瞬間は いつだって‘今’だ” (“The moment to take a step forward is always ‘now’”). That moment—‘now’—is the heartbeat of the song.
The members of Ae! group didn’t just sing this song—they claimed it. Having held onto “Hello” since before their official debut, they knew it was something special. A song that couldn’t be rushed. A song they believed only they could sing. That belief runs through every line, every harmony, every vulnerable falsetto and quiet breath. It’s a song born of time, care, and conviction.
This is Ae! group at their most honest. They don’t hide behind perfection. “僕達は 才能だって足りなくて それでも諦めたくなくて” (“We may not be gifted, but still, we never wanted to give up”)—it’s not just a lyric, it’s a truth. And it hits harder because you know what they’ve overcome.
Each chorus becomes more powerful than the last—not just louder, but more certain. You can hear the shift from doubt to defiance. From surviving to believing.
“Hello” is a song of resiliance, yes—but it’s also a song of recognition. Of seeing who they are now, of acknowledging who they’ve been, and of opening the door to who they might become.
It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is say hello again—to yourself, to others, to a new chapter. Ae! group isn’t asking for a spotlight. They’re inviting you in.
And this time, they’re not walking alone.
Light, laughter, and love in every frame.
“Colorful Days” is a sparkling pop confection—a song that wraps Ae! group’s charm, energy, and heartfelt joy into a perfect three-minute slice of happiness. Included on their debut album D.N.A, and released on the very anniversary of their formation, this track feels like a love letter to the everyday magic of shared moments—the kind that turn simple memories into vivid, lifelong snapshots.
From the very first notes, “Colorful Days” radiates with a fresh warmth. The song stands in bright contrast to the rock grit of “Gotta Be” and the emotional weight of “Hello.” Where those tracks reflect the group’s perseverance and inner strength, “Colorful Days” invites you into the brightness of the now—a present moment filled with smiles, sunlight, and sweet surprises.
And the surprise? Ae! group has never felt this carefree before. Known for their edge, humor, and stage power, here they lean fully into joy—with bouncy rhythms, heartfelt vocals, and an adorable dance sequence that feels like an open invitation: Come join us. Let’s make today colorful together.
Ae! group is reminding you that joy can be found in the smallest, most delicious moments. They’re not just delivering a song—they’re delivering you a smile.
And that’s what makes “Colorful Days” resonate. It’s not just about fun—it’s about appreciation. About presence. About letting someone know they make even ordinary days feel extraordinary.
Because in the end, this song is a celebration.
Of memories made.
Of laughter shared.
Of walking forward together, one colorful step at a time.
“Destiny” is a rock ballad painted in raw emotion. The lyrics are straightforward yet piercing, unraveling the frustration of loving someone so deeply but being unable to bridge the distance between hearts. That pain, that desire to speak and still falling short—it echoes through every note. And the MV doesn’t shy away from these emotions; instead, it leans into them fully.
Some love stories aren’t loud. They linger. They ache. They wait.
“Destiny” is Ae! group at their most vulnerable—and perhaps, their most powerful. Written as the theme for the drama Musashino Rondo, which stars Masakado Yoshinori in his first lead romantic role, the song is a quiet storm of longing. Not the kind that demands, but the kind that remains—steady, aching, unresolved.
From its opening notes, “Destiny” strips everything back. No glitter. No spectacle. Just emotion. The music video mirrors that restraint: a minimal, open set, with each member placed in their own isolated frame. The space between them is symbolic—close enough to see, too far to touch. The love this song describes isn’t one that blooms freely; it’s one that’s survived in silence. A love lived on the other side of an invisible window.
And yet, there’s warmth. The dark palette glows softly in places, with light that flickers like memory—brief, amber, unreal. It’s the kind of beauty that hurts. One that feels like it could vanish the moment you reach for it.
Masakado’s voice here is a revelation. It holds back just enough to hurt, like someone trying to stay composed while their heart unravels. It’s not theatrical—it’s true. You can hear the overlap between the lyrics and his onscreen role in Musashino Rondo, a man quietly in love for over a decade. His performance feels lived in. Honest. Earned.
“好きなんだよ こわいくらい ねえ僕じゃだめかな？”
(“I love you so much it scares me. Tell me, am I not enough?”)
It’s the kind of confession that feels pulled from real life—the kind you whisper to yourself when no one else is around. That one person you can’t let go of. That hope you’ve buried so long you’ve forgotten how to speak it aloud. Until now.
And maybe that’s the power of “Destiny.”
It doesn’t shout.
It doesn’t chase.
Ae! group has given us many sides of themselves—hopeful, bold, playful, powerful—but here, they offer something more delicate: truth. Through layered vocals, stripped-back visuals, and emotional storytelling, they remind us that love, in its quietest form, is often the strongest.
These MVs aren’t just videos—they’re Ae! group’s heart and soul, capturing their journey from dreamers to stars. Each release has deepened their connection with fans, who’ve flooded X with reaction threads and fan edits.
A Year of Colorful Milestones
Ae! group’s debut year was packed with achievements beyond their MVs. Their second single, “Gotta Be,” brought a fresh edge, while “Colorful Days” as CAKE LINK’s theme song radiated positivity. Their 6th anniversary on February 18, 2025, saw the release of their first album, D.N.A, with 13 tracks (14 in the regular edition), including “《A》BEGINNING,” “Gotta Be,” and the reflective “Hello.”
D.N.A is a tapestry of their past and future, with “Hello” embodying their resilience. The album’s success, paired with this year’s LIVE TOUR 2025 DNA, set the stage for their next chapter.
Ae! group’s magic lies in their bond with fans. From high-touch sessions to livestreams, they’ve made every moment count.
It’s their resilience and love for each other that sets Ae! group apart. Fans have reciprocated, packing arenas and streaming BORDERLESS with pride. Their debut wasn’t just about them, it was also about us—the fans who believed in them from day one, and that was perfectly reflected in their fan meeting where they announced their debut.
On March 16, 2024, Ae! group set the Kyocera Dome Osaka ablaze with a fan meeting that announced their debut, a pivotal moment in their journey. The dome echoed with fans’ cheers as the boys shared their dream come true. Opening with their signature song “Aa!!!!!!,” the group radiated renewed energy, riding trucks through the venue to wave at fans, their faces alight with gratitude.
The fan-voted setlist, shaped by a questionnaire, added a collaborative spark, featuring a refined rendition of fan-favorites like Sexy Zone’s “Meiwakiyaku” and high-octane covers like SixTONES’ “WHIP THAT” and WEST.’s “YSSB,” which had fans “shaking penlights and screaming. The event also celebrated their Kansai roots, with Naniwa Danshi, WEST., and SUPER EIGHT sharing nostalgic memories, highlighting the mentorship of You Yokoyama and Tadayoshi Ohkura. A tearful encore with Kansai Juniors on Kansai Island showcased their family-like bond, leaving everyone in awe. It was a moment of pure love and pride.
The climax came with the debut announcement for May 15, 2024, and the second day also included a first live performance of “《A》BEGINNING. Fans roared, and the members’ eyes shone with determination, pride, and relief. As they stood amid a sea of colored penlights, their heartfelt speeches—culminating in “We finally made it”—sealed a memory etched in fans’ hearts forever.
Go, with pride.
As Ae! group celebrates their 1st Debut Anniversary, with “Chameleon’s” MV release, they’re not just looking back—they’re charging forward. Their debut year was a kaleidoscope of music, visuals, and heart, but their ambitions know no bounds. With D.N.A topping charts and a 2025 tour just successfully concluded, they’re ready to conquer new horizons.
Happy 1st Debut Anniversary, Ae! group and fans! Thank you for a year of colorful days, fiery MVs, and dreams made real. As “《A》BEGINNING” promised, with you, their dreams will always come true.
Don’t forget to follow Ae! group on all their official accounts to keep yourself updated with the recent news!
Photo assets © STARTO ENTERTAINMENT.
Ae! group‘s third single, “Chameleon,” will be available in four exciting versions: Limited Editions A, B, and C, plus a Regular edition, releasing on June 18. Every version of the single will feature “Destiny.”
The lead track, “Chameleon,” carries a powerful message—not about hiding but about embracing the idea of changing colors to express who you truly are. For Ae! group, as they venture into a fresh, exciting sound that reflects their ever-evolving artistry, it only continues to enhance the colors they have painted so vividly on our worlds.
For fans overseas, you can order your copies of the single at CD Japan!
Limited Edition A (DVD / Blu-ray), Limited Edition B (DVD / Blu-ray), Limited Edition C (DVD / Blu-ray), and Regular edition.
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