Travis Japan has been officially announced as the artists behind the Japanese ending theme for Disneyโs upcoming live-action film Lilo & Stitch, set to hit theaters in Japan on June 6.
The group will cover the Elvis Presley classic โBurning Loveโ, a beloved tune previously featured in the animated original, and it’ll be included in the soundtrack release for the movie.
The surprise announcement was made backstage just before one of their March concerts on the VIIsual arena tour. Already emotional over group member Kaito Nakamura being cast as the Japanese voice of David, the members were stunned to learn that Travis Japan would also be performing the movieโs ending theme. Their reactionsโfilled with disbelief, laughter, and heartfelt hugsโwere also captured in a video!
Travis Japan was selected for the project due to their standout performance skills, uplifting vocals, and a naturally radiant group energy described as “sunshine-like” by Disney and the film’s production team. Their story of perseveranceโsharing a home and building their career together in the U.S.โwas seen as a perfect match for Lilo & Stitchโs themes of family/ohana.
While the U.S. version of the song is produced by Bruno Mars and performed by Hawaiian duo Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, the Japanese version promises a fresh new sound infused with Travis Japanโs unique charm and emotional nuance.
This announcement comes on the heels of another major milestone for Travis Japan: Noel Kawashimaโs return to group activities after a period of rest due to health concerns. Fans had long awaited the moment the group would stand as seven once againโand now, not only are they reunited, but theyโre stepping into another major global spotlight with Disney, following Genta’s role as Taka in Lion King: Mufasa.
Itโs a season of joy, healing, and new beginnings. Whether on stage or on screen, Travis Japan continues to share their energy and talent with fans around the world, proving that their bondโlike ohanaโis unbreakable.
Comments from Travis Japan Members
โผ Kaito Miyachika (Chaka)
We all grew up watching the original animated Lilo & Stitch, so just knowing that Kaito (Umi) would be doing a voice role was exciting on its own. But on top of that, getting to be part of the project as Travis Japan through musicโitโs such an incredible honor and truly makes me happy. Iโm so grateful, and weโll give it our all so that our performance reaches everyone in theaters. Please look forward to it!
โผ Kaito Nakamura (Umi)
Itโs a huge honor. Iโve loved Stitch ever since I was a kidโhe was actually the first plush toy I ever bought. Thatโs why Iโm especially happy to be part of the live-action Lilo & Stitch. More than anything, being able to sing for a Disney project as Travis Japan with our own voices is an amazing opportunity. Weโll keep working hard to refine our vocals and do our best to add something meaningful to the film.
โผ Ryuya Shimekake (Shime)
Lilo & Stitch is such a globally loved work, so the fact that we get to sing the ending theme is something Iโm really excited and happy about. I hope we can bring even more energy and excitement to the movie together.
โผ Noel Kawashima
Iโm truly thrilled that Travis Japan has been chosen to sing โBurning Love,โ the ending song for Lilo & Stitch!
Just the fact that the voices of the members who made it through auditions will be heard in theaters is amazingโbut to have this additional great news on top of that, my heart is burning with joy! I hope everyone out there can feel the same excitement as we look forward to the movieโs release together!
โผ Shizuya Yoshizawa (Shizu)
Disneyโs animations are beloved across all generations, so weโll do our best to make sure the Travis Japan version of โBurning Loveโ is something people of all ages can enjoy too.
โผ Genta Matsuda
Iโm so happy about this. Weโll combine the strength of all of Travis Japan to deliver this song to everyone.
โผ Kaito Matsukura
Lilo & Stitch is a story thatโs loved by so many, so it means a lot that we, Travis Japan, were given the chance to sing the ending theme. Weโll do our absolute best!
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