A shimmering love song and a powerful statement of resilience — Hey! Say! JUMP’s “encore” invites listeners to dance, reflect, and celebrate nearly two decades of musical brilliance.
With their 35th single “encore,” Hey! Say! JUMP delivers a stunning “parallel love song” — a shimmering blend of pop freshness and emotional depth that perfectly captures the group’s unique ability to balance nostalgia with innovation.
Serving as the theme song for the Kansai TV / Fuji TV drama Parallel Fufu: The Truth of the Dead ‘Me and My Wife’ starring member Kei Inoo, the track expresses the heartbeat of the drama’s story while standing tall as a signature JUMP anthem. Its rhythmic energy, bittersweet lyrics, and sophisticated arrangement create a soundscape that invites both dancing and quiet reflection.
The song’s composition by YUUKI SANO and Tomoshi Hanamura, with lyrics penned by YUUKI SANO, encapsulates the thrill and fragility of love — a hallmark of JUMP’s more mature works. As the melody unfolds, each member’s voice shines distinctly, yet the harmonies weave together into something soft and cohesive, a sound only possible from a group with nearly two decades of shared experience. The bridge is a highlight, bursting with emotional intensity and showcasing the vocal maturity that has become one of JUMP’s strongest assets.
“encore” resonates not only as a romantic track but as a tribute to the group’s own journey. Having debuted in 2007, Hey! Say! JUMP has weathered lineup changes and the challenges of the evolving J-pop landscape, emerging stronger and more cohesive. The song feels like a promise — to keep creating, to keep connecting, and to hold tight to the moments that matter.
This spirit is further amplified by the music video, where simple yet elegant choreography and minimalistic sets put the spotlight on the members’ natural charisma and their effortless synchronization. It’s a visual and choreographic statement of unity, balance, and artistic growth.
The single release offers fans a rich tapestry of content:
- Limited Edition 1 includes the uplifting “Step by Step” (composed by Penthouse’s Shintarō Namioka and Takuma Ōhara), along with the “encore” MV, making-of footage, and clips from the Hey! Say! JUMP Special Live 2024-2025 JUMPARTY ~Opening Part~, featuring fan-favorite moments like “eek!!.”
- Limited Edition 2 features “未来線 (Miraisen),” a collaboration with Yūki Tsujimura and Ken Itō, plus the music video and making-of for the energetic hip-hop track “SUPER CRUISIN’” (written by Lalande’s Sāya), along with a hilarious variety segment where the eight members tackle brain games and playful challenges.
- JUMPremium BOX Edition brings back the fan-loved tote bag design from 2019’s “Lucky-Unlucky / Oh! my darling” release, a practical and charming bonus for longtime collectors and newcomers alike.
- Regular Edition rounds out the package with “Love Letter,” a complex and gentle love song, and the lively festival anthem “MATSURI☆FEVER.”
The release of the “encore” dance practice video has left fans in awe — not just for its polished choreography, but for the depth of artistry it reveals. Despite being filmed on the very same day the choreography was learned, the performance exudes a level of precision, fluidity, and unity that only a group with 18 years of experience could achieve.
Fans repeatedly highlight how Hey! Say! JUMP balances individuality and cohesion: each member’s unique dance style shines through, yet when viewed as a whole, the formation work and synchronization are so tight it feels almost effortless. This harmony reflects years of trust, shared experience, and mutual understanding — an emotional core that fans say cannot be replicated by newer groups.
The dance practice, shot with a fixed camera, lets viewers appreciate the rapid, intricate formation changes that might be missed in the polished music video. It’s not just about showing off dance technique; it’s about conveying the song’s story and emotions. Fans remark on the group’s ability to combine idol-like freshness with the weight of their history, offering a sense of stability, warmth, and artistry that deepens with each watch.
What stands out across hundreds of fan reactions is a profound sense of gratitude: gratitude that Hey! Say! JUMP continues to deliver such high-level performances after nearly two decades, gratitude that they share behind-the-scenes glimpses like this, and above all, gratitude for the enduring connection between the members and their fans. Watching Hey! Say! JUMP dance isn’t just entertaining — it’s a reminder of the love, effort, and unshakable bond that defines them.
The group’s resilience and artistic evolution shine through in every detail, from the intricate choreography to the layered musicality and carefully curated bonus content. “encore” is a celebration of Hey! Say! JUMP’s unwavering connection to their fans — a relationship symbolized by their shared history spanning nearly two decades.
Available now on streaming platforms and through official channels, “encore” is a must-listen — a testament to a group that continues to define what it means to be an enduring, evolving idol act in Japan. The full single will be available on streaming June 5!
At its core, “encore” is more than a song — it’s a heartfelt anthem of love, perseverance, and the promise of yet another brilliant chapter in the story of Hey! Say! JUMP.
For those captivated by the emotional depth and vibrant energy of “encore,” diving into their earlier hits “Give Me Love” (2016) and “Spark x2” (2017) offers a perfect opportunity to explore more of the group’s rich discography. These tracks showcase the group’s ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with infectious pop energy, making them essential listens for fans and newcomers alike.
“Give Me Love” – A Passionate Plea That Echoes “encore”
Released in 2016 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama Cain and Abel (カインとアベル) (2016), starring group member Ryosuke Yamada, “Give Me Love” is a polished pop anthem that pulses with emotional intensity.
Its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, which express a fervent desire for love and connection, resonate deeply with listeners, much like the romantic longing in “encore.” The song’s vibrant rhythm and soaring vocals highlight the group’s vocal harmony, with each member’s voice adding a unique layer to the emotional narrative.
The choreography, dynamic and expressive, mirrors the song’s passionate tone, offering a visual spectacle that rivals the intricate, storytelling-driven movements of “encore.” For those moved by “encore”’s bittersweet depth and drama tie-in, “Give Me Love” delivers a similarly evocative experience, capturing Hey! Say! JUMP’s ability to weave universal emotions into their music. Listeners will find themselves drawn to its infectious energy and the way it balances youthful fervor with mature sentiment, making it a timeless addition to any playlist.
“Spark x2” – A Celebration of Joy and Unity
Featured on the 2017 single “White Love“, “Spark x2” is a vibrant, uplifting pop track that radiates joy and celebrates connection, released as part of Hey! Say! JUMP’s 10th-anniversary festivities. Its bright, anthemic melody and energetic rhythm make it a perfect companion to the rhythmic, danceable vibe of “encore.”
The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of shared excitement and unity, reflecting the group’s gratitude toward their Tobikko fanbase, much like the underlying fan connection in “encore.” The track’s celebratory tone suggests dynamic, synchronized performances that showcase Hey! Say! JUMP’s signature stage presence, akin to the polished and expressive dance in “encore.” For listeners who love the uplifting moments in “encore,” “Spark x2” offers a burst of optimism and energy, inviting fans to revel in the group’s enduring spirit. Its festive vibe makes it an ideal track for those seeking to capture the joy of Hey! Say! JUMP’s milestone moments.
Both “Give Me Love” and “Spark x2” highlight Hey! Say! JUMP’s versatility, blending emotional depth with infectious pop energy in ways that resonate with “encore.” “Give Me Love” appeals to those who connect with the heartfelt, narrative-driven side of “encore,” while “Spark x2” complements its vibrant, danceable energy with a celebratory twist.
Together, these tracks showcase the group’s evolution from their Heisei-era roots to their current Reiwa-era maturity, offering a glimpse into their ability to captivate audiences across genres and emotions. Whether you’re a longtime Tobikko or discovering Hey! Say! JUMP for the first time, “Give Me Love” and “Spark x2” are must-listens that capture the group’s charm and musical prowess.