Ae! group’s inaugural solo documentary series, “BORDERLESS”—The Miracle Leading to Ae! group’s Debut,” is now out worldwide on Netflix!
The documentary series “BORDERLESS” follows the journey of Ae! group, documenting the challenges, mistakes, and personal development of each of its five members, is now streaming worldwide on Netflix as of June 19th.
Let’s embark together on a captivating journey through the past five years of Ae! group, as captured in this gripping documentary series.
Witness firsthand the remarkable evolution and personal growth of each member, showcased through a collection of never-before-seen videos.
Delve deeper into their journeys through exclusive, in-depth interviews, where untold stories and secrets known only to the members will be unveiled and explored.
This is a rare opportunity to experience the true essence of this group and unravel the mysteries behind their success.
About Ae! group
Ae! group – pronounced as ‘a group‘ comprises, as of 2024, 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.”
Their power isn’t just in their polished performances but also in their band-style acts, a legacy inherited from their predecessors, SUPER EIGHT. They’re making waves in various areas of the industry with their distinct, unique style, showcasing each member’s individuality while still keeping that unmistakable Kansai STARTO artist flair alive and kicking.
“It’s about perserverance.”
Introduced as the oldest member, Seiya Suezawa is the group’s vocalist. He made it to debut despite the struggles and hard days because he never gave up. He finally found a place to belong—the Ae! group. He continuously worked every day to improve himself for this day of debut, and he realized along the way during his journey how much he loved being on stage.
“If you want to be recognized… believe in that 1% and keep going, I think that’s what it takes.”
On the release of the docuseries on Netflix, 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.”
In celebration of the worldwide release of “BORDERLESS,” Dumpling Box had the exclusive honor to ask member Richard Keita Kusama about the docuseries.
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.
——What do you personally hope viewers, especially those who don’t know much about Ae! group, will take away from watching this documentary series?
“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.“
“When things don’t go well, if you don’t just look in just one direction, you’ll keep moving forward. “
Richard Keita Kusama is introduced as the one who takes on challenges for the sake of the group. In charge of playing the saxophone and bass, Richard also has a unique sense of humor and a knack for laughter that brings a smile to everyone’s faces. With just two months to prepare, he had to face the tallest wall yet when he picked up the bass to learn in that short time for their 5th-anniversary livestream.
“Look at your feet, ensure your safety, look far ahead, and step forward, one step at a time.”
A rainbow above the end credits
“BORDERLESS” is more than just a documentary series; it’s a heartfelt journey that captures the essence of Ae! group and the remarkable evolution of its five members. As viewers, we are invited to witness their struggles, triumphs, and personal growth, gaining a profound understanding of what it takes to pursue dreams with unwavering determination.
It’s a testament to their resilience and dedication, qualities that resonate deeply with both longtime fans and new admirers.
Richard’s exclusive insights further enrich our perspective, encouraging us to see the individual journeys that collectively form Ae! group’s unique narrative. His hope for viewers to find personal resonance in their stories speaks to the universal nature of their experiences. We are reminded that behind every performance and public appearance are real people with relatable struggles and dreams.
“BORDERLESS” gives us a rare chance to see the true essence of Ae! group. It’s an opportunity to connect with them on a deeper level, to see beyond the stage and into their hearts. Their stories inspire us to reflect on our own lives, find strength in our challenges, and appreciate every step of our journey.
There’s more than meets the eye and the extent of Ae! group’s history since their formation can’t be contained in a mere five episodes, but it’s a start. By crossing the borders of what usually would have been locked within their home country, they set off to expand their horizons. There’s no limit to what they can achieve or dream of.
So, join us in celebrating the worldwide release of “BORDERLESS.” Let’s share in the laughter, the tears, and the triumphs of Ae! group. Whether you’re a devoted fan or new to their world, this documentary promises to leave a lasting impact. Watch with openness, empathy, and anticipation, and discover the compelling stories that make Ae! group not just a band but a beacon of inspiration for us all.
This is their starting point. This is their story.
This is Ae! group—a borderless group.
Watch BORDERLESS Here on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81776808
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Translations by Oru.
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