The music industry has undergone significant changes with the rise of digital platforms like Spotify and other streaming services. Many artists have started to slowly switch to the digital market instead of the traditional one with physical sales. Among those artists, SUPER EIGHT, known for their unique blend of Kansainess and fan engagement, has recently made their entire discography available on platforms like Spotify. This move marks a pivotal moment in their journey, expanding their reach while challenging the notion of exclusivity that has long been a part of their charm.
Before entering the digital market, SUPER EIGHT, like their fellow groups from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, offered exclusive content through its FAMILY CLUB (FC) and similar member-only sites. Fans enjoyed personal blogs, FC versions of CDs, and other special perks, creating a sense of intimacy and loyalty. This exclusivity made fans feel special and close to the group, something akin to a family (hence the name, FAMILY CLUB).
Physical editions of CDs and DVDs and similar were the staple needs of goods a fan needed and wanted to support and listen to their beloved groups. It was the only way to listen to music when it was not distributed through official channels like radio or TV programs.
While Japan is still highly in demand of physical versions of CDs and similar, the shift to the digital market recently has been evident. For groups like SUPER EIGHT, it has not been a given that they would become available digitally.
With the advent of platforms like Spotify, the way music is distributed and consumed has transformed. Artists can now reach everyone within their native country and even global audiences with ease, and personal social networking sites (SNS) have become integral in maintaining artist-fan relationships.
By making their discography available on Spotify, SUPER EIGHT has embraced this change, opening new avenues for both existing and potential fans.
Celebrating 20 Years of SUPER EIGHT
To commemorate 20 years since their debut, SUPER EIGHT (previously named Kanjani8) unlocked their full history for fans with a momentous re-release of their complete discography. This includes their hit songs “Zukkoke Otokomichi” and “Musekinin Hero,” as well as the 8, 7, and 6-member versions of songs that have evolved and changed over the years.
This discography of theirs spans over 20 years of music and artistry, long before streaming and downloading was available.
Every era and precious memory of SUPER EIGHT will be fully celebrated, allowing fans to revisit the classic songs by the lovable and hilarious Eight Rangers, and the new music of their beloved little sister group, CANDY EIGHT (Kyanjani∞).
January 1st marked the grand kickoff of SUPER EIGHT‘s 20th-anniversary year with the release of their best-of albums “8EST” & “GR8EST,” alongside their newest singles and the “8BEAT Complete Edition” album by all five current members.
On January 24th, fans experienced a nostalgic trip as all past albums were unleashed, from “Kansha ni ∞” to the ninth album sensation, “Jam.” The celebrations concluded on January 31st with the release of every single, from the original classic “Naniwa Iroha Bushi” to the beautiful 42nd single “crystal,” making SUPER EIGHT‘s history available anytime, anywhere.
On July 31st, SUPER EIGHT will release their new album bearing the same name as the group with two editions: “SUPER” & “HERO,” make sure you don’t miss it!
In a recent exclusive interview with Dumpling Box, SUPER EIGHT’s Shingo Murakami was asked about the impact of this shift on their famed exclusivity from the FC. The question highlighted the balance between maintaining special connections with fans through the old methods of the FC and becoming more accessible online through streaming and SNS.
Shingo Murakami was one of the hosts of NHK’s global program SONGS OF TOKYO when it was airing. The program used to invite fans all over the world to talk about various talents in the music industry, each episode focusing on one artist or a theme. Before the pandemic happened, selected fans living in Japan were present in the studio with the artists for the filming of the program. During the pandemic, it changed to online interviews, which allowed more fans across the globe to have the chance to participate.
During episode 28, author Sabina participated in talking about Travis Japan as one artist to look out for in 2022, and she touched on the subject of this FC exclusivity.
“It’s hard for international fans to get access to all of these exclusive contents for fan clubs and everything that is in Japan,” she expressed as Shingo marveled in shock over the fact she knew about his then Junior group Travis Japan.
Despite the inaccessibility, she expressed that it is something that she personally felt was a unique charm that the STARTO talents possessed, “We (fans) try our best, and that is also something I feel makes it even more worth it, and it feels more special.“
Though it might be the mindset of a minority of people, the general audience wants more. It wants the content to be easily accessible at any time. With the new approach to becoming more accessible, there is also a fear that the exclusivity that was the charm before will be lost because the talents become more accessible.
“Wow, that’s a much deeper question than I was expecting (laughs)”
Shingo’s response was both insightful and heartfelt.
“To me personally, what’s more important than ‘exclusivity’ (独占) is a sense of ‘proximity’ (親近感),” he shared. He emphasized that being an idol is about spreading joy and entertainment to everyone, even as “an old man idol” like him. While special connections with devoted fans remain crucial, it’s also important to create an inviting atmosphere for new fans.
“Of course there are layers, and to the fans who not only enjoy what we do but actively give back to us in some way, we of course want to go even more above, beyond, and special for them in return any way we can,” he explained further. It’s clear that the fans are always in their minds.
He also acknowledged the potential drawbacks of ‘exclusivity.’ They likened it to a private table at a restaurant: fun for those at the table but inaccessible to someone sitting on the other side of the room, unable to join.
“If they see you having fun and want to join, they can’t just pull up a chair, right? And that’s a shame!” he noted, stressing the importance how to figure out how to make it comfortable for both parties.
“We want to keep hosting special ‘parties’ for our ‘family,’ but also make sure to appeal the fun we’re having to others and make sure they have a way to get an invitation too.”
The group is committed to finding a balance between maintaining special connections with loyal fans and welcoming new ones. Even with venturing into the digital market, an unknown territory to them, their fellow agency talents and the agency as well, they are together taking small steps to become more accessible.
It is easy to jump onto the bandwagon and dive into the digital sea, but doing so might cause you to lose the exclusivity and uniqueness that is your charm. SUPER EIGHT, among other groups like Travis Japan and King & Prince, who also have their songs available for streaming, are carefully dipping their toes into the sea instead of diving in.
To avoid becoming just another fish in the sea but also keep up with the changing times, they try, albeit slowly, to maintain the old ‘uniqueness‘ to stand out from the crowd. At the same time, the audience demands accessibility and finding a balance between the new digital market and the old market, where fans can feel the same ‘exclusivity‘ that only the FC and similar previously provided, yet not feel excluded; that’s the ‘proximity‘ Shingo talked about.
By showcasing the fun and excitement of being a fan, they hope to extend an invitation to a broader audience and ensure everyone has a chance to join the ‘family.’
SUPER EIGHT’s transition to digital platforms like Spotify is a significant step in their evolution going forward, paving a new path for their fellow groups to observe and hopefully follow. It has positively impacted fan engagement and community growth, making their music more accessible while preserving the special bond with their most dedicated supporters.
As a veteran group, SUPER EIGHT has inspired many, fans and talents alike. Members Tadayoshi Ohkura and You Yokoyama have taken the helm in helping and producing the STARTO Jr.’s in the Kansai area since 2018.
There were no official units within the Kansai area for the juniors for over four years, so they formed Naniwa Danshi to give their fellow members more opportunities to showcase their talents and hopefully pave the way for future debuts.
Creating groups within the junior division was a crucial first step, allowing them to produce their own music, go on concert tours, and build a strong fanbase. But You and Tadayoshi didn’t stop there; shortly after forming Naniwa Danshi, they also created Lil Kansai, Ae! group, Boys be, and AmBitious.
AmBitious member Takeyuki Mayumi is known for his love and admiration for his respected senpai Shingo Murakami, and it’s clear from the behind-the-scenes from their recent tour finale that the young boys respect their seniors from the way they interact with Ae! group’s Ken Kojima and the members of Naniwa Danshi. They can do these things today because their seniors walked and paved the path before them so the younger generation can run.
As they navigate this new landscape, SUPER EIGHT continues to exemplify the balance between exclusivity and accessibility, setting a standard for fan-artist relationships in the digital age. Their 20th-anniversary celebrations are a testament to their enduring appeal and commitment to their fans and fellow talents. Here’s to another 20 years of incredible music and unforgettable moments with SUPER EIGHT!
【More SUPER EIGHT!】
SUPER EIGHT / INFINITY RECORDS Official Site：https://www.infinity-r.jp/
SUPER EIGHT | STARTO Official Site : https://starto.jp/s/p/artist/13?lang=en
SUPER EIGHT Official Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/super_eight_official/
INFINITY RECORDS Official X: https://twitter.com/Infinity_rJP
SUPER EIGHT / INFINITY RECORDS Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@supereight_infinity_r
Ohkura Tadayoshi Official X: https://x.com/J_ohkura_88
One thought on “Shingo Murakami of SUPER EIGHT Talks About Fan ‘Exclusivity’ & ‘Proximity’ | Exclusive Insights”