Travis Japan has held a special place in the hearts of Dumpling Box long before the site even came to life. Their enduring bond, unshakable teamwork, and tireless pursuit of their dreams have always been a source of inspiration. Itโs their journeyโfull of grit, warmth, and shared ambitionโthat continues to resonate so deeply with us and our readers.
The seven membersโKaito โChakaโ Miyachika, Kaito โUmiโ Nakamura, Ryuya โShimeโ Shimekake, Noel Kawashima, Shizuya โShizuโ Yoshizawa, Genta Matsuda, and Kaito โMachuโ Matsukuraโ inspire and bring light to our lives, and show us that beyond their sparkling aura are seven humans. They are seven individuals who have the same goal in mindโto share their entertainment with the world.
โAt the Tableโ is an article series for Dumpling Box that highlights and introduces various artists or group members through various insightsโartist-exclusive or fan-inclusive. This series allows for deep dives into the artistโs personality, work, and influence, creating an intimate and immersive experience for readers, as if they were at the table with you.
Dumpling Box had the honor of interviewing Travis Japan at their New York City show during their second world tour to reflect on their journey since 2022โa journey thatโs taken them from World of Dance competitors to global stages, Disney soundtracks, and expanding their entertainment across continents.
โThree years ago, it was rare for idols to be known for their dancing,โ Noel reflected, his voice thoughtful. โWe used to think of being idols and being dancers as two separate thingsโbut now, that line doesnโt exist anymore. Today, itโs expected that idols can dance well. Performing, singing, dancingโit’s all part of being an entertainer. We no longer need to choose one identity over the other, because both coexist naturally in what we do.โ
Machu agreed, adding that the two roles have merged seamlessly in recent years. โThese days, itโs normal for boy bands to excel at both singing and dancing,โ he said. โThat dual skill set has become the standardโand weโve grown into that, too.โ
Their perspective comes from experience. In 2022, the group moved to Los Angeles to immerse themselves in training and to compete in World of Dance, a leap of faith that would shape their future. Of course, the move wasnโt all sunshineโliving together under one roof came with its share of challenges.
The move abroad was more than just professional growthโit was personal. Living together, studying English, cooking for each otherโit wasnโt easy. But those seven months gave them memories and lessons theyโll never forget. Even the tiny moments, like sharing snacks after long practice, made them closer.
โAlthough we were fighting like cats and dogs some days,โ Chaka said, laughing as the others mimed bickering, โbut because of that, we really got to know each other. That experience made us who we are now.โ They recalled late-night walks in Santa Monica, impromptu trips to restaurants, and other memories that still make them grin.
โLiving together, it really deepened our connection,โ he reflected fondly. “We got to know each other in a deeper wayโour habits, quirks, and personalities. Sharing those little things made our bond stronger.“
That time in Los Angeles was more than just a training campโit was a rite of passage. They stepped into a world where no one knew their names, introduced themselves to producers, dancers, and vocal coaches without the safety net of their local fame. It was a scary experience, but also liberating. The members had to prove themselves from scratchโwithout the familiarity of home or the recognition they’d grown used to. And yet, that vulnerability made every compliment, every smile from someone new, feel deeply meaningful.
Their performance at World of Dance stunned even the judges, but for the members, the true victory came afterwardโwhen fans from around the world began following their journey, one that ultimately led to their long-awaited debut.
This year, the group returned to America with a full-circle moment: a special collaboration with World of Dance for all of their U.S. shows, as well as a guest appearance at the finals. World of Dance is where it all started for them, the beginning of their first overseas adventure, the first time they really stepped out of their comfort zone. To come back now and collaborate with them feels like they’re showing how much theyโve grown.
Of course, Travis Japan has always dreamed big. โWe said we wanted to go to the Grammys one day,โ Shime recalled with a grin. โThat dream hasnโt changed.“
Noel smiled when recalling the dream: performing on stage at the Grammys with all seven members. He admitted he still couldnโt picture the exact momentโwhether theyโd sing, dance, or do bothโbut emphasized that whatever they do, their goal is simple: to make Japanese people proud and to bring joy to the world. Genta added that while performing at the Grammys is a shared dream among the members, his personal goal is to one day take the stage at Coachella. The idea of performing with the group in front of a massive international crowd at one of the worldโs biggest music festivals is a vision that excites him deeply.
From their early days in Los Angeles to dreaming of the Grammys, their ambitions continue to grow. And it’s not just the Grammys they’re aiming forโTravis Japan’s dreams span iconic stages and destinations around the world. Genta hopes to tour in Hawaii, Shizu wants to visit Disney World in Florida with the members, imagining it as a fun and unforgettable group memory. Machu sets his sights on the Philippines, having heard that idol culture is especially beloved there. Shime dreams of performing in Las Vegas, inspired by the entertainment and shows they experienced during a past visit. And Chaka longs to visit London, excited by the idea of hearing British English in person and seeing Europe for the first time. Each dream highlights their eagerness to connect with fans across cultures and to grow even further as global entertainers.
Fans around the globe likely resonate with this feeling, as we express that Travis Japan fills us with immense joy and pride whenever they take the stage or release new music. And happiness is a recurring theme when the members reflect on their current identities.
Machu put it best when he leaned forward with an earnest smile and said, โWe want to be the โEuphoria from Japan.โโ Shime echoed this, adding that Travis Japanโs concerts are full of happinessโand that they want people to leave feeling like their hearts are full. Genta pointed to their Disney collaborations, such as โBurning Loveโ for Lilo & Stitch (featuring Umi as the voice for David) and his own role as Taka in the Japanese dub of Mufasa: The Lion King as examples of how their music carries joy. And with energetic live staples like โWould you like one?,โ “Underdogs,” and “T.G.I. Friday Night,” itโs clear that the message of โEuphoria from Japanโ isnโt just a taglineโitโs the heartbeat of their identity, and spreading happiness across borders remains central to their mission.
When asked what they hoped fans and newcomers would take away from their concerts, their answers echoed that same theme.
โThis year, I want people to get to know us even better,โ Genta shared, and Shime added, โWe also want people to experience not just the music, but the joy, the culture, and the connection that comes from doing a world tour like this.โ
โI hope people see how close we are,โ Shizu said. โThat weโre a group of friends, not just performers.โ
Noel, with a thoughtful pause, added: โI hope they take away our sparkleโthe power of us. Itโs something you often see in Japanese idols, but itโs still rare abroad. We want to share that idol sparkle everywhere.โ
When asked about their most memorable moments from touring, the answers were as heartfelt as they were playful. Shizu recalled a quiet but warm moment from earlier during the Japan leg of the tour: โMy number one favorite was when all seven of us went out to eat together in Shizuoka. We went to a Japanese izakaya. It was before Noel had returned, so it felt like a reunion we hadnโt had in a while.โ
Shime shared a powerful moment from the June 7 Chiba show at LaLa Arena: โWe performed with all of the members. When we were on stage, I looked at everyoneโthey were laughing and smiling because we love performing together as seven.โ
Noel first announced his hiatus on December 2, 2024, citing a desire to prioritize his physical and mental well-being after careful consultation with the group, his agency, family, and medical professionals.
During his time away, fans continued to bring uchiwas and signs bearing his name to concert venues, hoping he was doing well. His empty tiger cart still made its rounds across arenas, and his name still lit up in neon. It was always clearโTravis Japan was performing as six, but always meant to be seven.
On May 17, 2025, that hope turned into reality. The agency announced that Noel would be returning to work, starting with the June 7 concert at LaLa Arena. His return was framed not as a comeback but as a continuationโan evolution made stronger by rest and reflection.
Chaka reflected on Noelโs return itself as the most moving moment of the tour. โOf course, the members were happy to have Noel back. But seeing how much the fans encouraged us, and how much they waited and cheered for himโthat support meant everything.โ
Machu also spoke about the thrill of getting to perform songs that were originally released as six back when Noel was on hiatus: โโSay I do,โ โTokyo Crazy Night,โ โWould you like one?โโwe released those as six. But now we can perform them as seven. That makes us really happy.โ
Genta added his own colorful perspective on his memorable highlights: โWhen we perform โWould you like one?,โ it has a call-and-response section with all the member names. During that part and when weโre singing and dancing, and the fans are cheeringโit felt like my heart would explode. Their excitement and grace give energy to our hearts.โ
They also opened up about what they might be doing today if they werenโt idols. โA swimmer,โ Machu said with a laugh, flexing jokingly, and it makes sense as he’d mentioned several times before how it’s one of his skills, and something he did for a few years. Noel replied that heโd probably be a teacher for elementary or junior high students: โBecause they teach the fundamentalsโthe foundational skills that everything else builds on. If you understand those, you become strong.โ Genta, ever the soccer enthusiast, admitted heโd love to be a professional soccer player for Barcelona.
Shizu lit up when he said heโd be a gaming or radio streamer: โI love playing games and talking! I already have a radio show every Tuesday on the FAMILY CLUB web.โ
Chaka surprised the room with a personal confession: โIf I werenโt an idol at the same age as I am now, I would probably be married with children.โ
Shime added that heโd work in a hair salon, eagerly sharing that since he was a kid, he had always loved styling his hair. No wonder he’s always been particular about people touching his hairโitโs something heโs clearly taken pride in since childhood.
The members also spoke candidly about the challenges they face performing both abroad and in Japan. Despite their years of experience on stage, the stage fright and the pressure of delivering perfect shows still creep in. They recall watching a rehearsal video and realizing how the nervousness showed on their face despite their best efforts to stay calm.
Even with their growing global presence, Travis Japan remains humble and endlessly curious. But in the end, when they see the other membersโsmiling, dancing, pouring their hearts into the stageโit reminds them why they started in the first place. That shared energy becomes their anchor, their comfort, and their spark all at once.
Noel once coined the term ‘Neo J-pop‘ to describe Travis Japanโs musicโa phrase born from the challenge of summarizing their unique blend of idol charm, sharp performance, and global ambition. Reflecting now, he explains that at the time, it was difficult to articulate their sound and image in just a few words, so ‘Neo J-pop‘ became a placeholder for their evolving identity. “Back then, we were trying to become Neo J-pop,” he said. “But now, I feel like weโve arrived at that point. Weโve released songs in both English and Japanese, merged styles, and created something that reflects who we are. In a few more years, I think it will become something unmistakably oursโa style only Travis Japan can do.“
As their identity as ‘Neo J-pop‘ artists, or simply just ‘Travis Japan,’ continues to solidify, they hope new listeners will find a gateway into their world through music. To help fans old and new get started, the members offered some personal song recommendations:
โโJUST DANCE!โโ Genta offered quickly. โItโs our debut singleโgreat energy and very us.โ
โโLEVEL UP,โโ Shizu suggested. โWe always perform it with high passion.โ
โโOkie Dokie!โโ said Shime with a grin. โItโs euphoricโreally captures our vibe.โ
โโTokyo Crazy Night,โโ Umi added. โItโs a really cool song that breaks the mold of a typical idol track. The choreography is playful and unexpectedโit really shows how unique we are as a group.โ
For now, their mission is clear: to reach more people with their music and message. โA lot of people in the world still donโt know Travis Japan,โ Machu explained. โThatโs why we want to keep performing everywhere we canโso more people can discover our songs, our performances, and the happiness we bring. We feel that energy from the fans, and it gives us motivation to strive for more.โ
As they close the chapter on their second world tour and set their sights on their upcoming third album, Travis Japan stands more unifiedโand more determinedโthan ever. From delivering joy on stages in Tokyo, New York, Bangkok, and beyond, to spreading their self-proclaimed euphoria from Japan with every performance, their story continues to evolve.
They are seven unique tigersโeach with their own strengths, quirks, and dreamsโbrought together by fate and forged by experience. And with “VIIsual,” it captured the experience of those seven individuals becoming one. The future, much like their name, is full of motionโand theyโre ready to keep dancing forward.
Travis Japan is here to deliver joyโseven smiles at a time, with stories, laughter, performances to remember, and the warmth of their growing global family.
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Photos ยฉ Dumpling Box.
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