Travis Japan 2nd Anniversary: Still on a journey

Happy Anniversary to the world’s most unique and brilliant tigers—Travis Japan!

It’s been two years since their official global digital debut under Capitol Records on October 28, 2022. Since then, the beloved group of seven has embarked on a road of authenticity and with a VIIsion of them spreading their entertainment with the world.

As Travis Japan—Kaito “Chaka” Miyachika, Kaito “Umi” Nakamura, Ryuya “Shime” Shimekake, Noel Kawashima, Shizuya “Shizu” Yoshizawa, Genta Matsuda, and Kaito Matsukura—celebrates the second anniversary of its debut, fans worldwide come together on social media and to the group’s livestream to honor a group that’s left an unforgettable mark on the industry and beyond.

After leaving their home base Japan to train and further improve themselves in the city of Los Angeles, they evolved from tiger cubs to adult tigers in the short time they spent abroad. Their long history in the idol industry definitely played a strong role in this journey, as they have honed and nurtured their skills and craft carefully over their career. However, the decision to go abroad to take on new challenges and broaden their horizons was one of the catalysts to their debut.

Leaving their home and their successful career for something vague like “studying abroad” caused a lot of worry among fans. Looking back at it, the worry was understandable. Why leave something successful and risk it on something you have no idea you’re going to succeed in?

It was a risk that the seven members of the group together decided was worth taking, and it certainly paid off.

Travis Japan: The dream stage we yearned for

One of the first things they did in America on their journey was to participate in World of Dance. In an interview with Swedish-Japanese Performers Association back in 2022, the group talked about their move abroad, their resolve and dreams at the time.

“We were extremely shocked by the results,” Chaka said. “It was our first chance to really leave a great impression and have our skills be recognized, which was the purpose of participating in World of Dance.”

Aside from leaving a lasting impression and taking home three awards, Chaka continued by saying they were grateful to be recognized for what they have been trying so hard to be able to show the world.

“It also gave us a chance to see what we are really up against and watch and to learn from so many other incredibly talented dancers, including those who placed first and second,” he continued. “We were able to see what we want to strive for and feel what we can achieve with our skills during our time in the United States.”

When they decided on what to perform, the biggest thing they wanted to present was their new song, “Party Up Like Crazy.” The first half of the performance was something they had added to it to show off a more Japanesque side. It was inspired by other stage plays and performances they have taken part in.

“We really wanted to show both sides of what we’re representing for our time in the United States,” Noel said. “Not only as young Japanese performers ourselves and where we come from, but also not to leave behind the fact that we are performers, artists, and that we have more than just dance to show off.”

He continued explaining that they wanted to make sure they kept a proper balance between their image as idols and who they are as dancers because World of Dance is a dance contest after all.

“Most people will be focusing on the dancing aspect and we need to respect that,” Noel added. “We didn’t want to leave behind who we are and what we really wanted to bring to our overall experience beyond this particular event.”

And leaving behind who they are is something they have never done. Despite their released music leaning more toward a streamlined Western pop sound than the usual, bright Japanese bubblegum-pop, Travis Japan has managed to incorporate its roots and unique style in every release.

They have never settled for being bound to a certain genre but instead have aimed to adapt to the given song and challenge themselves to simply deliver the best entertainment there is, no matter the situation.

While they are primarily Japanese entertainers and represent what Japanese entertainment is, they really want to bring Japanese entertainment to the rest of the world.

“We want to bring our entertainment to the world, which obviously is a subset of the former, but it is something that is unique and different to us. We created and built it on our own,” Shime said.

Building and making experiences has been a running thread throughout their time abroad so far. That is exactly why they want to merge all the experiences they have had up until this point with all the new ones they are going to be able to accrue while they are overseas. Shime explained they want to actually bring out the true, real form of Travis Japan’s entertainment to the world and really be able to present that to the world.

Being the first global group of the agency, Travis Japan has gained recognition out of Japan, especially thanks to their appearance at America’s Got Talent. Throughout the years since their stay in America, they have been interviewed by multiple media outlets abroad, and FOX 13 Seattle sat down with the group before the start of the American part of their WORLD TOUR. Others also include Front Row Live Ent., Crunchyroll, and BUZZ, among others.

The world tour not only expanded their international exposure and fanbase but also demonstrated the group’s ability to resonate with audiences worldwide, blending Japanese pop culture with universal appeal. The authentic and unique appeal of Travis Japan is something that anyone who has the chance to witness them live will fall in love with.

Known for their intricate choreography and dynamic stage presence, they’ve redefined what it means to be a J-pop group. Fans admire the group’s tight bond and camaraderie, which shines through in every performance, making each concert and music release feel personal.

The group’s impact reaches far beyond music. They’ve inspired their fellow peers within the agency that the path to debut can be something else than the norm. To their dedicated fans, they have proved over and over again that the one thing that Travis Japan wants to give back to them is what’s important to the group.

When asked about the move abroad, the members agreed that one of the biggest risks of leaving Japan was the fact that so many of their Japanese fans feel lonely and sad that they are not right in front of them as much as they were before.

“Even so, our fans are also the inspiration for us for wanting to challenge ourselves and get big, so we can bring something to them. To show them that this was worth it and we can really do something that will make them extremely proud,” Shime said. “That’s a huge motivating factor for everything that we want to continue to do.”

With the upcoming second album “VIIsual,” the group continues to emphasize the importance of them being seven members and the dream and vision that they share. There’s no doubt that their fans, new and old, are extremely proud of what Travis Japan has achieved so far.

Travis Japan is moving pieces in a puzzle, constantly aiming to level up, and never giving just 99% at any given challenge thrown at them. They’ll continue to fly higher, and keep on smiling, as they turn up the vibe and we just dance together.

“No matter which stage we’re on, we’re still the same Travis Japan.”

On this anniversary, we celebrate Travis Japan for the inspiration, joy, and unity they’ve brought to fans worldwide. Here’s to more memories, brilliant performances, and years of music that lifts us all. It’s truly an honor to be able to accompany you on this incredible journey of yours. Happy anniversary, Travis Japan—you’re still on a journey!