■ “I want to be a one-of-a-kind idol. To achieve that, I have to carry something heavy.” (Travis Japan’s Kawashima Noeru)
The serial documentary “RIDE ON TIME” is being distributed on Netflix every Tuesday. The latest episode, which will begin distribution on July 2nd, will feature Travis Japan (4 episodes in total / distributed over 2 consecutive weeks).
The program will follow them behind the scenes for seven months, including music video shoots, a tour of the United States, and the nationwide arena tour “Travis Japan Concert Tour 2024 Road to Authenticity.”
Travis Japan made their worldwide streaming debut in 2022. The seven members are pursuing “dance that can be enjoyed worldwide.”
■ “I love dancing. Without it, I wouldn’t be here.”
In June 2023, Travis Japan will be shooting the music video for their 3rd digital single “Candy Kiss”. Even after 10 hours of filming, leader Kaito Miyachika is tough and “fatigued.” “I love dancing. If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t be here,” he says, leading his teammates. Meanwhile, during the dance shoot for “Still on a journey,” Ryuya Shichigosankake, who came up with the choreography, is confident, saying, “There’s a flavor that can only be brought out because I know the good points of the members.” Then, true to his words, a “certain member” during the shoot had the biggest smile on his face.
Among the friendly group, Yoshizawa Shizuya is the mood maker. He will show off his new gag, but will it work? Yoshizawa actually said, “I admired Yamada Ryosuke (Hey! Say! JUMP) and wanted to be cool in the past. But…” He will reveal the reason why he arrived at his current “comedy character”.
■ The extremely tough “LEVEL UP” music video shoot: “It’s tough…!”
There is also a scene where the members look back on their time studying abroad in America before their debut. Matsukura Kaito says, “I joined the agency with no dance experience, so I was scared at times. But the dancers over there are different…” as he talks about the fun he felt dancing there. Nakamura Kaito talks about the change in his mindset, saying, “My values have changed. It was a time I needed in my life.” In July, the group will take part in the recording of a new song with lyrics entirely in English. They will give it their all in front of an American music producer.
In September, they filmed the music video for “LEVEL UP,” which the choreographer called “the most difficult dance ever.” Even dancing once was physically exhausting, and the members were out of breath, saying things like, “Someone, give me some water!”, “This isn’t like a normal shoot,” and “It’s tough…” How will they overcome this challenge? We take a look behind the scenes at the seven members who strive for perfection.
In addition, Travis Japan participated in an overseas audition program for the first time in about a year, and also appeared at events in the United States and Taiwan. In the midst of busy days, Matsuda Genta said, “I’m grateful to have had so many different experiences!”, and while mentioning the Grammy Awards ceremony he once saw, he spoke of his realization that “this is the best in the world.”
The seven also took on the challenge of their first terrestrial TV show. What kind of inspiration did they receive from high school dance clubs from all over the country?
■ “I need to train” – Arena tour challenges physical limits
In November, they will begin preparations for their national tour “Road to Authenticity.” Director Kawashima Noeru is enthusiastic, saying, “I want to be a one-of-a-kind idol. To achieve that, I need to carry something heavy. I need to train now…”
This time, they deliberately packed dance songs such as “LEVEL UP” into the end of the set list. The physically demanding content was quite hard, so Kento Senga (Kis-My-Ft2), who was instructing part of the choreography for “Love Tag,” and the staff asked Travis Japan, “Are you okay?!” What was his answer…? And on January 4, 2024, the tour began. We will introduce their live performances one after another, as they dedicate their lives to dance.
12 years after the group was formed, their dream is “to one day shine and sing and dance on the world stage” (Matsuda). This film depicts the current state of Travis Japan as they forge ahead on the path to becoming the real deal.
The Travis Japan edition teaser is currently available on the Storm FILM official YouTube channel.
(C)Storm Labels
Program Information
Netflix“RIDE ON TIME” Season 6
Available every Tuesday exclusively on Netflix
*All past episodes are also available!
Travis Japan
07/02 (Tue) Episode 1 “JUST DANCE!” / Episode 2 “LEVEL UP”
07/09 (Tue) Episode 3 “My Dreamy Hollywood” / Episode 4 “Road to Authenticity”
Cast: Travis Japan (Kaito Miyachika, Kaito Nakamura, Ryuya Shichigosan, Noeru Kawashima, Shizuya Yoshizawa, Genta Matsuda, Kaito Matsukura)
Narration: Shunsuke Kazama
Travis Japan OFFICIAL SITE
https://www.universal-music.co.jp/travisjapan/
Netflix
https://www.netflix.com/jp/
