■ “Because I’m in a band, I’ve realized how much fun it is to sing and dance as an idol.” (7 MEN Samurai, Nakamura Reia)
The new season of “RIDE ON TIME,” a serial documentary that gives a behind-the-scenes look at idols (broadcast every Tuesday), will be available exclusively on Netflix from June 4th.
This first episode will feature 7 MEN Samurai. This will be the first in-depth interview with the group, and will take you behind the scenes.
Formed in 2018, 7 MEN Samurai is a group with a unique worldview. All six members are skilled in playing instruments and deliver a stage performance like a rock band, but they also focus on idol-like dancing and singing. They work hard every day as a “two-sword style” band and idol. Nakamura Reia, the group’s vocalist and guitarist, talks about the rewards of being a “two-sword style,” saying, “Because I’m in a band, I realize how much fun it is to sing and dance as an idol.”
Their goal is “to get more people to know about us” (Konno Daiki). The chance to do so came in the summer of 2023.
■ “I want people to think, ‘Wow, there are guys like this out there!'”
The East and West Dome concert took place in August 2023. With this golden opportunity to make the name of 7 MEN Samurai known to a large audience, bassist Rei Yabana, who boasts highly skilled performance skills, is enthusiastic, saying, “I want people to think, ‘Wow, there were guys like this!'”
Guitarist and saxophonist Suda Rinnei and drummer Sasaki Taiko brushed up their performance with advice from director Kamenashi Kazuya. Lead guitarist Konno talks about an episode from when he saw KAT-TUN’s dome concert as a child. Meanwhile, keyboardist Mototaka Katsuki (the official spelling of “taka” is “ladder-shaped”) was working alone during the break. What was he working on…?
■Supporting senior members King & Prince’s tour with a “two-sword style” approach!
Then, a new opportunity came their way: 7 MEN Samurai was selected to be the back-up dancers and back-up band for King & Prince’s nationwide tour “King & Prince LIVE TOUR 2023 ~Peace~”.
Mototaka expressed his joy, saying, “I’m very grateful to be able to dance and play in a band,” while Nakamura, full of motivation, showed his high level of professionalism in “something.” Suda was full of energy, saying, “I have to eat a lot! Food turns into muscle.” He never misses out on his muscle training, and he was curious about the steel beams behind the stage at the venue…
While they are excited to be backing up senior artists, they are also playing songs for the first time as a backing band. Yabana and Mototaka practice hard, but sometimes they are unable to bring the sheet music to the stage, and they cannot hide their impatience, saying, “Maybe this is really impossible! What should I do…” (Yabana) and “Ah, I don’t know what to do from here on out…” (Mototaka). Will they be able to make it in time for the performance?
In addition, Sasaki, the drummer, was asked to “improvise the intro to a certain King & Prince song.” Furthermore, during the rehearsal at the venue, Kaito Takahashi (King & Prince/the “taka” is officially written with a はしごだか) gave him “an additional order.” Sasaki groaned without thinking, “It’s difficult…!”, but he was positive, saying, “It’s a chance to get to know our senior fans a little better.” He practiced repeatedly to meet Takahashi’s expectations.
And finally, the tour begins. Will the members of 7 MEN Samurai be able to fulfill their important role as “back-up dancers and back-up band members”? Furthermore, what did Suda and Mototaka think when they saw King & Prince’s backs?
■The night before the performance, I thought to myself, “I have to do this myself…”
After the tour, their next challenge is the stage production of “DREAM BOYS.” Nakamura will take on a scene that will greatly expand the story, while Konno will focus on “one line.”
Meanwhile, Sasaki, who was alone in the dressing room, thought, “I have to do something myself for the customers who come…” What on earth happened?
Believing that there is something that only they can do, 7 MEN Samurai have chosen to pursue the dual path of being both a band and an idol. We follow them through their summer together.
The Storm FILM Official YouTube channel is currently releasing a teaser for the “7 MEN Samurai” edition!
(C)Storm Labels
Program Information
Netflix“RIDE ON TIME” Season 6
“7 MEN SAMURAI -We are 7 MEN SAMURAI-“
06/04(Tue)
Episode 1 “Our Own Style”
Episode 2 “To surpass my senior…”
Cast: 7 MEN Samurai (Nakamura Reia, Sasaki Hiromitsu, Mototaka Katsuki, Suda Rinnei, Konno Daiki, Yabana Rei)
Narration: Shunsuke Kazama
*Exclusively available on Netflix/All past episodes are also available
[Future distribution schedule]
◇HiHi Jets
06/11 (Tue): Episode 1, 2
◇King & Prince
06/18 (Tue): Episode 1, 2
June 25th (Tue): Episode 3, 4
◇Travis Japan
07/02 (Tue): Episode 1, 2
07/09 (Tue): Episode 3, 4
Netflix official website
https://www.netflix.com/jp/
Junior OFFICIAL SITE
https://jr-official.starto.jp/
