As ONE N’ ONLY prepare to take the stage at Aria Fest 2024 on June 20th at the Faliro Sports Pavilion Arena in Athens, Greece, the group’s exciting mix of JK-Pop and Jatin-Pop has just started taking the world by storm. Sharing the lineup with stars like Suho, Chanyeol, Sistar19, and Omega X, this event will surely bring more attention to the young members.
Since their debut in 2018, ONE N’ ONLY have evolved remarkably, continuously experimenting with various sounds, especially Latin and K-pop. Originally rooted in the JK-Pop genre, which combines Japanese pop with Korean influences, the group has recently incorporated Latin American elements to create a new genre, Jatin-Pop. This combination displays their versatility and pays homage to the diverse musical cultures that inspire them.
Consisting of NAOYA, HAYATO, KENSHIN, EIKU, REI, and TETTA, ONE N’ ONLY are a group shining with talent and creativity. In our exclusive interview, we dig into the heart of ONE N’ ONLY’s musical evolution, exploring their inspirations, the creative process behind their latest hit, DOMINO, and their future plans. Enjoy!
![ONE N' ONLY will perform their first European show at Aria Fest in Greece / Image © STARDUST ONE N' ONLY will perform their first European show at Aria Fest in Greece / Image © STARDUST](https://viewofthearts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/e29885one-n-only_artist-photo-domino.jpg?w=1024)
View of the Arts: Can you tell us about the journey of ONE N’ ONLY, from its debut to the present, and how the group has evolved its music style?
NAOYA: We started our career in the JK-Pop genre and continued in it for some years after our debut, but our music has since evolved, incorporating many South American influences and establishing a new, one-of-a-kind genre called Jatin-Pop.
HAYATO: We want to deliver a unique, “one and only” style in music—constantly evolving yet staying true to its essence.
View of the Arts: What sparked the catchy concepts of “JK-Pop” and later “Jatin Pop”? We’re curious about the story behind these cool genre names.
KENSHIN: Our composer, JUNE, is Korean and began by performing music with K-pop elements, fusing it with Japanese Pop.
HAYATO: The genre “JK-pop” was born from the synergy between our Korean music producer and our Japanese background. Our music has since evolved into “Jatin-pop”, inspired by Latin American culture during our international performances, which were encouraged by social media.
KENSHIN: [I think] Jatin-pop became advantageous for us, incorporating Latin elements into our previous JK-pop style. We wanted to express Latin influences in our music, inspired by the strong support from our fans in South America.
View of the Arts: DOMINO feels like a game-changer for ONE N’ ONLY. What was your creative process behind this single and its music video? We’d love to hear about the inspiration and process.
EIKU: We aimed to make the song widely accepted by international audiences with its Latin-inspired sound. The music video features a flamboyant production utilising extensive CG technology.
REI: DOMINO shows our unique Jatin-pop style, blending South American elements with our typical JK-pop sound. The dance moves in the music video are heavily inspired by Latin American rhythms, adding a lively groove. The video itself is quite flashy, featuring fireballs and CG.
TETTA: Yes, and the music video features a set of giant dominoes. It’s our most distinctive work to date, with lots of sparks in the warehouse!
View of the Arts: With the success of DOMINO, how does ONE N’ ONLY plan to continue exploring new musical territories?
REI: We will continue to champion Jatin-pop, combining the powerful sound of JK-pop with the lively groove of Latin music. We would love to spread Jatin-pop worldwide, as it brings together musical elements from opposite sides of the globe!
HAYATO: Latin music includes many different types and styles, so we want to incorporate these. Having recently toured all forty-seven prefectures in Japan, we want to emphasise that live, authentic feel in our music.
NAOYA: True to our group name, we want to refine our musical style and eventually create a genre called ONE N’ ONLY!
View of the Arts: The music video for DOMINO boasts incredible staging and cutting-edge CG effects. How does ONE N’ ONLY plan to sprinkle more of this magic into their future projects?
EIKU: For this music video, [we did use] CG technology heavily, making the MV a super flashy production. We want to continuously integrate various technologies to create music videos that will impress our audience.
KENSHIN: Flashy staging and CG technology are not only appreciated in Japan but also abroad, making them crucial elements as we aim to grow worldwide. We are committed to making songs and music videos that appeal to a wider audience.
TETTA: I’d like to feature similar flashy staging in our live shows, like what we have in the music video. And I envision incorporating unconventional settings, such as portraying ONE N’ ONLY in outer space.
View of the Arts: ONE N’ ONLY has amassed a substantial following on TikTok. How do you utilise social media platforms to engage with fans and promote your music?
KENSHIN: Whenever we release a song, we post a challenge, ranging from dance videos to choreography using only hand gestures. This strategy allows us to connect with new audiences by incorporating current trends and promoting our music.
HAYATO: I’m thrilled to be able to communicate with everyone in the world because social media allows me to send messages in real-time, regardless of distance.
NAOYA: I would be delighted if all our fans worldwide could feel that we are always beside them, as we actively engage across various social media platforms.
![ONE N' ONLY will perform their first European show at Aria Fest in Greece / Image © STARDUST ONE N' ONLY will perform their first European show at Aria Fest in Greece / Image © STARDUST](https://viewofthearts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/e29885one-n-only_live-group-photo-credits-kenichi-sasamori-shigeo-kosaka-tomohiro-kusama.jpg?w=1024)
View of the Arts: The nationwide tour, ONE N’ SWAG ~Hook Up!!!!!!~, experienced immediate sell-out status. How was the final show that took place on April 27th?
REI: As the title of our last show, “All Out”, suggests, we gave it our all. The tour “Hook Up!!!!!!” took us across Japan, and it strengthened our bond with our fans. I believe the energy of the entire tour was fully unleashed in this live performance.
TETTA: From the opening act to the daring moment where we shed our costumes, baring it all from the waist up, and the display of sparks and lasers, every detail was meticulously planned. It was an exceptional live performance where we truly went “All Out”, just as the title suggests!
EIKU: With “All Out” being our largest show, we were incredibly pumped up. True to the title, we poured our hearts into every moment, embracing our concept to its fullest. The synergy with SWAG was palpable; their energy and excitement united us all, making us feel whole once more.
View of the Arts: Can you spill the beans on some unforgettable moments from ONE N’ ONLY’s adventures abroad, especially at thrilling events like Anime Friends 2022 and your epic Latin America tour?
REI: Anime Friends, in particular, offered us invaluable insights. In Japan, I find myself intentionally immersing myself in the music, whereas South American artists seem to effortlessly carry the sound with them. Witnessing artists deeply cherish their music and connect with fans was truly inspiring, making live shows exhilarating. Additionally, I found Japanese culture greatly appreciated, especially during our visit to an area called Liberdade. I enjoyed the best ramen there. I also realised how popular Japanese anime really is at Anime Friends!
EIKU: That was an event in Brazil to promote Japanese culture, and I felt that people love Japan and that Japanese animation is enjoyed a lot in South America.
HAYATO: Anime Friends marked our first overseas concert, and I was incredibly nervous. But we were deeply moved by the overwhelming support from our fans, who sang our songs perfectly—far beyond our expectations. The Latin tour presented our first solo show, for which we learned Portuguese for the MC portions. The opportunity to meet everyone in person was overwhelming and thrilling. Once again, thank you all for waiting for us!
View of the Arts: Looking ahead, what are your goals and dreams for the future, both as individual members and as a group?
EIKU: We aspire to be featured in commercials and envision our music becoming trendy. Additionally, we aim to grow as artists, ultimately embarking on a world tour beyond Japan.
HAYATO: In the future, we want to perform in various countries while aiming for a bigger stage in Japan. I hope that one day we become a group capable of holding a world tour.
KENSHIN: I’d like to expand my career into acting, modelling, and doing commercial work. I want to be successful on screen and have my work reach overseas audiences. And as a group, we aim to perform at larger venues like Nippon Budokan, then hold an arena tour and a dome tour. We also want to appear on Japanese music programmes and become stars in Japan. And we also want to perform at festivals overseas and make international media appearances!
NAOYA: As a group, we are aiming to perform at Nippon Budokan. We have made steady progress up to this point, so we’d like to move forward in our own way. Personally, I like acting, so I’d be glad if more people got to know me as an actor and got to know ONE N’ ONLY from there.
REI: I want to work hard as an actor. I also have many hobbies, including cooking, so I hope that will expand into my professional work.
TETTA: I want to try many different things. In particular, I want to appear in action films, hopefully a lot. And variety shows as well. As a group, I would like to try composing music.
View of the Arts: When I listen to music, I see shapes and colours. What happens in your mind when you’re listening to your favourite music, and how does it influence your approach to creativity?
EIKU: Listening to music brings forth a spectrum of emotions within me—excitement, happiness, sadness, or pain [it depends on what I listen to at that time]. I think it’s because I connect the lyrics to my own life experiences. When everyday life is part of music, it can make really emotional songs.
HAYATO: I start to imagine myself performing, or I get ideas for choreography. Then there are the abstract colour mixtures and explosions!
KENSHIN: Whenever I listen to music I like, I get a dopamine rush and feel high. It makes me want to work harder. Words often fall out then, like for social media or rap lyrics.
NAOYA: When I listen to songs of the same genre, my body naturally shakes. I sometimes listen to rap music and try to imitate it or draw inspiration from other artists’ songs.
REI: In my mind, I always envision something like a music video or myself performing live. This influences my dancing and singing.
TETTA: Listening to old songs reminds me of family trips. When I listen to a song, I find myself attuned to the artist’s unique singing style and rhythm. I also enjoy exploring the artist’s influences and delving deeply into their world by immersing myself in their music.
View of the Arts: When you’re not busy with work, what are your favourite ways to relax?
EIKU: I like clothes, so I often go window shopping with my friends. Sometimes, I also rent a car and drive around and immerse myself in nature.
HAYATO: I sleep throughout the day to recharge.
KENSHIN: I love hot springs, so I visit the onsen. I alternate hot and cold baths to regulate my autonomic nervous system.
NAOYA: I love driving, so I often go for a drive. I like to indulge in nature and hot springs, away from city life.
REI: I visit places where I can relax, like my parents’ house. It’s located in the countryside, so it makes me calm.
TETTA: I often go shopping with other members.
View of the Arts: What’s next for the group after you release DOMINO and perform your sold-out shows? [This question was asked before the group announced their participation in Aria Fest in Greece].
HAYATO: We will first prepare for our autumn tour in Japan. It will be our biggest live show yet, so please stay tuned.
EIKU: The grand finale of our autumn tour will be held at Tokyo Garden Theatre, marking our largest venue to date. As a group, we’re fully committed to ensuring its success and using it as a stepping stone to even bigger stages!
REI: Our ultimate goal is to perform at the prestigious Budokan arena. We’re determined to achieve our aspirations step by step, clearing each milestone along the way until we reach Budokan!
NAOYA: As the autumn tour will span a considerable duration, we want to make each performance memorable and exceptional. Our goal is to ensure that fans have an overwhelmingly enjoyable experience, making it difficult for them to choose a favourite among the shows.
Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler
View of the Arts is an online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.