Since their 2018 debut, ONE N’ ONLY has brought a genre-bending spirit to the Japanese music scene. Known for pioneering “Jatin Pop” – a mix of Japanese pop and Latin influences – the group has expanded its musical style and international fan base, especially in Latin America. With the release of Fiesta, their third EP, the sextet reaches a new achievement in their creativity, combining Latin, EDM, rock, and pop sounds in ways that bring the energy of live performance and reflect their progress as idols.

With their latest release, Fiesta, ONE N’ ONLY reflects on their journey while exploring new musical horizons. Rei, reflecting on their growth, says, “Our lead song Fiesta strongly features elements of Jatin Pop that we’re creating, and this EP is packed with songs from various genres, Inspired by our TikTok being viewed by many people in South America, we incorporated Latin elements into our music [once again].” The group hopes their “one and only” sound, combining the best of J-pop with Latin music, will reverberate with listeners across the world.

Read more – ONE N’ ONLY on Domino and Their Future

Each song on Fiesta brings an interesting genre influence, a challenge for the group to balance while aligning with their signature sound. Hayato notes, “I think this EP focuses on live performances! We incorporated elements we’d like to see in our live shows and included various genres considering the live atmosphere.” Even with the title track, the group created catchy yet powerful parts that align with their maturing style.

When creating such an eclectic project, Eiku shares that they didn’t have a complete image of how each track would sound but knew Fiesta would have a “variety-focused” feel that keeps audiences engaged. The result is a genre-blending experience that presents ONE N’ ONLY’s musical versatility. “Our fans have embraced our ‘Jatin Pop’ style,” adds Naoya, emphasising the vibrant connection that defines the group’s live performances.

The singles EVOL and DOMINO are particularly popular on YouTube, amassing millions of views thanks to their catchy, Latin-influenced beats and vibrant visuals. Kenshin believes the appeal lies in the songs’ fresh sound, hoping they’ve resonated with fans both in Japan and overseas. In live performances, Fiesta also brings a fresh spark. “The way we appear in the opening is different from before,” Eiku shares, adding, “The interaction with the audience during our new song Fiesta is really fun and thrilling!”

While ONE N’ ONLY embraces high-energy tracks, the song Free Hug offers a message of unconditional love and kindness. Naoya explains, “I hope our message of wanting to connect with our fans (SWAG) around the world through ‘unconditional kindness’ has been conveyed.” The contrast between such lighthearted tracks and more intense songs, like the rock track Burn It Out, displayed the EP’s diversity. Rei notes, “I think we were able to differentiate it from other songs through the straightforward lyrics typical of Japanese rock and the direct, passionate singing style.”

Hayato’s own creative contribution to the lyrics of Too Much and R.U.S.H. added a personal layer to Fiesta. He believes that by writing his own lyrics, he could vividly express each song’s worldview, making their message even more compelling.

Acting has also brought new inspiration to the group. Tetta, who starred in Dead or Alive, recalls how their song Fight or Die matched the film’s fight scenes perfectly. “I played the lead role of Washida, so I sang while incorporating Washida’s feelings,” he says, combining his experiences in music and film.

Looking ahead, the members envision new directions. Rei shares, “I’d like to try something sexy, an R&B style with slower songs that capture attention through both dance and singing.” He adds that experimenting with vocal harmonies or rapper-only tracks could create an intense soundscape unique to specific group combinations.

The Tokyo Garden Theater will host ONE N’ ONLY’s final show of the tour in January 2025, marking their biggest venue yet. Tetta shares, “We’ll perform with all our might, carrying the feelings from the entire tour and looking ahead to the next stage.” With over 5.8 million followers on TikTok, the group connects with fans worldwide, mixing artistic expression with trending social media content. Their latest favourite? Shakira’s Soltera trend, which Kenshin says they’ve enjoyed exploring.

As they move toward 2025, Hayato reflects, “This year has been one of many challenges but with more momentum than the last. In 2025, we want to continue evolving without stopping.” The passion of ONE N’ ONLY shines as they continue defining Jatin Pop, connecting cultural gaps, and creating a spot in the global music scene. Fans can look forward to even more exciting musical ventures and live experiences from this Japanese group.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Images © Kusama Tomohiro, Sasamori Kenichi & Kosaka Shigeo

_{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.}