See Unsee summary
JO1, the Japanese pop group born from the Produce 101 Japan series, takes a new step in their global journey with the release of “Handz in My Pocket.” More than just a single, it’s a symbol of change: the first time all 11 members voted together to choose their title track, signaling a new kind of collaboration.
A song chosen by all, for everyone
“Handz in My Pocket” isn’t just JO1’s latest title; it’s the result of a group decision. For the first time, the members collectively chose which track would represent them. That says a lot when you’re eleven voices trying to become one. There’s something exciting about knowing all of them stood behind this single. It gives the track a shared identity, a sign of growth and mutual trust.
And the single doesn’t come alone. It’s part of a larger release that includes three other songs, the kind of bundle that lets fans travel through various sounds and emotions. The single is also part of a larger ambition: reaching far beyond Japan.
Building bridges with an American dream
Over the past year, JO1 has made their global intentions very clear. From English versions of their songs like “Be Classic” and “Handz in My Pocket” to appearances on U.S. stages and shows, the group is working step by step to carve out a space in a competitive music landscape. Sho Yonashiro (29), the leader, and fellow member Keigo Sato (27) recently stopped in Los Angeles during their promotions and spoke directly about their goals. To read Gwen Stefani headlines magical 2025 Disney Christmas Parade
Among the group’s aspirations:
- An official debut in the American market
- Chart appearances on Billboard
- A future spot at Coachella
These are not small goals. But you can feel they don’t see them as dreams—they see them as steps. What struck me is how grounded they are despite the ambition. When Sato talks about Coachella, it’s not as a fantasy but as a point on the map.
Dance as language
One of the strengths of JO1 has always been how their choreography isn’t just visual—it’s emotional. For “Handz in My Pocket,” the group brought together two different choreographers to create movements that felt fresh but deeply expressive. Yonashiro explained that the process was both fun and mentally demanding.
Reading that made me smile. JO1 has always had this energy on stage, but knowing how hard they work to make each movement mean something gives even more weight to the performance. That, to me, is what breaks through cultural and language boundaries. When their bodies move with honesty, anyone can feel it.
Moments that stay
It’s one thing to tour, another to feel seen. During their recent world tour stop in Los Angeles, a quiet but unforgettable moment happened: fans sang back the lyrics in Japanese. Yonashiro was visibly moved. That’s the kind of moment artists carry with them, maybe more than the big stages. To read Toho expands into Europe with bold anime distribution moves
For Sato, a highlight was performing during Japanese Heritage Night at a Dodgers game. With Japanese players on the team and thousands watching from the stands, the significance wasn’t lost on him. It was personal, and you could tell he felt proud not only as an artist but as a Japanese performer bridging cultures.
Pushing J-pop beyond the borders
JO1’s commitment to promoting J-pop beyond Japan comes at a moment when more and more Japanese artists are stepping into international territory. Their participation in Apple TV’s KPOPPED, which paired them with Western artists, is part of this effort to connect rather than just export.
It’s not always easy. K-pop has a well-built global machine, while J-pop is still finding its path in that space. But JO1 is part of a wave of artists who are redefining what international success can look like.
Their efforts feel sincere. Each move they make, from carefully crafted performances to open interviews, seems aligned with a belief that Japanese music can resonate globally, not by copying others but by being unapologetically itself.
And that’s why I’ll keep following them. Because this story, much like their music, is still building toward something worth watching.
