BE:FIRST: Talent, Awards and New Challenges

#BEFIRST #JPop #JapaneseMusic

For decades, the Japanese music industry has been dominated by carefully managed idol groups, talent agencies, and established entertainment systems. While many successful artists have emerged from those structures, the modern streaming era has created new opportunities for performers who prioritize artistic skill, authenticity, and creative freedom. One of the clearest examples of this shift is BE:FIRST, a group that rose from an ambitious audition project into one of Japan’s most successful contemporary music acts. Built around talent rather than traditional idol conventions, the group has earned commercial success, critical recognition, and a loyal fanbase in just a few years. Their story is not only about chart-topping songs and sold-out concerts but also about changing perceptions within Japan’s entertainment industry. Could BE:FIRST represent the future direction of Japanese pop music?

The Vision Behind BE:FIRST

A group of seven young men posing together in stylish attire with varying hairstyles, set against a dark, smoky background. — **BE:FIRST**

BE:FIRST was created by rapper, singer, producer, and entrepreneur SKY-HI through the audition program THE FIRST.

The project was organized under BMSG, the talent management company founded by SKY-HI. According to interviews and statements from SKY-HI, the goal was to create an environment where talent, artistic growth, and individuality would be valued above traditional industry expectations.

THE FIRST attracted thousands of applicants from across Japan. Throughout the competition, viewers witnessed auditions, training sessions, evaluations, performances, and personal struggles. This level of transparency helped establish a strong emotional connection between participants and viewers.

Following the final selection, seven members were chosen to form BE:FIRST.

The group officially debuted on November 3, 2021, with the single Gifted.

Before debuting, the group attracted significant attention through the pre-debut song Shining One, which demonstrated their vocal and dance abilities and generated substantial public interest.

Current Members

Following the departure of Ryoki Miyama in 2025, BE:FIRST currently consists of six members:

Sota
Shunto
Manato
Ryuhei
Junon
Leo

Their fanbase is known as BESTY, a name symbolizing the close relationship between the group and its supporters.

Member Profiles

Sota

Born on January 18, 2001, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Sota entered BE:FIRST with one of the strongest dance backgrounds among the members. Before joining the group, he achieved recognition in Japan’s competitive dance scene and participated in numerous professional dance competitions. His technical precision, performance quality, and choreography expertise quickly made him one of BE:FIRST’s most prominent performers.

Shunto

Born on September 1, 2003, in Aichi Prefecture, Shunto became known during THE FIRST for his expressive performances and emotional vocal style. His unique voice remains one of the most recognizable elements of the group’s sound. Fans frequently praise his ability to communicate emotion through both singing and stage performance.

Manato

Born on April 29, 2001, in Fukuoka Prefecture, Manato is widely regarded as one of the group’s strongest all-round performers. His stable vocals, dance abilities, and international experience have contributed significantly to BE:FIRST’s growth. His English-language communication skills have also proven valuable during international promotional activities.

Ryuhei

Born on November 7, 2006, in Aichi Prefecture, Ryuhei is the youngest member of BE:FIRST. Despite his age, he impressed viewers during THE FIRST with his mature vocal style and calm presence. Industry observers frequently identify him as one of the most promising young talents in Japanese music.

Junon

Born on May 23, 1998, in Tokyo, Junon became one of the most memorable participants in THE FIRST because of his remarkable personal growth throughout the competition. His distinctive vocal tone has become one of BE:FIRST’s defining musical characteristics.

Leo

Born on September 8, 1998, in Tokyo, Leo earned respect during THE FIRST for his supportive attitude toward fellow contestants. Although BE:FIRST has no official leader, many fans regard Leo as the emotional center of the group due to his positive attitude, communication skills, and ability to unite the members.

Former Member: Ryoki Miyama

Born on April 26, 1999, in Aichi Prefecture, Ryoki Miyama was one of the original seven members selected through THE FIRST.

A young man with blonde hair and a stylish outfit sitting in a car, looking with a slight smile. — High & Low The Worst X

Before joining BE:FIRST, Ryoki had already established an acting career, making him one of the most experienced entertainers in the original lineup. He appeared in several television and film projects, including High & Low The Worst X.

During the group’s early years, Ryoki contributed significantly to BE:FIRST’s success and popularity. However, in November 2025, he officially departed from the group. Following his departure, BE:FIRST continued its activities as a six-member act.

Major Songs

Since debut, BE:FIRST has built an impressive discography that demonstrates their versatility and growth.

Notable releases include:

Shining One
Gifted.
Bye-Good-Bye
Smile Again
Boom Boom Back
Mainstream
Masterplan
Spacecraft
GRIT

These songs showcase a blend of pop, R&B, hip-hop, electronic music, and contemporary dance influences.

Unlike many traditional idol groups that remain within a narrow musical framework, BE:FIRST frequently experiments with different styles while maintaining a recognizable identity.

Discography Highlights

BE:1 (2022)

The group’s first studio album established BE:FIRST as more than a successful audition project. The album demonstrated the group’s musical diversity and showcased the strengths of each member.

2:BE (2024)

Their second studio album further expanded their artistic range and reinforced their position among Japan’s leading contemporary music acts.

Awards and Recognition

Japan Record Awards

One of BE:FIRST’s earliest major achievements came when they received the New Artist Award at the prestigious Japan Record Awards in 2021.

This recognition was viewed by many industry observers as validation of BMSG’s talent-centered philosophy.

MTV Video Music Awards Japan

The group has also received multiple recognitions through MTV Japan, reflecting both their popularity and the quality of their music videos and performances.

Billboard Japan Success

According to reports from Billboard Japan, BE:FIRST has consistently achieved strong chart results across physical sales, downloads, streaming, radio airplay, and social media metrics.

Songs such as Bye-Good-Bye, Mainstream, and Masterplan became major commercial successes and helped solidify the group’s status within the Japanese music industry.

Concert Growth

One of the clearest indicators of BE:FIRST’s popularity has been their rapid expansion as a live act.

Within only a few years, the group progressed from smaller venues to large arenas and dome-class performances, demonstrating their ability to attract audiences across Japan.

Challenges and Media Attention

Compared with many major entertainment acts, BE:FIRST has experienced relatively few serious controversies.

The most significant media attention involving a member occurred in 2025 when reports concerning Ryoki Miyama’s personal life generated extensive discussion across Japanese entertainment media and social networks.

While media reports and public discussion were widely covered, many claims circulating online were never independently verified. No criminal wrongdoing was established.

The situation attracted considerable public attention but did not prevent BE:FIRST from continuing its activities following Ryoki’s departure.

The group has also experienced occasional fan-community disputes involving award voting campaigns, streaming competitions, and comparisons with both Japanese and Korean artists. These situations are common within modern music fandoms and are not unique to BE:FIRST.

Why BE:FIRST Is Different

Several factors distinguish BE:FIRST from many of their contemporaries.

Talent First

The group was created through a process that prioritized singing, dancing, performance skills, and growth potential.

Transparency

Fans witnessed the entire formation process through THE FIRST, creating a unique emotional connection between performers and audiences.

Diverse Backgrounds

Each member entered the group with different strengths and experiences, creating a well-balanced lineup capable of adapting to various musical styles.

Global Perspective

Unlike many previous generations of Japanese artists who focused primarily on domestic audiences, BE:FIRST has openly pursued international growth and overseas opportunities.

SKY-HI’s Philosophy

Perhaps the most unique aspect of BE:FIRST is SKY-HI’s commitment to artistic development. His goal was not simply to create another successful group but to demonstrate that a talent-driven model could thrive in Japan’s highly competitive entertainment industry.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Only a few years after their debut, BE:FIRST has already become one of the most influential groups in modern Japanese music. Their success has strengthened BMSG’s position within the industry and contributed to broader discussions about artist development, creative freedom, and international expansion.

The group’s combination of strong vocals, high-level dance performances, artistic versatility, and transparent origins continues to attract both fans and industry observers.

Whether BE:FIRST ultimately becomes one of the defining Japanese groups of the 2020s remains to be seen. However, their achievements have already demonstrated that alternative approaches to talent development can succeed at the highest level.

As Japan’s music industry continues to evolve, BE:FIRST stands as one of the clearest examples of how talent, authenticity, and artistic ambition can reshape expectations and inspire a new generation of performers.