 |
| Japanese Boy Band ONE OR EIGHT Signs Historic Global Deal with Atlantic Music Group |
Tokyo lads ONE OR EIGHT just levelled up — big time.
Avex Music Creative Inc. dropped the bombshell that their homegrown boy band, ONE OR EIGHT, has officially inked a global major contract with none other than Atlantic Music Group, the American label powerhouse that reps legends like Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran. Yep, it’s real — the boys are going worldwide.
This isn’t just any collab either. Atlantic’s under the Warner Music umbrella, so we’re talking serious global reach here. With this signing, ONE OR EIGHT becomes the first Japanese boy group to land a global contract with the US label, making it a massive win not just for them but for Japan’s music scene as a whole.
It’s a direct result of Avex’s bold new global strategy. Since launching their “Avex Vision 2027” plan in 2022, the company’s been gunning to develop IP that resonates across borders. That plan got a major boost this April when Avex brought Brandon Silverstein (CEO of S10 Entertainment — think Normani and Anitta) into the fold as the head of Avex Music Group in the US. With S10 now a full-on Avex fam member, the foundation was set for some next-level artist development.
ONE OR EIGHT is the first major pop act from Avex to ride this wave — and they’re doing it in style. Their March single “DSTM” already made history by landing a spot on the Mediabase Top 40 — a first for any Japanese boy band. They’re not just breaking in; they’re kicking doors down.
The first move under this new global deal? A brand-new single called “365”, dropping on 18 June. The track brings in songwriting heavyweight Nasri (yep, the one who’s worked with Justin Bieber), and it promises an addictive beat and emotional chorus tailor-made for global airwaves. According to insiders, it’s the kind of track that sticks — a chill banger with just enough punch to hook listeners from LA to London to Tokyo.
Avex boss Takeya Ino couldn’t hide his excitement either:
“We’re truly grateful to Atlantic Music Group for believing in the value of ONE OR EIGHT. This is our first major global contract for a pop artist, and it’s a massive leap towards shaping our future. This challenge marks the start of a new history.”
The group's name — ONE OR EIGHT — nods to the Japanese idiom “ichi ka hachi ka”, meaning “all or nothing”. Their motto? “BET ON YOURSELF.” And judging by the moves they’ve made in less than a year since debuting (August 2024, by the way), they’re betting high — and winning.
Their discography already packs a punch:
-
“Don’t Tell Nobody”, produced by Ryan Tedder and David Stewart, shot to No.1 on Billboard Japan’s Heatseekers chart.
-
Their collab with Big Sean, “KAWASAKI”, broke into the Top 5 on the US iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap chart in December 2024.
-
They nabbed the “Upcoming Dance & Vocal Group” award at MTV VMAJ 2025.
-
And Nikkei Entertainment tipped them as one of the “100 New Leading Actors of 2025”.
With Atlantic backing them and Avex pulling the global strings, the stage is set. These eight are not just Japan’s next big thing — they’re shaping up to be global contenders.
Members: MIZUKI, NEO, REIA, RYOTA, SOUMA, TAKERU, TSUBASA, YUGA
Debut: August 16, 2024
Next Release: “365” – Out 18 June 2025