Welcome back to my semi-regular coverage of Johnny’s Jr! As of August, there has been a lot news for all the groups on Youtube and off it. I did my best to hold off and gather my overly excited thoughts. So let’s start off with Travis Japan, who have gotten some excellant support this year.
Firstly, Travis Japan got an Official Instagram Account! It opened on August 8th. Surprisingly, the account posts exclusively with English captions, so you have no excuse not to give it a follow! It’s also the place, where they announced that they would be releasing a music video! (Below for fun, is the most recent Travis Japan post for funzies.)
So August 23rd comes and, Johnny’s fans got another shock. Not only was Travis Japan releasing a music video, but officially Johnny’s and Associates, not to be confused with Johnny’s Jr, got an Official Youtube Channel! That’s a pretty big deal since the company notoriously never had social media presence, beyond their fans of course. After the success of SixTONES releasing their MV for ‘JAPONICA STYLE’ last year, this was another step in the right direction.
Also, this is the first music video for Johnny’s Associates; that’s a huge honor since it went to an un-debuted Jr group!
Now, this MV isn’t just for fun. It is the main theme of the stage play that Travis Japan are set to start in titled “Tiger People – NINJAPAN”, which will premiere in November 2019. Notably, Travis Japan will be the lead actors in this stage play, and it will have a tour within Japan. Additionally, two other Jr’s Takuya Kageyama, and Shin Sato make their appearance in this music video and will also star in the production.
I have to say, it’s a slick package. The MV, while simple highlights each member very well with solo shots and dance shots. The stage outfits are present as well as Travis Japan’s near signature tuxedo costumes towards the end. You can tell there was a lot of care and consideration put into the execution of this. I’m very curious if we’ll get some back stage/off shorts of the production later on the Jr’s channel.
I do have something of a negative about all of this, that will be later elaborated on in other group’s sections. I don’t want fans misinterpreting this; I am beyond happy and excited that Travis Japan is getting so many opportunities. It’s amazing that they went from a bit unfocused and try-hard on the Jr’s channel, to having the first official MV on Johnny’s and Associates Official Youtube. That’s huge. That’s amazing!
However, I have to point a finger at Takizawa who was the creator of this MV, but also the stage play and lyricist. It’s very obvious that he had a certain style to his MV’s and stage plays, and that’s not a bad thing. However, a lot of elements in this MV were nearly the same if not identical to ‘JAPONICA STYLE’. I will leave it at that.
Takizawa, if he’s smart will leave less of his fingerprints in the future, and let Travis Japan have more creative input. They’re talented guys, and have had some strong showings before. I mean, they recorded their own ending theme songs, and choreographed a lot of their own dances prior to this! I’m sure given more control, with consultation, they’ll be just fine!
Overall, I am beyond excited for Travis Japan. They have had a massive year for Jr’s without a debut date set. From CM’s, backing Austin Mahone on his upcoming tour, getting an official Instagram, and now a full MV?? Things are really looking up for them and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan 