Travis Japan (TJ) first captivated Western audiences in 2022 during season 15 of America’s Got Talent. That same year, the seven-member boy group released “JUST DANCE!,” an energetic fusion of pop and jazz that invites listeners to release their inhibitions to an infectious beat. The first of many genre-blending tracks in the group’s repertoire, “JUST DANCE” served as the opening song to their debut album Road to Authenticity. Since then, Travis Japan have graced magazine covers, hit No. 2 on Japan’s Hot 100, and even had their music featured in films. Having recently celebrated two years of their journey, TJ’s “Dream Hollywood” has become a reality.
The day after their New York show at Sony Hall, members Genta, Machu, Shizu, Umi, Chaka, and Shime (Noel could not attend the interview) sat with EnVi to discuss their musical journey.
Work Hard, Play Hard
As the boys gathered on the couch of a Paramount Hotel suite overlooking Midtown Manhattan, we began discussing their feelings about the world tour. Though they recently traveled coast-to-coast from Los Angeles to New York City, they were beaming with post-concert euphoria.
“We’re so happy,” said Genta, who joined TJ after acting as a backup dancer for their performances in 2017 alongside Machu. “We hope to continue creating these memories with everyone.”
Machu joined in, sharing that the group prepared a “special performance for each country” they visited. At the Sony Hall show, they sang “Fireworks” by Katy Perry — an artist they later named as a dream collaboration. This was their way of not only celebrating the band’s global journey but also showing appreciation for their international fans.
As for how the boys maintained their creative energy throughout their busy schedules, choreography specialist Shizu emphasized that they “work hard and rest hard.” In addition to preparing for performances and press days, they make time to enjoy what each city offers.
“Each of us has our own unique hobbies and interests, so we make time to focus on that,” he said. “Between everything else we do, it gives us the energy to keep going and do more.”
Crafting New Personas in VIIsual
Set for release on December 4, 2024, Travis Japan’s second album VIIsual will contain 13 tracks. Seven were produced under a different member’s creative direction (hence the “VII” in the title). Determined to expand their sound more than ever, Travis Japan ensure the album also explores genres left untouched in Road to Authenticity.
Leading up to its release, Umi shared that VIIsual is a “whole new world” and explores each member’s unique sound. The energetic dancer emphasized that there was no singular inspiration, but rather an “interchanging of styles” that imbued each song with a “sense of identity.” Through this approach, the album can resonate with a diverse array of fans.
“We’re still on a journey,” leader Chaka said, cleverly referencing one of their songs from Road to Authenticity. As new ideas pour in from different musical sources, TJ’s experimentation with genre is considered the “axis” of their creative identity. With dream collaborations like Billie Eilish, Charlie Puth, Katy Perry, and Bruno Mars, the group is eager to continue expanding their musical world.
“Crazy Crazy” and “Fly Higher” Inspire Nostalgia and Hope
On October 21, TJ released “Crazy Crazy” and “Fly Higher” ahead of VIIsual’s official launch. The former came with an action-packed music video set in a Japanese high school, which Chaka and Machu called a “nostalgic” experience.
“Crazy Crazy” begins with a rolling guitar and bass line reminiscent of ‘90s surf rock classics. Less than one minute later, TJ throws listeners for a loop with an 8-bit breakdown and dogs barking into the chorus buildup. The song is one nostalgia blast after another, fusing the tried-and-true textures of retro melodies with TJ’s modern sound.
Perfectly matching the high-energy vibe of the track, the music video shows the boys as rebellious high schoolers caught in a clash of cliques. The fast-paced opening melody sweeps viewers straight into the action, kicking off in a doctor’s office where TJ is handed an unusual diagnosis: “a disease that forces [them] to do good deeds.” Once the troublemakers of “TJ High School,” the boys suddenly find themselves reformed as proactive peers. Umi sprints to catch a girl just as she stumbles; Shizu snatches a falling eraser mid-air; and Chaka slams a window shut, shielding his classmates from the howling wind. Their fellow students are mystified, trying to make sense of this overnight transformation. Soon, a rival group steps forward, eager to challenge TJ in an epic dance-off.
What follows is TJ’s intense training montage — a classic nod to action dramas — with rapid-fire cuts showing them mastering dance moves in preparation for the big showdown. The climax unfolds on the soccer field, where the tension reaches its peak as the two sides face off. Just when the stakes seem highest, Umi jolts awake from a nap at his desk. The boys exchange confused glances, but lurking outside the classroom, one of the rival dancers watches them, eyes narrowed in suspicion. As the video ends, the words “To be continued” appear in the corner, leaving fans questioning whether the plot was only a dream.
In contrast, “Fly Higher” is a heartfelt pop ballad that draws from the group’s never-give-up spirit. It also serves as the opening theme for Tasuketsu: Fate of the Majority, which features member and acrobatics specialist Noel as one of the voice actors.
“The dreams and emotions of each character are projected directly into the words, and the song beats like the hearts of the characters in a state of darkness,” Noel said in an interview with Crunchyroll. “It’s like the cry deep within the souls of the anime’s characters is one with the song, and that’s where it fits perfectly.”
By releasing it alongside “Crazy Crazy,” TJ gives fans a taste of VIIsual’s creative range while keeping them on their toes. How does an anthem for hope belong to the same album as a surfer rock-infused melody? Only the eclectic minds behind Travis Japan can let us in on that vision.
Envisioning the Path Forward
As the interview with EnVi came to a close, the group took turns sharing their personal goals for the next year. From billboard displays to award shows and a VIIsual world tour, the members of TJ aim to fly even higher in 2025. Shime, known for his individuality in dancing, expressed a desire to “perform in Hawai’i,” earning excited nods of approval from the group. Amid their busy schedule filled with rehearsals, promotional events, and an upcoming Japan-wide tour, the boys also hope to carve out some time for a well-earned vacation.
“This group,” Umi began as he looked across the couch at his band members. “Travis Japan is my life. Forever.”
VIIsual is set to be released on December 4, 2024. To keep up with Travis Japan’s journey, follow @travis_japan_official on Instagram and check out their YouTube channel!
Want more exclusive interviews with your favorite artists? Check out EnVi’s interview with Kevin Chung here!
