ONE OR EIGHT: Betting on Themselves, Taking Japan to the World

January 23, 2026 - By HypnoticAsia

Built on an all-or-nothing philosophy, ONE OR EIGHT are a Japanese eight-member group betting boldly on themselves, and winning. Blending sharp Japanese precision with a global pop and hip-hop sensibility, the group thrives on fearless discussion, risk-taking, and emotional honesty. Whether through intentionally rough choreography, playful confidence onstage, or lyrics that convey challenge without spelling it out, ONE OR EIGHT approach music as a shared act of courage. Their mantra, “BET ON YOURSELF,” isn’t just a slogan, it’s a lived belief, shaped by uncertainty, perseverance, and the conviction that the future is something you claim through action.

Just over a year into their debut, the group has already crossed borders, collaborated with global heavyweights, and made history as the first Japanese group to walk the VMAs red carpet. Their mini album GATHER captures that journey, an “unfinished” but powerful snapshot of growth, struggle, and unity, while new releases like “POWER” and “TOKYO DRIFT” channel momentum, confidence, and Tokyo’s restless energy. As they head into 2026 with an ambitious international tour and bigger goals ahead, ONE OR EIGHT remain grounded in communication, mutual respect, and the explosive individuality of all eight members, proving that sometimes, going all in is the only way forward.

Check out the interview below.

ONE OR EIGHT INTERVIEW

Please introduce yourselves to the readers of HypnoticAsia.

REIA: I’m REIA, and I’m in charge of vocals. I recently turned 24.
TAKERU: I’m TAKERU. I handle vocals and serve as the dance leader.
YUGA: I’m YUGA, and I’m responsible for vocals. Since our debut, I’ve consistently maintained an early-to-bed, early-to-rise routine and a regular skincare regimen.
SOUMA: I’m SOUMA, the youngest member of One or Eight! I’m in charge of rap in the group.
NEO: We are ONE OR EIGHT, a Japanese group built on the idea of taking risks and betting on ourselves. Our name comes from the phrase all or nothing, and that mindset is at the core of everything we do. We blend Japanese precision with a global sound, always aiming to push beyond borders while staying true to who we are.
MIZUKI: I’m MIZUKI from ONE OR EIGHT. I’m in charge of rap. As the oldest member of the group, I’ve been increasingly called the “dad” of the group.
TSUBASA: I’m TSUBASA from ONE OR EIGHT. As the main vocalist, I handle parts that drive the group forward. Fans often call me a “high-end kitten.”
RYOTA: Hello, I’m RYOTA from ONE OR EIGHT, also known as Lee. I like aggressive, powerful rap and dance, and I tend to get pretty wild. I love poodles so much that I want to become one.

The name ONE OR EIGHT comes from the phrase Ichika Bachika, meaning “all or nothing.” How does that mindset show up in the way you approach music, performances, and taking risks as a group?

REIA: I think all of us have a certain fearlessness, in both good and bad ways. Whether we’re working on songwriting or deciding the content of our live performances, everyone speaks up and we build things together through discussion. That attitude itself is what defines ONE OR EIGHT.
RYOTA: Each line of the lyrics has a flow that doesn’t feel like a “challenge” at all on the surface. But in terms of meaning, it does express challenge. If we were to spell it out directly—saying “challenge” or “we’re taking on a challenge”—that wouldn’t be very interesting for us.

So ONE OR EIGHT expresses that sense of challenge in a more indirect way, by conveying emotions rather than stating them outright. Voice tone is also one way of expressing it. In our performances, for example, we might use intentionally rough, intense choreography to show the feeling of being pushed to the edge. In other songs, we show a sense of confidence, adding relaxed choreography that can even look playful or provocative. All of that is how we express challenge.

Your mantra “BET ON YOURSELF” has become central to your identity. What does that message mean to each of you personally, especially as young artists entering the global stage?

SOUMA: This song carries the meaning of letting go of hesitation and safety nets in what is still a long life ahead, and carving out the future through one’s own will. It expresses a strong belief that reality can be changed through our own choices and actions—that the future you want is something you have to stake yourself and claim. Even while feeling uncertain, the song is meant to push forward the backs of those who are trying to keep moving ahead.
RYOTA: First, you just try. What next week, next month, or next year will look like—how things will turn out—no one can predict that. We’re stepping into an unseen world and taking action. That doesn’t mean we plan to stop; all we can do is keep challenging ourselves seriously. There are times when we fail or feel like giving up, but even then, we keep moving forward. Believing in ourselves, believing in the group, believing in the company, and pushing beyond our goals—going further and further. That’s what this song represents.

You debuted just over a year ago, yet you’ve already reached major milestones worldwide. What has surprised you the most about your journey so far?

YUGA: When we go overseas, what stands out is that different songs resonate in different countries and places. Seeing people sing our songs along with us really surprised me, and it made me genuinely happy. Being able to visit so many countries over the past year has also left a strong impression on me.
TAKERU: What surprised me most was realizing that I’m actually not good with flying. I love vehicles in general, so that was completely unexpected. Once I understood that the feeling of not being grounded scares me, I started coping by not eating or using the restroom during travel and just sitting in my seat and sleeping the whole time.
REIA: Through our overseas performances, I was truly struck by how many people came to see our live shows. It made me strongly realize that we really do have fans around the world. Also, when we appeared on a music program in Korea, I was overwhelmed with emotion and surprise at being able to stand behind the scenes of a world I had only ever seen on television.

Your new single “POWER” kicks off 2026. What kind of energy or message do you want listeners to feel the moment they hear it?

REIA: By releasing this song at the very start of 2026, we wanted to express both our own sense of challenge and our desire to give everyone energy. If listening to this track lifts your spirits even a little or gives you renewed strength, we would be truly happy.
NEO: We want listeners to feel an immediate surge of confidence and momentum. “POWER” is about reclaiming your drive and moving forward without hesitation. The moment it starts, we hope it feels like flipping a switch and being ready to take on whatever is ahead.
TSUBASA: “POWER” is a highly energetic track, just as the title suggests. When we perform it ourselves, we can feel the energy building more and more. We hope that by listening to this song, our listeners will be able to spend their days filled with energy as well.

The mini album “GATHER” suggests unity and connection. How does this project represent where ONE OR EIGHT is right now as a group?

MIZUKI: Our musical style is still a work in progress, and we’re currently searching for what feels most true to ONE OR EIGHT. GATHER brings together the many different styles we’ve challenged ourselves with since our debut, forming a mini-album that connects the path of those challenges into one body of work.
RYOTA: This album holds the memories from the past year, as well as proof of how seriously we fought through it. It wasn’t just happy or fun moments—there were far more difficult times. But with members who supported each other and 1DERZ who always cheered us on, we were able to endure and ultimately complete this album.

The lead track “TOKYO DRIFT” has a bold title. How does Tokyo influence your sound, style, or mindset, and what can fans expect from this song?

How did you feel remaking this song to be your own?

SOUMA: Tokyo is a city where many different cultures and styles intersect, and we want to create something new that emerges from that mix. This track samples an iconic sound that everyone has heard at least once and reconstructs it in ONE OR EIGHT’s high-energy style, so we hope you’ll enjoy it.
NEO：Tokyo influences us through its speed, contrast, and constant movement. It is chaotic and refined at the same time, and that duality shapes our sound and mindset. “TOKYO DRIFT” captures that intensity and forward motion, and fans can expect a track that feels fast, bold, and rooted in our identity.

Reworking the song as ONE OR EIGHT felt empowering.

We were not just performing it, but reshaping it to reflect our personalities, experiences, and vision. It felt like fully claiming the track as our own.

Compared to your previous releases, how would you say your sound or confidence has evolved in GATHER?

SOUMA: From our debut to now, we’ve performed across many different genres and in many countries. Every step was a challenge, and there were many walls we weren’t sure we could overcome. But we faced them together as eight, and because of that, I truly feel confident that we’re creating something we can be proud of.
TSUBASA: GATHER includes the songs we’ve released so far, along with two new tracks, “POWER” and “TOKYO DRIFT” Through this album, listeners can enjoy the wide range of genres that ONE OR EIGHT has challenged themselves with up to this point.

Working with producers like Ryan Tedder and David Stewart early on is a huge achievement. What lessons did you take from collaborating with such globally respected creators?

NEO: They taught us the importance of clarity and intention. Great songs are not about adding more, but about knowing what truly matters. Every sound and every line needs a reason, and that way of thinking has stayed with us.
TSUBASA: I had the opportunity to meet Ryan Tedder in person and speak with him directly. Each of his songs is filled with clear meaning, and his word choices are often ones that most people would never think of. I learned an incredible amount from the experience.

KAWASAKI” featuring Big Sean introduced you to many new listeners outside Japan. What did that collaboration teach you about crossing cultures through music?

SOUMA: I’ve relearned how important it is to connect through music. Without music, the number of people you can meet is limited, there’s nothing to lean on during stressful times, and above all, I don’t think I would be who I am today. That’s why, through this work, I strongly want many more people to get to know ONE OR EIGHT.
NEO: It taught us that authenticity travels. We did not need to change who we are to reach a global audience. When the energy and intention are real, music connects people beyond language and culture.
MIZUKI: The most shocking thing about meeting Big Sean was how humble he was. Even though we were just newly debuted artists, he treated us with incredible kindness. He became a kind of role model for the artist I hope to be in the future, and that left a strong impression on me.

Through collaborating with him, I was also reminded of how music allows you to respect and engage with another person’s culture. Big Sean wrote lyrics that incorporated elements of Japanese culture, and when I heard them, I was simply happy. It taught me that music alone can move people this deeply.

Becoming the first Japanese group to walk the VMAs red carpet was a historic moment. What did that experience mean to you, both personally and as representatives of Japanese pop?

NEO: Personally, it was a moment of validation. As representatives of Japanese pop, it felt like opening a door and showing that Japanese artists can stand confidently on a global stage without losing their identity.
TAKERU: I was filled with gratitude just to be able to stand there. I believe it was a red carpet we could walk only because of the staff members who always support us. As I walked, I felt not just my own emotions, but the feelings of everyone who has been involved with us.

With eight members, teamwork is essential. How do you support each other when things get intense or challenging?

REIA: I truly believe that communication is the most important thing. No matter the situation, we make a point of facing each other honestly as members, thinking together about how we can move in a better direction, and looking for solutions as a team.
MIZUKI: I also feel that conversation is essential. In the end, you can’t really know what someone is thinking unless you talk to them, so when I speak with the members, I pay attention to things like their energy and mood.

Spending time together has also made me strongly realize the importance of “respect, even among close friends.” No matter how long you’ve been together or how close you are, you should never lose respect for the other person—that’s something I’ve learned through being with the group.
TSUBASA: When we face difficult situations, the first thing we do is talk it through. From there, we think about what we need right now and what we’re capable of, and then we take action.

Can each of you describe ONE OR EIGHT in one word—and explain why you chose it?

REIA: “Challenge.” Before the auditions, the eight of us came from completely different paths and backgrounds, yet now we’re chasing the same dream together. Aiming for the world from Japan, while also bringing influences back to Japan from overseas, is itself a major challenge for us.
TAKERU: “Explosion.” ONE OR EIGHT exists because each member’s individuality explodes and comes together. No matter the situation, that appeal naturally overflows, so this word feels like the best fit.
YUGA: “Challenge.” I see us as a group that continues to take all-or-nothing risks as we face the world.
SOUMA: “People who pursue reality.” Right after our debut, I feel like we were stretching ourselves a bit. Now, as we enter our second year, GATHER has become a turning point where I want us to reveal our true, unfiltered selves and connect with people as we really are.
NEO: Fearless. Everything we do is driven by the willingness to take risks and move forward without guarantees, trusting our vision, our work, and each other.
MIZUKI: “Unfinished.” We’re a group with many things that are still incomplete—each of our strengths and weaknesses, our individuality, personalities, visuals, and even what defines ONE OR EIGHT’s musical style. But when these eight members come together, there’s a unique power that’s created, and we value that deeply.

ONE OR EIGHT may be unfinished, but because of that, we hold limitless potential. That’s why I chose the word “unfinished.”
TSUBASA: “Eight.” Because without these eight members, it wouldn’t be ONE OR EIGHT.
RYOTA: (Individuality): Each of us has different visual preferences, different ways of performing, and even different genres we’re aiming for. In a good way, that leads to a lot of ideas being born. At the same time, it also means it takes time to bring everything together.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, what’s one goal you’re determined to achieve as a group?

MIZUKI: Expanding our fandom. Right now, we already have 1DERZ—our fandom—across many parts of the world, but if we’re going to continue challenging ourselves globally from Japan, we’ll definitely need the support of even more 1DERZ. With that in mind, our goal for 2026 is to grow our fandom. We want to travel to different countries, meet 1DERZ in person, show them our performances, and communicate with them as much as possible.
TSUBASA: Filling Zepp. Last year, we weren’t able to sell it out, and all of us felt deeply frustrated. That’s exactly why this year, we’re determined to fill Zepp and make it a full house.

You’re heading out on a North and South American tour in April 2026. What excites you most about performing for fans across so many different countries?

YUGA: Being able to show people an even more powerful version of ONE OR EIGHT. I want to enjoy creating the stage together with the local audience through communication.
TAKERU: Thinking that there are people waiting for our performances in countries on the opposite side of the world from Japan truly makes me happy. To live up to those expectations, I want to slightly adjust our performances for each region and step on stage while feeling the atmosphere unique to each place.

How are you preparing—mentally and physically—for your biggest tour yet?

SOUMA: Since this tour will give us opportunities to perform not only in Japan but also in many other countries, I want to take on the challenge without forgetting to enjoy it. Physically, I’m determined to face it with enough stamina to handle high altitudes this time.
MIZUKI: Physically, all of us are training every day so that we can show 1DERZ how much we’ve grown. At the same time, I think there are still many areas we need to push further in order to show an even more evolved ONE OR EIGHT, and we’ll make sure everything is fully prepared by the time the tour begins.

Mentally, to be honest, I still carry some anxiety from not being able to fill the venue at the Zepp final last time. But if we feel uncertain, 1DERZ will probably feel the same. That’s why we’re choosing to stay confident, pour everything into our daily activities and actions, and keep challenging ourselves so that next time, we can show 1DERZ a completely sold-out venue.

For fans seeing ONE OR EIGHT live for the first time, how would you describe the experience they can expect?

YUGA: Since many of our songs and choreographies are easy to follow, I think it’s a live show you can naturally enjoy with a smile. We want people to feel the power of our performance with their whole body.
RYOTA: I think people will feel that our style of performance is unlike that of other dance-and-vocal groups, and that our music has a wide range of individuality. I want audiences to find it interesting and engaging, both to watch and to listen to. Above all, I want to convey how seriously we take on challenges, our attitude, and the fact that we’re not ordinary.

Photo Credit: AVEX