Be:First brings concert, EP to Pinoy audiences

Japanese boy group Be:First hopes that fans and new listeners will discover more of J-pop through its newly released  EP, “Watch Me,” and upcoming concert.

The six-member group, Ryuhei, Manato, Sota, Junon, Leo and Shunto, was formed in 2021 through the reality competition show “The First.”

In an interview with The STAR and another media outlet, Ryuhei shared through a translator that the group worked hard and spent considerable time preparing for the EP.

“We really hope that the fans could enjoy (our music),” he stated. “With our tracks on this EP, it’s possible that there are a lot of people who have never heard J-pop or are experiencing J-pop for the first time.”

“Having said that, this is the Be:First sound, it’s Be:First music. We often discuss who we are targeting, who our listeners are, and what generation or particular audience we want to reach. For those who are listening to our music for the first time, we hope that when they hear this version of Be:First, they will want to continue enjoying our music. We hope they will continue to be touched by our music. As I said, we really worked hard on this, and we hope that they can appreciate that,” he shared.

On what makes J-pop unique, Sota admitted that they “are still discovering what J-pop is.” “We are also in that phase, where we are thinking about what we are creating and what J-pop is as a group. Of course, other groups also dance and sing. Watch us — that’s the easiest way to know.”

“When it comes to music, performance and dance, we want to be the real deal. We want to show that we are the real deal in this genre. Visually, we want to look cool while doing it and really give value to everything that we do. So, that’s where we are now when it comes to what J-pop is for us,” added Sota.

Fans can look forward to hearing Be:First’s music live on Oct. 3 at the New Frontier Theater, where the group will mount its “World Showcase 2026,” presented by Live Nation Philippines.

The “Watch Me” EP includes the lead single Bruce Wayne, featuring Flo Milli and ATL Jacob, as well as Watch Me, featuring BIA, Cagliostro, Paper Scars, and Dead Eyes Everywhere, featuring ATL Jacob.

Be:First previously collaborated with SB19 on Toyfriend, a track included in the latter’s “Wakas at Simula” album. They also performed at SB19’s “Wakas at Simula” concert at the SMDC Festival Grounds last April.