NEWS

NEWS is a Japanese boy band currently active as a trio under STARTO ENTERTAINMENT. The group consists of Keiichiro Koyama, Takahisa Masuda, and Shigeaki Kato. Known for their polished pop sound and remarkable chart consistency, NEWS has released twelve studio albums, all of which debuted at number one on the Oricon chart, and have achieved 27 consecutive number-one singles since their debut in 2004.

Today, the group continues to release music and tour, with their most recent album Music arriving in 2023. Their sound has evolved from the bright, upbeat pop of their early years to a more mature and introspective style, often featuring the members' own songwriting. NEWS maintains a strong connection with their fanbase, known as NEWS Family, and their concerts are known for elaborate staging and emotional performances.

While the group's lineup has changed over the years, the current trio has forged a distinct identity, with Koyama balancing his role as leader with a career as a news anchor, Masuda showcasing his powerful vocals in both group and solo work, and Kato gaining recognition as a bestselling novelist. Their enduring presence in the J-pop landscape speaks to their ability to adapt while staying true to their core musical values. [edit]

NEWS came together in 2003 when Johnny Kitagawa, the legendary founder of Johnny & Associates, decided to create a new group from among his trainees. The name NEWS, an acronym for North East West South, was chosen to symbolize the group's ambition to spread their music in all directions. On September 15, 2003, the formation was announced, and the nine original members were introduced: Keiichiro Koyama, Tomohisa Yamashita, Takahisa Masuda, Ryo Nishikido, Shigeaki Kato, Yuya Tegoshi, Hiroki Uchi, Hironori Kusano, and Takahiro Moriuchi.

The group's first task was to provide the theme song for the 2003 World Cup of Volleyball Championships, releasing the promotional single "NEWS Nippon" in November 2003. However, before their official debut, Moriuchi left the group in 2004, reportedly due to his father's concerns about his education. He would later find fame as Taka, the lead vocalist of the rock band One Ok Rock.

The remaining eight members made their proper debut on May 12, 2004, with the single "Kibō: Yell," which shot to number one on the Oricon chart. The following years saw a string of hits, but also turbulence. In 2005, members Hiroki Uchi and Hironori Kusano were caught drinking alcohol while underage, leading to their suspension and eventual removal from the group. This reduced NEWS to six members, and they took a brief hiatus before returning with renewed focus.

As a six-piece, NEWS continued to dominate the charts, and in 2008 they achieved a major milestone by performing at the Tokyo Dome for the first time. Their tenth single, "Happy Birthday," released that year, made them only the second group in Oricon history to have ten consecutive number-one singles from debut, following KinKi Kids.

In 2011, the group faced another major shift when Ryo Nishikido and Tomohisa Yamashita departed to focus on other activities, leaving NEWS as a quartet. The four remaining members, Koyama, Masuda, Kato, and Tegoshi, embraced a more mature sound and took greater creative control. This era saw the release of albums like NEWS (2013) and White (2015), which showcased a more experimental and personal approach.

The quartet era lasted until June 2020, when Tegoshi left the group following a scandal. Since then, NEWS has operated as a trio, releasing the albums STORY (2021) and Music (2023), and continuing to perform for their dedicated fanbase. [edit]

NEWS's musical style has evolved considerably over their two-decade career. Their early work, from 2004 to 2006, was characterized by bright, upbeat pop melodies typical of Johnny's groups of that era. Songs like "Kibō: Yell" and "Teppen" were designed to be instantly catchy, with youthful energy and polished production.

As the lineup changed, so did the sound. The six-member era from 2006 to 2011 introduced more emotional depth, with mid-tempo ballads like "Hoshi o Mezashite" and "Happy Birthday" becoming staples. Their albums from this period, including pacific (2007) and color (2008), experimented with R&B, rock, and electronic elements, showing a willingness to push beyond standard idol pop.

After becoming a quartet in 2011, NEWS underwent a significant artistic transformation. The self-titled album NEWS (2013) marked a more experimental phase, with members contributing more to songwriting and production. Subsequent albums like White (2015) and QUARTETTO (2016) incorporated jazz, funk, and theatrical elements, creating a sophisticated and mature sound with complex harmonies.

In the current trio era, the music has become even more stripped-down and vocal-focused. STORY (2021) and Music (2023) emphasize live instrumentation and personal songwriting, reflecting the members' growth as artists. Lyrical themes often explore introspection, love, and the passage of time, resonating with a fanbase that has grown alongside the group. [edit]

NEWS has left a significant mark on the Japanese music industry. As one of the flagship groups of Johnny & Associates, they helped define the modern idol group template in the 2000s, combining strong vocals, choreography, and variety show appearances. Their consistent chart success, including 27 consecutive number-one singles, has set a benchmark for longevity and commercial viability.

The group's influence extends beyond music. Members have made names for themselves in acting, hosting, and writing. Tomohisa Yamashita, during his time in the group, became a prominent actor and later gained international recognition, appearing in Hollywood productions. Shigeaki Kato has carved out a successful career as a novelist, with his books becoming bestsellers in Japan. These individual achievements have helped broaden the group's cultural footprint.

NEWS has also been part of the larger Johnny's ecosystem, participating in charity projects like J-Friends. Their 2008 Tokyo Dome concert was a milestone for any idol group, and their ability to fill major venues for over two decades speaks to their enduring popularity. While they have not achieved the international crossover of some later K-pop acts, their impact on J-pop is undeniable. [edit]

NEWS's official fan club is known as NEWS Family, a name that reflects the close bond between the group and their supporters. The fan club offers exclusive content, ticket pre-sales, and birthday messages, creating a sense of community among fans.

At concerts, fans participate in synchronized chants and wave official penlights, which are designed anew for each tour. The group's colors are often considered blue and white, though individual member colors are also used. Fan projects, such as coordinated banner displays and birthday celebrations, are common at shows.

The fandom has weathered lineup changes and hiatuses with remarkable loyalty. The 20th anniversary celebrations in 2023-2024 were a testament to this enduring support, with fans filling venues and engaging in special commemorative activities. Online, the fandom is active on social media, sharing memories and supporting the group's various solo endeavors. [edit]

NEWS holds the record for 27 consecutive number-one singles on the Oricon chart, a feat only matched by a few acts in Japanese music history.

The group's name is an acronym for North East West South, symbolizing their goal to reach fans in all directions.

Former member Takahiro Moriuchi, who left before debut, is now the lead vocalist of the internationally acclaimed rock band One Ok Rock, performing under the name Taka.

The sub-unit Tegomass, consisting of Yuya Tegoshi and Takahisa Masuda, released their single "Miso Soup" in Sweden before Japan in 2006, an unusual strategy for a Johnny's act.

Shigeaki Kato is a published novelist, with several of his books becoming bestsellers in Japan, making him a rare literary figure among idol group members. [edit]