Digital Cover: Travis Japan

Talent: Travis Japan
Music Editor: Do Young Kim
Cover Layout: Beanna Bui
Managing Editor: Chrissy Wang
Creative Editor Juri Watanabe
EIC: Anthony Vu Cao
Photos Courtesy of UMG

GR8T Magazine welcomes Travis Japan, the Tokyo-based seven-member pop performance boy group making history on the global stage. Named after legendary choreographer Travis Payne, they debuted in October 2022 with their record-breaking digital single, “JUST DANCE!.” The track reached No. 5 on the Billboard Global charts, making them the first Japanese act to break into the top five with a debut single. The group - Chaka (Kaito Miyachika), Noel (Noel Kawashima), Umi (Kaito Nakamura), Shime (Ryuya Shimekake), Shizu (Shizuya Yoshizawa), Genta (Genta Matsuda), and Machu (Kaito Matsukura) - continues to captivate audiences worldwide with hits like "Sweetest Tune," "Crazy Crazy," the recent "Tokyo Crazy Night," and "Say I Do.” 

As fans await the seven stars of Japan on their highly anticipated 2025 summer world tour, GR8T Magazine shares our conversation with Travis Japan.

Can you introduce yourselves and tell us aside from music or acting, what you all have been doing to unwind or recharge?

Genta Matsuda, aka “G”

I’m Genta. The way I relax is by going for a massage or just out for a little bit of fresh air.

Ryuya Shimekake, aka “Shime”

I’m Shime. My member color is pink, and I like anything related to beauty such as makeup and skincare. My preferred way of relaxation is to go out to a place here in Japan called Enoshima Island with my friends. It’s a great place to hang out and have dinner while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Kaito Miyachika, aka “Chaka”

My name is Kaito Miyachika. My nickname is “Chaka” and I am the leader of Travis Japan, so I’m very particular about getting enough sleep to recharge my batteries. In fact, I actually sleep a lot! I also have scented pillow sprays and other things to keep me healthy and energetic enough to get all our work done.

Shizuya Yoshizawa, aka “Shizu”

My name is Shizuya Yoshizawa, and my role in Travis Japan is to make everyone smile and lighten the atmosphere. I take a long soak in the bathtub every day to relax.

Kaito Nakamura, aka “Umi”

I’m Umi. Outside of work, I play videogames to refresh myself, but sometimes I go overboard and play until 5:00 in the morning despite having work that same day. I guess that's how much gaming has become a part of my life.

Kaito Matsukura, aka “Machu”

I'm Machu, pronounced like “Machu Picchu!” I'm always taking walks out and about by myself. I feel refreshed whenever I get some fresh air outside.

Looking back at your time training and living in LA in 2022, competing in the World of Dance Championship Series and America’s Got Talent, what lessons or experiences from that time still influence you today?

(Shime) For me, the most profound experience was getting to participate in America's Got Talent. Despite the successful audition round, we didn’t finish in the Semi-Finals like we’d hoped and in fact received some rather harsh criticism from one of the judges, but it was a valuable experience nonetheless. Competing on the world stage is never easy, but having tasted the bitterness early on we were more prepared and motivated for what came next, and use such as a reminder to practice hard each day.

The 2024 world tour, covering cities like Taipei, Los Angeles, and Seattle, was a massive success, with sold-out shows and overwhelming love from fans. Can you share any challenges you faced and some unforgettable moments? 

(Shizu) It was quite difficult for me personally because I developed some health issues while we were in the U.S., but I am glad that so many new people got to enjoy our live performances!

The 13-track VIIsual album is truly one of a kind, with its original version in Japanese and a global edition in English. Were there any challenges in recording two versions of the same songs? And despite the time and effort required to do so, what made you feel it was important to release both?

(Umi) It might be my personal point of view but it makes sense to us to release a global edition as a companion to the Japanese. I think it can make people in the world feel closer to Travis Japan. Some might think it doesn’t make sense to sing in English as Japanese people, but we want to keep our roots alive by connecting with our fans both in Japan and the world. We'll always do what we can to make that happen!

What’s your favorite Travis Japan song and why?

(Genta:) My favorite song of ours is “Okie Dokie!” It’s a great pop tune that expresses our naturally upbeat and happy-go-lucky attitudes.

You have all starred in either TV dramas or movies. What similarities do you see between acting and being a music artist, and what are some new things you’ve learned?

(Machu) I think these two elements have something in common in the way they are both meant to express and convey emotions to others. Acting is interesting and fun, though it’s difficult to remember so many lines!

Who are some of your favorite artists, and is there a track of theirs you recommend?

 (Shime) I like Charlie Puth and often listen to We Don't Talk Anymore.

Fans truly felt the emotional weight of your recent nationwide VIIsual Tour, especially in the heartfelt tributes to Noel. How has his presence shaped Travis Japan, and what messages of encouragement would you like to send to him during his hiatus?

(Chaka) He is the oldest member of Travis Japan and he has been leading the group in his own way as a sort of big brother to us since even before we debuted. We will always be here for him and will wait as long as it takes for him to be on stage with us once again.

Early January, you have announced the 2nd world tour, how are you preparing for it and what can we look forward to? 

(Umi) We haven't started preparing too many details yet but I'm excited to think about the set. We are going to play at bigger venues than last year and I can't wait to share our VIIsual vision with our fans overseas. It’s really exciting to think about and I can’t wait to see all of you again and greet even more new faces!

For young artists just starting their journey in the music industry, what’s one key piece of advice you’d give them?

(Shizu) It is important to follow trends and imitate those you respect, but I think the best thing is to stick with the music and performance styles you want to do. The integrity and real passion will shine through and draw people in more than anything else.

If you could go back in time and have an opportunity to talk to your pre-debut selves, what would you say?

(Genta) Take a break when you can, because while there is a lot of fun work after you make your debut, it can be hard to find time to actually rest. GR8T

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Travis Japan YouTube: LINK
Travis Japan Website: LINK