BE:FIRST

BE:FIRST is a powerhouse seven-member dance and vocal group from Japan that burst onto the scene in 2021. Formed through the survival audition show THE FIRST, masterminded by rapper and producer SKY-HI, the group is signed under B-ME—a collaborative label between SKY-HI’s agency BMSG and Avex. With their debut on November 3, 2021, BE:FIRST quickly set themselves apart with their sleek choreography, powerful vocals, and genre-blending music that resonates across generations.

The group consists of Sota, Shunto, Manato, Ryuhei, Junon, Ryoki, and Leo—each bringing their unique talent and energy to the table. Together, they represent a balanced mix of charisma and skill, captivating fans not only in Japan but increasingly across Asia and beyond. Their name, BE:FIRST, reflects their ambition to always be at the top, and their official fanbase, known as “BESTY,” plays a key role in supporting that dream. The name BESTY cleverly combines “best friend” with the beginning and end of BE:FIRST.

BE:FIRST rose to fame with their pre-debut track “Shining One,” which dominated the Billboard Japan charts. Their momentum only grew from there, and their debut single “Gifted.” shattered expectations, accumulating millions of streams in just days. Their debut album Be:1 marked another milestone, cementing their status in the J-pop world and earning them a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

Since then, BE:FIRST has become known for their high-energy performances and diverse musical style, seamlessly blending pop, hip-hop, and R&B. Their nationwide “Mainstream” arena tour in 2023–2024 saw them playing to sold-out crowds in prestigious venues like the Tokyo Dome and Kyocera Dome. As they continue to evolve, BE:FIRST stands as a symbol of the next wave of Japanese pop—bold, inclusive, and globally ambitious.