SixTONES (pronounced “Stones”) is a trailblazing six-member Japanese boy band that has been making waves in the J-pop world since officially forming in 2015. Originally gaining attention as “Bakaleya6” from their roles in the 2012 drama Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou, the group—Jesse, Taiga Kyomoto, Hokuto Matsumura, Yugo Kochi, Shintaro Morimoto, and Juri Tanaka—quickly built a loyal fanbase. Their official debut as SixTONES was announced during a Johnny’s Ginza performance on May 1, 2015, under the renowned talent agency Johnny & Associates, now Smile-Up.
Their group name, stylized as SixTONES, reflects the unique “tones” and personalities each member brings. Like unpolished gems, they’ve shaped their identity through bold artistry and strong camaraderie.
SixTONES made a powerful entrance into the mainstream with their debut single “Imitation Rain” on January 22, 2020—written by rock legend Yoshiki of X Japan. The track soared on the charts, surpassing a million copies sold and topping the Oricon Singles Chart, cementing their status as major players in the industry.
Their debut album 1ST (2021) and its follow-up City (2022) both achieved major commercial success, with the group continuing to push creative boundaries. In 2023, they teamed up with Yoshiki once again for the international documentary Yoshiki: Under the Sky and later announced their first five-dome tour, Young Old, scheduled for 2025.