Snow Man is a dynamic Japanese idol boy band formed by Starto Entertainment (formerly Johnny & Associates) on May 3, 2012. Initially a sub-unit of the pre-debut trainee group Junior, Snow Man quickly distinguished itself through its exceptional focus on acrobatics and stage performances. The group made its official debut on January 22, 2020, alongside SixTONES, marking a historic moment as the first time two groups debuted simultaneously under the agency.
Before adopting the name Snow Man, the members participated in the Takizawa Kabuki stage series and were part of a unit called Mis Snow Man, established in 2009. Their early years were characterized by performances as back dancers for prominent groups like Tackey & Tsubasa and Kis-My-Ft2, earning them the reputation of “the craftsman group” due to their impressive acrobatic skills. Despite their undeniable talent, the journey to debut was fraught with challenges, leading members to contemplate leaving the group multiple times due to the prolonged wait for their opportunity.
In January 2019, the lineup expanded with the addition of new members, solidifying their commitment to realizing their dreams as Snow Man. Their hard work culminated in an announcement during the Johnny’s Jr. 8.8 Matsuri concert in August 2019, confirming their long-anticipated debut.
Their debut single, “D.D./Imitation Rain,” released on January 22, 2020, shattered records, becoming the best-selling debut release in Asian history with over 1.8 million physical copies sold. This monumental success positioned them as the best-selling debut group since KAT-TUN in 2006. Remarkably, their debut single became the first male idol song in 17 years to maintain a spot in the top 100 of the Oricon chart for over 100 weeks. Since their debut, they have sold over 17.3 million physical copies in Japan, solidifying their immense popularity.
In 2021, their debut studio album, Snow Mania S1, achieved over 841,000 copies sold in its first week, setting records for the best-selling first-week sales for a boy group studio album in Japan. Their single “Grandeur” also emerged as the best-selling release of 2021, with more than 1 million copies sold, further establishing their dominance in the music scene.
In January 2022, Snow Man transitioned from Avex Trax to Ment Recording, a new label formed through a partnership between Avex Entertainment and Smile-Up. This strategic move aimed to align the group with a label that better represented their artistic vision.
Post-debut, Snow Man quickly became a household name, starring in various TV shows, including their program, Sore Snow Man ni Yarasete Kudasai. They also contributed theme songs for popular anime series like Black Clover, showcasing their versatility. Additionally, their participation in the charity project Twenty★Twenty during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted their commitment to social responsibility.
Their talent extends beyond music; they starred in the live-action adaptation of the anime Mr. Osomatsu, portraying the beloved Matsuno sextuplets. Their involvement in theater remains strong, with members actively participating in various stage productions, further solidifying their reputation as well-rounded entertainers.
With a remarkable trajectory since their debut, they have established themselves as a leading force in the Japanese idol scene. Their dedication, talent, and innovative spirit continue to captivate fans, ensuring a bright future for this extraordinary group. With numerous achievements and a growing discography, they are poised to reach even greater heights in the entertainment industry.
