All In With ONE OR EIGHT: Inside Their Latest Comeback and the Journey Ahead of Tour

ONE OR EIGHT—the dynamic 8-member Japanese boy group (Mizuki, Neo, Reia, Ryota, Souma, Takeru, Tsubasa, Yuga) forged through the high-stakes WARPs DIG survival show—embody their "all or nothing" mantra in every razor-sharp performance and raw studio moment. From their 2024 breakout debut "Don't Tell Nobody" to the fierce 1st mini-album GATHER and the just-announced 1st LIVE TOUR – GATHER – storming U.S. cities with Studio PAV, these J-pop trailblazers fuse hip-hop edge, intricate choreo, and unfiltered brotherhood. K Fuse gathers all eight right before America calls, for an exclusive deep-dive introducing who they really are, unpacking GATHER's fearless evolution, revealing U.S. tour secrets, and answering top SoundLovers-submitted questions that capture 1DERZ' real curiosity from socials worldwide.

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Meet ONE OR EIGHT & Tour Talk

Thank you for taking the time to share your story with us. To start, could you introduce yourself to our readers, SoundLovers, worldwide may be meeting ONE OR EIGHT for the first time, can each member introduce yourself with your role in the group?

MIZUKI: I’m MIZUKI from ONE OR EIGHT! I’m in charge of rap in the group. I also play the “dad” role within the group! 

RYOTA: I love food and poodles. On stage, I can get pretty wild during performances. I’m RYOTA.

NEO: I am the rapper and composer of ONE OR EIGHT. I focus on shaping our sound, from writing rap verses to building melodies and developing song structures. I care deeply about how a track feels from beginning to end, not just my own parts.

REIA: I’m REIA from ONE OR EIGHT. People often say I’m the mood-maker, the tall airhead of the group—but I don’t think so! I’m one of the vocalists in the group.

YUGA: I’m YUGA, a vocalist from ONE OR EIGHT. I love playing and singing with a guitar, and listening to music. The other members often say I have a sexy style of singing and dancing. Nice to meet you!

TAKERU: I’m TAKERU! I’m a vocalist and the dance leader of the group.

TSUBASA: I’m TSUBASA from ONE OR EIGHT. I’m one of the vocalists, and I often take on parts that really kick-start the group’s energy.

SOUMA: I’m SOUMA, the youngest member of ONE OR EIGHT. though people say I don’t look like the youngest! I’m the rapper of the group.

"ONE OR EIGHT" stands for total commitment—how has this philosophy defined your journey from WARPs DIG trainees to becoming global stage-ready artists?

MIZUKI: After graduating from university, instead of choosing to get a regular job, I decided to join WARPs DIG. Honestly, at the time there was no guarantee that I would debut, but I saw it as my last chance and gave everything I had to the audition. The feelings I had back then are still with me today. That mindset—approaching everything with total commitment, whether it’s recording a song or performing on stage—has become the foundation of who I am now.

What's the full story and core concept behind your 1st mini-album GATHER, and how does the explosive title track "TOKYO DRIFT" reflect ONE OR EIGHT's evolution in 2026?

SOUMA: In GATHER, we put the meaning of “betting a lifetime on a single, real moment.” There’s no hierarchy in challenges—every challenge requires resolve and courage. By sharing our weaknesses and struggles, we become stronger, and that makes the journey even more meaningful. TOKYO DRIFT expresses the determination to risk everything alongside your crew, and the freedom to break through in your own way on the streets of Tokyo. It’s about moving at our own speed, showing a view only we can create—something no one else can imitate—and enjoying the ride.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AeAEM6xTLo

Which member's vocals, lyrics, production touch, or studio idea became the heartbeat of GATHER during its creation process?

NEO：For GATHER, the heartbeat was all of us. Every member brought unique ideas into the studio, whether it was adlibs, melody changes, or freestyles that happened in the moment. Some of the strongest parts of the album were not planned. They came from instinct. That energy gave the project its core. You can hear each personality clearly, but it still feels unified. That balance defines GATHER.

From your pre-debut track "KAWASAKI" to GATHER, how has ONE OR EIGHT's music and stage presence grown over time?

RYOTA: Each song carries its own thoughts and emotions—no two tracks are alike. There isn’t a single song that feels similar to another; each one stands on its own. The tone of our voices and the level of intensity change completely from track to track. This album deeply captures the way the eight of us live—constantly evolving and moving on to the next stage. Because every song has a different message and performance style we want to convey, we kept asking ourselves: How should we express this feeling on stage? How should the eight of us present it together? From the way we performed to the order of the setlist, we discovered new challenges as ONE OR EIGHT and faced moments of doubt along the way. At every stage, we tried to present the songs in the way we believed was right. There were moments of reflection, and there were moments of success.

For SoundLovers who may be building their playlist, pick one GATHER track that you would recommend to listeners and why.

TAKERU: It’s TOKYO DRIFT! The reason is that it’s my favorite song in ONE OR EIGHT’s catalog. It’s a track that really brings together everything the members want to express, which is why I chose it. If I were to introduce ONE OR EIGHT to someone, this is the song I would pick—that’s how much I love it.

ONE OR EIGHT recently announced an upcoming tour with Studio PAV. How did you feel when you first heard the news?

SOUMA: We had the chance to work together during the previous SHŪKAI overseas performances, so I’m truly filled with happiness that we’re able to go on another international tour together this time as well.

Out of all the cities on your U.S. tour routing, which one are you most excited for, and why?

YUGA: I’m excited for every city, but I’m especially looking forward to Mexico. I can’t wait to hear the fans cheering so loudly that I can’t even hear my in-ear monitors.

(*spoilers?) How will you blend your debut-era bangers with the fresh heat from GATHER—which tracks feel guaranteed for every U.S. show?

NEO: During our debut era, we were fresh, still developing, and hungry. Now we are more mature. We understand our identity and our objectives as a team much better, and we are even hungrier than before. Rather than separating old and new songs, we focus on making the sound flow naturally. The goal is cohesion. We want the audience to feel one continuous journey from start to finish.

Are there any special stages, covers, outfit reveals, or fan interaction moments being tailored just for U.S. crowds?

TAKERU: We’ll be performing songs that we didn’t do at the last SHUKAI in the U.S., and there will also be original stage elements created just for this live show. So I’d be really happy if everyone looks forward to it!

If you had to describe the ONE OR EIGHT concert experience in three words, what would they be?

RYOTA: Challenges, hope, and growth.

Brotherhood, Bonds, and Behind The Scenes

Looking back from surviving WARPs DIG together to now, which member do you think embodies the ultimate "all or nothing" core of ONE OR EIGHT, and why?

TSUBASA: I think it’s RYOTA. The reason is that he’s always genuinely thinking about the group, and he constantly pushes himself to refine his own style and presence. I think he’s the member who embodies that spirit the most.

What has been the funniest or most unbreakable roommate story that's truly forged your brotherhood as a group.

SOUMA: When we were living together in a dorm in Korea, there were times when bugs would get into the house. It was really funny how all the members would immediately come together and try to get rid of them as a team.

One-word: If each member had to define their exact role in ONE OR EIGHT (like leader, energizer, etc.), what word would you each pick and why?

MIZUKI:  “Dad.” I really do have a father-like role in the group, and while I’m the oldest member, I wouldn’t say I’m exactly the leader. I see myself more as someone in middle management. So personally, I think of my role as the “middle-management dad.”

RYOTA:  I’m a bomb. 💣 I tend to have unusual ideas, and I’ve always liked taking on challenges through improvisation and going all in without overthinking. I often change up my parts, get wild during performances, and when I start feeling tired on stage, I actually get more excited. So I think I’m a bomb—in a good way. 💣

NEO: One-word: If each member had to define their exact role in ONE OR EIGHT (like leader, energizer, etc.), what word would you each pick and why?

REIA: I think I’m one of the mood-makers in the group. I like listening to people, so I’m the type who actively gives advice and shares my opinions. (laughs)

YUGA: I’m the beauty leader. I spend a lot of time taking care of my body and appearance. I’m always researching and trying new skincare products, and I work hard to maintain my skin.

TAKERU: I’m the one who plays the straight man—and the one who tries to see things from a broad perspective. The members make a lot of jokes, and I think I’m usually the one who picks up on them. I also tend to think about things from a third-person point of view. Recently, the members have said I’m kind of like the “mom” of the group.

TSUBASA: I think I’m a mood-maker. During rehearsals, when the atmosphere feels tense, I’ll go talk to the members or staff to help lighten things up. I see that as part of my role.

SOUMA: I think I’m a mood-maker too! I try to read the room and act accordingly—bringing the energy up when it’s time to hype things up, and staying calm when the situation calls for it.

Outside of promotions and touring, what’s something that’s been bringing you joy recently?

MIZUKI: It’s communicating with 1DERZ through our fan club app! Being able to share what they’re doing and what I’m doing, and actually have conversations with them, makes me really happy.

How do you usually recharge after a long day of schedules or rehearsals?

YUGA: I’m the type where it’s pretty obvious when I’m tired, so I usually just stay at home and recharge by eating good food.

Post-show vision: After your American concerts end, how exactly do you want 1DERZ walking out of the venue feeling—changed forever in what way?

REIA: I hope we can become the kind of presence that makes people feel, “I’m really glad I became a fan of ONE OR EIGHT,” or “I’m so glad I came to see them.” I want us to be a group that can keep chasing our dream of going global together with our fans. We’re able to do what we do because 1DERZ are always there supporting us. So I hope we can stay together for a long time to come.

Do you have any pre-performance rituals?

MIZUKI: Right before I go on stage, I tell myself, “I’m going to blow everyone away”—or “I’m going to captivate them all.” I fire myself up with that fierce determination and step into the performance with that energy.

Are there any foods you want to try while in the U.S.?

REIA: When I went to New York recently, I had this bagel with salmon and garlic, and it was seriously so good. I really want to eat it again!!

Who would you love to team up with to ignite your future stages here?

NEO: I’d love to collab with LNGSHOT and Ayumu Imazu

Once the U.S. tour dust finally settles, what's ONE OR EIGHT's immediate next musical conquest or milestone you're chasing?

RYOTA: In terms of musical challenges, I want ONE OR EIGHT to take on a slightly more rugged, masculine hip-hop sound—something where people can instantly say, “This is what ONE OR EIGHT is.”

When I had the chance to attend the MTV VMAs in the U.S., I was honestly blown away by the skill and presence of the artists on that stage. Since then, I’ve been thinking every day about what it will take for us to stand on that stage ourselves, and I act with that goal in mind.

Fast forward five years: Paint the picture of the arena, festival, or global spotlight where you envision ONE OR EIGHT owning the stage.

TSUBASA: No matter what festival we perform at, I want us to be the kind of artists who can make it feel like home the moment ONE OR EIGHT steps on stage.And for our own shows, I believe we’ll be performing at even bigger venues in the future.

SoundLovers Takeover

"Who in the group is most likely to... cry at movies?"

YUGA：SOUMA

"Favorite snack?"

TSUBASA:  Kettle-cooked potato chips.

"Best quality about another members—and why?"

REIA: What I love most is how warm everyone’s heart is. No matter what happens—even if we argue—we always sit down and talk things through until we fully resolve it. I really admire that we never give up on facing each other honestly. Each member truly thinks about the others, and everyone has a strong sense of responsibility. I think that’s something really special about us.

"Most funny memory?"

SOUMA: It was so much fun when all the members sat around a table and played Werewolf together. What really stood out to me was how Ryota kept trying to pin the “werewolf” on Mizuki—it totally threw everyone’s deductions into chaos!

"Idea rest day: What's your perfect off-stage day activities look like?"

MIZUKI: I’d love to forget about time and do a digital detox in a cabin deep in the forest, surrounded by sunlight filtering through the trees.

"Who is the easiest member to communicate with? Why?"

YUGA: REIA. I tend to like people who are older than me, and I often go to cafés or take bike rides with Reia. He’s a really kind big brother.

 “Which member takes care of others the most?”

TAKERU: I think I’m the one who pays attention the most. I tend to notice even the small changes in everyone right away, and I always try to look at things from a broad perspective. Because of that, I often feel like I’m the one looking out for everyone.

ONE OR EIGHT, thank you for opening up to K Fuse, SoundLovers, and 1DERZ worldwide! Before you storm America, is there a message that you would like to leave for fans?

NEO：To our 1DERZ, you mean the world to us. Finally being able to perform in front of you means more than we can express. We have been waiting for this moment. See you very soon. We are ready to give you everything we have.

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ONE OR EIGHT leave this conversation the same way they step onto every stage: eight hearts moving as one, still choosing “all or nothing” even when the lights go down. From WARPs DIG nerves to GATHER-era confidence, from bug-hunting in their Korean dorm to dreaming about VMAs and festivals that feel like home the moment they walk out, their stories keep circling back to bravery, honesty, and the promise they’ve made to 1DERZ. This first LIVE TOUR – GATHER – isn’t just a victory lap for a strong debut; it’s the moment they finally meet the fans they’ve been picturing in every late-night studio session, testing whether the resolve they sing about can really reach across oceans. As SoundLovers and 1DERZ file out of those U.S. venues, ONE OR EIGHT hope you’re not just replaying “TOKYO DRIFT” in your head—you’re also carrying that spark of “I’m glad I chose them, and I’m glad I chose myself” into whatever comes next, until the road brings you together again.