Inside the Phenomenon: KID PHENOMENON Reflect on iCON Z, EXILE TRIBE Legacy, and Their SXSW Debut

EXILE TRIBE's KID PHENOMENON, the unstoppable 7-piece ensemble comprised of KENSUKE, TSUBASA, KOHAKU, SOMA, SHUNNOSUKE, KOTA, and RUI, are set to make waves as they prepare for their highly anticipated performance at SXSW in Austin, Texas, (March 12 to 18). These J-Pop rookies, who emerged victorious from LDH's rigorous iCON Z survival show, have quickly captured the attention of fans worldwide with their distinctive blend of street-sharp choreography, infectious melodies, and an exuberant energy that resonates with listeners of all ages. Their debut single, "Wheelie," released in 2023, marked a significant milestone in their career, showcasing their unique sound and captivating stage presence. As they embark on their ongoing LIVE TOUR 2026 "KIDS00's," these fearless performers channel their experiences—ranging from the gritty determination required to excel in beach sprints to the exhilarating challenges of Budokan eliminations—into electrifying performances that immerse fans in their vibrant and unstoppable world.

K Fuse had the unique opportunity to sit down with all seven members just before their monumental leap onto the global stage. During this insightful conversation, they delved into the pivotal turning points experienced throughout their journey on iCON Z, sharing the invaluable lessons learned from LDH that have shaped their growth as artists. They also reflected on the rich legacy of EXILE TRIBE, discussing how they intend to honor this heritage while infusing their own distinctive twist into their music and performances. The members opened up about their quirky habits, such as playful duck faces and their penchant for fidgeting with rings, which add a personal touch to their charismatic personas. Additionally, they expressed their hopes and aspirations for the Austin crowd, envisioning how they want the audience to feel when the "phenomenon" of KID PHENOMENON comes alive on stage.

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Before we begin, we’d like to thank KID PHENOMENON for taking the time to share their story with our readers, the SoundLovers. We’ve admired your growth and dedication since your debut, and we appreciate you speaking with us as you prepare to step onto the global stage. For SoundLovers who may be meeting you for the first time, could you introduce yourself with your name, your role in the group, your most memorable moment from iCON Z, and one quirky habit fans would never guess about you?

KENSUKE: I’m the leader of KID PHENOMENON. Although dance is my strongest skill, I mainly handle rap and occasionally take on vocals as well. The most memorable moment for me in iCON Z was when I was eliminated in Chapter 1. It was incredibly frustrating, but that experience made me stronger than anything else. As for a slightly unusual habit, I eat gummy sweets almost every day. Gummies are my source of energy.

TSUBASA: Within the group, I think I play the role of a cushion — someone who first receives and absorbs everyone’s opinions. In iCON Z, during the Chapter 2 individual ranking announcement, I unexpectedly placed second in the vocal category and third in the dance category. Although I didn’t take first place in either, being recognized overall gave me confidence that with enough effort, I could truly achieve results.

KOHAKU: My role in the group — performance-wise, I mainly handle rap and dance. Especially in dance, my strength is the hip-hop style I’ve developed since I was young. As a person, I see myself as both an energy maker and sometimes an energy breaker — one of the core sources of the group’s overall energy. The most memorable moment in iCON Z — all seven of us were eliminated once at the final screening of Chapter 1 at the Budokan. Among those moments, losing to my younger brother there became one of the biggest turning points in my life. An unusual habit — I have a tendency to repeatedly take my rings off and put them back on.

SOMA: In the group, I’m in charge of rap and dance. During the training camp in iCONZ, all the candidates went running early in the morning. Running in the middle of summer was extremely tough, but what stands out most was sprinting on the beach. Doing multiple sets of dashes while losing your footing in the sand is something I can hardly imagine doing now. Since I have a sensitive stomach, I avoid eating and drinking before performances.

SHUNNOSUKE: As a track maker, I’m responsible for arranging songs and creating the sound for all of our live performances. What left the strongest impression on me in iCON Z was the very first training camp. I had watched the audition since I was young, but actually experiencing it was incredibly tough, and I was doing my best just to keep up. I also have a blanket that I’ve cherished since childhood.

KOTA: I’m one of the vocalists in the group — and I’m quite free-spirited! The most memorable moment for me in iCON Z was the Shirahama training camp. It lasted for quite a long time, and I reached my limits again and again, which ultimately made me stronger. I also have a habit of making a “duck face.” I do it a lot in photos, but it even slips into my everyday life without me noticing.

RUI: My role in the group — I’m the youngest member, currently 18 years old. In terms of performance, I handle dance and rap. The most memorable moment in iCON Z — every morning at around 6 a.m., we had running and sprint training sessions. They were unbelievably tough, and they still leave a strong impression on me. A slightly unusual habit — when I sleep, my legs end up tangled together.

What or who first inspired you to pursue music, and what path do you think you might have followed if you had not become artists?

TSUBASA: It was largely influenced by my mother, who used to be a vocalist in a band. When I was little, she saw me dancing on my own and enrolled me in a dance school, and she was also the one who gave me vocal training. Not only that, but her presence play a huge role in shaping the core of who I am as an artist.

Coming from the training system of LDH JAPAN, what is one lesson that has stayed with you and still shapes how you work today?

KENSUKE: It's about viewing ourselves objectively. Of course, we always aim to deliver performances that we genuinely think are cool However, in order to communicate our message and performance more effectively, stepping back and looking at ourselves from a distance can completely change how things come across. That's what I focus on most when creating a live show.

Your performances are known for sharp choreography and strong stage presence. What do you focus on most when preparing to step on stage?

SHUNNOSUKE: I focus on staying calm and communicating with the other members.

When building a song or performance, who tends to bring unexpected ideas that change the direction creatively?

KOHAKU: Each member has different favorite genes and areas of expertise, and we all have completely different sensibilities. That diversity is one of our greatest strengths, so I think it's possible for any one of the seven of use to shift the overall direction with a single idea.

If someone could only watch one stage to understand who you are as performers, which would you choose and why?

KOTA: If I had to choose one stage that represents who we are, I'd say NEO EXILE SPECIAL LIVE 2025 at the end of last year. I was personally involved in parts of the production , so it's especially memorable to me. I think it turned out to be a performance we can be truly proud of.

What detail in your performances do you always hope audiences notice, even if they only see you once?

RUI: I'd like people to notice the depth of my isolation. I have a bit of a swayback posture, but I actually use that to my advantage to create greater range in my movements -- so please pay attention to that detail!

Thinking back to your debut song Wheelie, what do you remember feeling the first time you performed it live?

TSUBASA: When we performed our debut song, "Wheelie," live for the first time, I remember feeling a sense of excitement -- like we were setting off from the starting line of our debut and imagining all the stories that lay ahead. I truly enjoyed that performance. Even now, whenever we present something for that first time, that same feeling hasn't changed.

How do you think you have grown since debut, both as performers and as individuals?

SHUNNOSUKE: Since this is a profession were we're constantly being watched, I have learned to understand myself better than anyone else. I've grown into someone who can truly recognize and support who I am.

What have you learned about yourselves during your recent live experiences that surprised you?

TSUBASA: At every event, we're grateful that fans evaluate and appreciate our performances. Recently, I saw someone write on social media that we're "a group that's great at hyping up the crowd." As a group that carefully thinks about our performances together, that meant a lot to us. It made me realize that we're steadily growing, and it gave me even more confidence.

You will soon perform at SXSW in Austin. When you picture that moment, what excites you most?

KENSUKE: Since I think most of the audience will be seeing us for the first time, I'm most excited about being able to share KID PHENOMENON's music with them.

What do you hope first-time viewers feel when they see you live?

SOMA: Of course, we want people to see the cool and powerful aspects of our performance, but more than anything, we value simply enjoying the world of KID PHENOMENON and our music together with the audience. We believe a live show is a kind of unreal space where you can connect and communicate with so many people through music. I'd be truly happy if everyone could enjoy the unique world that only we can create, from beginning to end. It makes us happy when people say they had fun, of course -- but even more than that, I hope our live performance helps them feel the true power and beauty of music, and live shows themselves.

What do you want international audiences to think of when they hear the name KID PHENOMENON?

TSUBASA: I want people to see us as a crazy, whirlwind-like group that pulls the audience in through our music and performances. Since our CEO, HIRO-san gave us the name with the hope that we would "create a phenomenon in the world," we're determined to live up to that name and truly become a group that sparks a real phenomenon.

As part of EXILE TRIBE, what does it mean to you to represent that name on global stages?

KENSUKE: Since we'll be representing our agency, I want to step on stage iwth a strong sense of mission and responsibility as a part of EXILE TRIBE.

What have you learned from watching senior artists that has influenced how you approach your own performances?

RUI: Our senior artists have an incredible ability to completely embody their roles on stage during live performances. I've learned a lot from that, and I always try to fully immerse myself -- almost like becoming a character -- so I can truly captivate the audience.

How do you balance honoring that legacy while still showing your own identity as a group?

KENSUKE: Our CEO, HIRO-san, taught us that challenging ourselves with new things is the LDH style. So we're always conscious of exploring new versions of ourselves, whether it's through our outfits or our performances.

Who keeps the group grounded when things get intense?

KOHAKU: In important moments, I feel like our leader, KENSUKE, always takes the lead and sets the tone for the group.

Who brings unexpected energy when practice gets tiring?

SOMA: I'd say KOTA. Usually, when we talk about a mood maker, KOHAKU comes to mind. But in terms of being unexpected, it's KOTA. He normally seems cool and not the type to joke around, but out of nowhere, his Kansai-style humor and surprising gap in personality catch everyone off guard and completely changes the atmosphere. Personally, whenever I'm feeling down, just talking to KOTA cheers me up.

What is something about your teamwork that people would only understand if they saw you behind the scenes?

RUI: KID is incredibly close as a group. For example, before going on stage, we always change our team huddle chant on the spot. We improvise it every time to raise our energy.

When did you personally realize your connection as a group was real?

TSUBASA: No matter ow much our opinions clash, when it comes to stepping on stage, everyone's attitude is amazing. Our energy and unity instantly rise, and we all share this determination that we won't lose to anyone. That's when I truly feel our bond. In the end, it leads to the best possible performance. Because each of us cares deeply about the group, we sometimes clash -- but those moments are necessary and actually create an even stronger bond.

What is something you have improved about yourself recently as an artist?

SOMA: Recently, I've changed my mindset during live shows to focus on showing emotions like joy with the audience. Before, I was thinking one-sidedly about how to entertain them. But I realized in order for people to truly enjoy themselves, we first have to enjoy it too -- and sharing that feeling is the most beautiful form of live performances.

What motivates you to keep pushing forward when things get challenging?

KOHAKU: We wouldn't be where we are without the support of our fans, SPINEL KIDS. And to the core, we genuinely love music -- singing, rapping, dancing -- and we truly enjoy doing it. those two things are our biggest driving forces.

What kind of artists do you hope to become in the future?

KOTA: I ant to become an artist who can turn the things I love and envision into live performances that resonate with many people and remain as something meaningful and lasting.

What is one goal you are working toward right now that fans may not know about?

SHUNNOSUKE: Honestly, there aren't any goals we haven't shared yet. Because our fans support us every day, we always make a point of sharing the places we're aiming for and the dreams we're chasing.

What is one word that describes your group right now?

KENSUKE: Core. We're currently refining the core of who we are in order to spark a true phenomenon. Starting with SXSW, we want to let that core explode onto the world stage.

TSUBASA: Omen. Each of use carries intense passion, and it feels like the calm before the storm -- a sign that we're about to create something huge in this world.

KOHAKU: A bud. the style and character we've built as KID PHENOMENON are finally becoming solid strengths as a group, and the things we've always wanted to do are truly starting to move forward. It feels like we're just before full bloom.

SOMA: Challenger. Our name means "phenomenon," but that's not something that just happens by waiting. We believe we can only create it by constantly challenging high walls and carving out new paths. That's why we want to approach every stage with the spirit of a challenger.

SHUNNOSUKE: Challenge. Because we always try to keep challenging ourselves.

KOTA: Selfish -- and true to ourselves.

RUI: Acceleration. Not only in Japan, but as we expand into countries around the world, we're picking up speed -- so "acceleration" feels right.

What message would you like to share with long-term fans and readers who are about to discover you for the first time?

KENSUKE: Thank you always for your support. KID PHENOMENON is a group that continues to evolve and update itself. We'd be so happy if you could witness the phenomenon we're about to create around the world.

TSUBASA: Because you support us while we're still growing -- and still enjoy our music and performances -- it motivates us to work even harder to deliver the best we can. We aim to be an artist group that could truly be called the soundtrack to your life. We hope you'll stay with us as we build the KID PHENOMENON story from here on.

KOHAKU: To all the SPINEL KIDS who always support us, an to those we're about meet -- we'd be happy if you continue to warmly watch over us as we freely and unapologetically enjoy being KID PHENOMENON. We promise we'll shine on the world stage.

SOMA: Thank you so much for your constant and warm support! We're going to keep challenging ourselves and create huge, unexpected phenomena. We want to deliver KID PHENOMENON's music and world to as many hearts as possible. Get excited about our limitless potential and stay with us -- let's go see incredible view together.

SHUNNOSUKE: Please look forward to the phenomenon we're about to spark.

KOTA: Thank you always for your support! We may seem wild and carefree, but we're all working toward the same goal. Not just in Japan, but in many countries, we want to spark a true PHENOMENON.

RUI: thank you for your support! And if this is your first time discovering us -- nice to meet you! We simply want to express what we truly love in our own authentic way, so I hope you enjoy our world. We promise we'll entertain you!

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We sincerely thank KID PHENOMENON for pulling back the curtain—from gummy fuel and tangled‑leg sleep to beach sprints, duck faces, and those last‑second team huddles that turn nerves into fire. Whether you caught them clawing through iCON Z eliminations or just heard Wheelie for the first time, these seven Tokyo phenoms are carrying EXILE TRIBE’s legacy straight to SXSW 2026 in Austin (March 12‑18).

#SoundLovers—don’t sleep on this! 🔥 KID PHENOMENON are hitting SXSW stages ready to explode

📍 Austin, Texas | March 12‑18, 2026🎟️ Grab SXSW passes NOW

→ Show up. Feel the acceleration.

Tag your SXSW crew with #KIDSXSW #SPINELKIDS

From refining their core to chasing that whirlwind phenomenon HIRO-san envisioned, KID PHENOMENON won’t just perform—they’ll redefine what J‑Pop rookies can do on global ground. Stay with them. The bloom’s coming.