Hirano Sho and Two Others, Growing Disparity in Number_i: Dark Clouds Surround Takizawa Hideaki’s Production Methods

Since its debut in January of this year, the work of “Number_i” has been uninterrupted. At first glance, their activities in their new location seem to be going well, but a shadow is beginning to form.

There is a gap between Mr. Hirano, Mr. Kishi, and Mr. Jinguji. This year, Ms. Hirano has appeared in commercials for famous companies such as Suntory’s Gin Sui, Bausch + Lomb Japan, and Ikeda Mokuhan-do’s Muhi series, and she has become Yves Saint Laurent Beauté’s Asian ambassador. On the other hand, although Kishi and Jinguji have appeared in fashion magazines, it is hard to shake the impression that their solo work has decreased compared to their days in “Kimpuri. The current group is becoming a “Hirano-dominated” group.

The entertainment industry official mentioned above speculates that the “Takizawa Production” method may have something to do with the growing dependence on Hirano.

The former Johnny’s office took the time to market each of the five members of “Kimpuri” in a well-balanced manner, making the most of their individual strengths. I think it was their individual successes that ultimately led to an increase in the value of the ‘Kimpuri’ as a whole. On the other hand, I have the impression that Mr. Takizawa has placed Mr. Hirano as the absolute center of the group and is concentrating on selling him. However, if things continue as they are now, the group will never get out of the “group with Shiyoh Hirano” category, and the group’s popularity may reach a plateau. If “Number_i” is to go global, it is important that Mr. Kishi and Mr. Jinguji are able to take a leap forward.

Can “Number_i” come up with an “answer that is not a mistake” like their debut song “GOAT”?