Unintentional Changes Affecting Travis Japan and Ae! Group

Ae! Group has announced the release of their second single, ‘Gotta Be,’ on October 9. The high sales of their debut single might be attributed to a celebratory boost from fans. The sales of their second single will reveal their current level of popularity” (entertainment reporter).

Among the members of Traja, Genta Matsuda (25) serves as a regular on Fuji TV’s daytime information program “Pokapoka” and appears in the drama “Billion x School,” starring Ryosuke Yamada (31) from the agency’s senior group “Hey! Say! JUMP.” He is active as an actor as well.

In Ae! Group, Yoshinori Masakado (27) is the MC for the Saturday morning information program “Saturday Plus” on MBS and TBS, while Keita Kusama (28) is active in variety shows such as “The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!” on NTV and “Lavit!” on TBS. Although both groups are making notable individual appearances, they are struggling with their promotions due to the significant changes since the former Johnny’s office established its “empire” in the entertainment industry.

“Before the scandal involving Johnny Kitagawa’s sexual misconduct, it was difficult for boy groups outside of the former Johnny’s to appear on music programs, with TV Asahi’s ‘Music Station’ being a prime example. However, now there is no ‘consideration’ whatsoever, and boy groups from other agencies are prominently featured on television, reflecting a notable shift in the stance of TV networks.

Due to the reduction in TV exposure for former Johnny’s groups and the significant increase in the inclusion of boy groups from other agencies, both new groups have become completely ‘lost in the crowd.’ Although they still have some long-time fans, the fanbase they have gained since their debut is clearly being overshadowed by others. Apart from a few standout members, the groups lack presence and appear to have become collateral damage in the wake of the sexual misconduct scandal” (same source).

Will Traja be able to turn things around from here, and can Ae! Group further increase their popularity? We hope to see them live up to the legacy of their former “brand.”

 

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