Timelesz’s Fanbase Soars Thanks to TAIPRO Effect: Why the Audition is Already a Success

The “timelesz project-AUDITION-” (a.k.a. “Taipro”), a new member audition program of timelesz (formerly Sexy Zone), is being distributed exclusively on Netflix.

The program will finally reach its final episode tomorrow, on the 15th, and the Internet and other media are showing even more excitement.

This project is titled “Audition to find friends” by Fuma Kikuchi (29), Katsutoshi Sato (28), and Satoshi Matsushima (27) of timelesz. The qualifications for the applicants are males between the ages of 18 and 30 who are able to work in Japan, who do not belong to any entertainment production companies or other organizations engaged in entertainment activities, and above all, who respect the past activities of Sexy Zone (original text). The application process began on May 1, 2012.

Since timelesz is an active group of STARTO ENTERTAINMENT (formerly Johnny’s), which has produced many popular idols, there were 18,922 entries.

The screening process then began, in which the three members interviewed audition participants (candidates), and “Taipro,” which follows the process, has been available since September 13.

Initially, there were negative opinions about the audition

Originally, with the old Johnny’s agency, the typical process involved auditioning to join the agency, experiencing a period as a Junior, and then either debuting with a CD or pursuing a career as an actor. The audition format seen in “Taipro” was a first-time attempt, and when it was first announced, there were many negative comments.

“However, once the program aired, it gained a lot of attention and became a big hit. The release on Netflix, which offers a variety of content, likely contributed to its success. 

The environment made it easy for not only timelesz fans but also those who weren’t particularly interested in STARTO’s idol group or those who had stopped following old Johnny’s artists to return and watch it” (idol magazine writer).