Backlash Over Number_i’s Backup Dancers Sparks Concerns for Kouhaku

Growing Fan Dissatisfaction

Number_i is a three-member unit consisting of former King & Prince members Sho Hirano (28), Yuta Kishi (30), and Yuta Jinguji (28). On December 16, 2025, Number_i’s official YouTube channel released performance footage from their concert tour, but it reportedly drew complaints from fans. Since Number_i was scheduled to perform at the 76th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen on December 31 of the same year, some fans expressed concern.

After leaving the old Johnny & Associates agency, the three moved to TOBE, headed by Hideaki Takizawa (43). After forming Number_i, they debuted on January 1, 2024, with the digital single “GOAT,” and have since released mainly hip-hop tracks with rap as the centerpiece.

“Number_i, which still retains many fans from their King & Prince days, held the Number_i LIVE TOUR 2025 No.Ⅱ from October 11 to December 25, 2025. On December 16, just before the tour finale, they uploaded a live video of the song ‘Numbers Ur Zone’ performed during the tour to YouTube.

During the performance, six male and female backup dancers surrounded Number_i, adding flair to the stage. However, the overall lighting was somewhat dark, making the members’ expressions difficult to see. Additionally, the members’ outfits were fairly casual and close to everyday wear, making it harder to distinguish them from the backup dancers,” explained an entertainment writer.

According to the same writer, the backup dancers for Number_i are almost fixed members for both TV performances and live shows. Some of the dancers are female, which led a very small number of fans to feel antagonistic toward them. In fact, many fans simply want to see performances featuring the three Number_i members alone, without relying on backup dancers.

The Pros and Cons of Backup Dancers

Even in this case, the thumbnail image of the video already showed the backup dancers lined up next to Number_i, and in the quote sections of posts on the group’s official X (formerly Twitter), there were comments such as:

〈The backup dancers are in the way〉

〈If you’re going to include this many backup dancers, there needs to be a clear difference in costumes〉

〈What’s the point of performing this song with nine people? Since when did Number_i become a nine-member group? At least make the costumes different from the dancers so that the three members stand out〉

〈Even fans have trouble telling the members apart〉

These were some of the harsh opinions posted.

“Number_i also appeared with backup dancers during their first appearance at the ’24 year-end ‘Kōhaku’ (NHK Red & White Song Festival). However, because it was their first ‘Kōhaku’ as Number_i, some fans vented on social media, saying things like, ‘Since it’s the first time, I wanted just the three of them to go all out.’

Triggered by the ‘Numbers Ur Zone’ video, fans have again expressed concern: ‘I hope there are no backup dancers this year at Kōhaku’ and ‘I hope they don’t bring dancers along to Kōhaku.’ Number_i will perform ‘GOD_i’ at their second ‘Kōhaku,’ but in past TV appearances, they performed with multiple dancers as well,” the same source said.

On the other hand, fans who show respect for the dancers commented:

〈I think it’s better to clearly distinguish the costumes, but I’ve never mistaken the dancers for the three members〉

〈I love the sense of unity with the dancers; it’s amazing!〉

〈When I saw it live at the concert, the power of the performance with the dancers was incredible. The members could dance freely in their costumes, and it was amazing!〉

〈With the dancers, the performance’s energy doubles〉

“Kishi from Number_i explained in the booklet for the long-term documentary release ‘THE_i -what is Number_i-,’ which came out on December 8, that ‘All the dancers help make our songs look better.’ For Number_i, the dancers are considered essential to their performance. Hopefully, more fans will understand the members’ dedication and feelings toward the dancers,” the same source added.

At the year-end Kōhaku that drew attention, Number_i performed an overwhelming stage with more than ten dancers. The three members of Number_i were dressed entirely in black, while the dancers wore white outfits, creating a strong contrast. The ability to show different presentations depending on the stage is also part of Number_i’s appeal.