Number_i Signs with Top U.S. Agency — Inside the Plan for Worldwide Success

Also home to “X”’s YOSHKI, Bruno Mars, and Billie Eilish

The three-member group Number_i, consisting of Sho Hirano (29), Yuta Jinguji (28), and Yuta Kishi (30), announced on February 5 that they had signed an agent contract with the major U.S. agency William Morris Endeavor (WME), hereafter referred to as Endeavor.

“A number of top artists are represented by Endeavor, including YOSHKI from the former band ‘X’, Bruno Mars, and Billie Eilish. Actors such as Angelina Jolie, Matt Damon, and Hugh Jackman also belong to their roster. Securing a contract with such a prominent agency is undoubtedly a major step for Number_i in their global strategy,” said a sports newspaper reporter.

Takuya Takizawa (43), president of TOBE—the agency Number_i belongs to—previously debuted Travis Japan in the U.S. in October 2022 while he was the former vice president of Johnny & Associates. His global vision has long been known in the industry.

“When Takizawa left Johnny & Associates in October 2022, he founded TOBE in March 2023. Relying on his overseas focus, the three former King & Prince members—Hirano, Jinguji, and Kishi—became independent in May 2023 and joined TOBE two months later in July. From that point, overseas expansion became a key goal for the agency,” said an entertainment industry source.

In December two years ago, President Takuya Takizawa traveled to the U.S

In April 2024, the group performed at one of the world’s largest outdoor music festivals, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (commonly called Coachella). This marked Number_i’s first performance in the U.S., where they showcased their debut single “GOAT” and other songs.

Since then, preparations for Number_i’s full-scale overseas expansion have been quietly progressing behind the scenes.

“In December 2024, President Takizawa traveled to the U.S. with five or six agency staff members, apparently regarding Number_i’s contract. This means that discussions with Endeavor for an agent contract had already begun at that time. U.S. agencies produce very detailed contracts, so careful negotiations were required, which is why the process has taken so long,” said a music industry insider.

Takizawa’s ability to secure a contract with a major agency deserves recognition. According to the same insider, the benefits for TOBE are substantial.

“Currently, the music scene relies on generating revenue from concerts. With digital distribution dominating, the era of earning mainly from CD sales is over. In that sense, signing with Endeavor, which also has strong influence in Asia, is a huge advantage. Overseas concerts often encounter issues with local promoters, but if Endeavor manages them, such problems are largely eliminated. Number_i’s international activities will likely become even more active,” the insider added.

Number_i looks set to gain popularity not only in Japan but also overseas, making them an increasingly unmissable presence.

On YouTube, FRIDAY Digital’s “Entertainment Reporter Channel” features a segment titled “Number_i’s Full-Scale U.S. Expansion and President Takuya Takizawa’s Real Intentions [Entertainment Reporter Explains #10]”, which examines how Takizawa successfully secured the contract, Number_i’s goals, and also provides detailed analysis of other talents’ overseas ventures.